When You Visit
We at 14th St. Church of Christ wish to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for worship.
We know an unfamiliar place can be intimidating. We want you to feel comfortable when you visit us— so let us tell you what you can expect.
What Will Be Expected of You? Nothing at all!
You are welcome to participate in the worship service or just observe. You may be asked to fill out a visitor's card which simply provides information so we can have a record of your visit.
The People
What kind of people can you expect to find? We're a diverse group, coming from varied backgrounds, and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth. We are all disciples on a spiritual journey of Christianity, following our Lord Jesus as best as we can.
We are not brought together by any illusion of our perfection or righteousness. We are brought together by our recognition that we are in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus.9 It is the blood of Jesus that brings us together.
Background
A brief description of our background may help you understand us.
Christ has been adding to His church since it’s establishment in Acts 2. We are just an extension of that church. Scripture, being the word of God, tells us how Christ wants His church to be set up and governed, it also tells us how he wants to be worshipped.
Keeping this in mind, let us walk you through a worship service.
Singing
One of the unique things about the Church of Christ is that the music is congregational and we sing " a—cappella." That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments.
We sing from our hearts to our Lord as He commands us in the Scriptures.1 We think you'll find the singing beautiful and full of meaning, with everyone being invited to participate.
Prayers
There will be several prayers during the service. Praying is a time to speak to our heavenly Father through our Savior Jesus Christ.
Each prayer is offered without display. They are simple, from the heart prayers audibly spoken by one man as others ponder it in their hearts and offer their special prayers silently to God.
Teaching
The teaching is Biblical. We attempt to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent. We want only what the Lord commands and nothing more or less.
The men of the congregation, with the gift for preaching, speak one at a time to the whole assembly. Teaching is designed to be orderly and edifying. The sermon will likely be from 20 to 30 minutes and you will find it refreshingly Bible centered.
Invitation
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will "extend an invitation." This is simply an expedient time to invite those who are moved to do so to make a commitment or request prayer for support. He will encourage those who wish to "respond" to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a hymn.
Don't feel ill at ease during this invitation. You will not be singled out in any way. There may be several who respond or none.
Some may want to be baptized. If anyone wishes baptism, you will witness the baptism during this service. The baptism will be by immersion3 and it will be for the remission of sins.4
Communion
If you visit on Sunday morning, the Lord's Supper will be offered. Scripture gives account of the first century church celebrating this memorial on the first day of the week5; and as there is a first day of every week; we partake of the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week.6
During this memorial, plates containing unleavened bread and trays containing fruit of the vine (usually grape juice) will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus 7 and the fruit of the vine symbolizes the blood of Jesus.7
This memorial is open to all who wish to partake, but it is commanded for Christians to remember Christ’s Sacrifice this way. If you choose not to participate, don't be embarrassed. Feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
Offering
Also, if you visit on Sunday morning containers will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering.8 As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection plate on down the row.
We look forward to seeing you.
Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime, as we help each other on our Christian journey.
Scripture References
1. 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18,19; Colossians 3:26; Hebrews 2:12
2. 2 Corinthians 14:31; Matthew 23:8-12; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5,9
3. Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12
4. Acts 2:38
5. Acts 20:7
6. Neander, Eusebius
7. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
8. 1 Corinthians 16:1,2
9. Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7
If you have any questions about spiritual matters or anything else pertaining to Christianity please feel free to contact us.
We'll do our best to give you an honest, Biblical, God honoring answer.
Email us at: 14thst.cofc@gmail.com
Site Links: What to Expect when you visit; What we believe; map-directions; members page
We love your feedback.
Please send us any comments or suggestions you have about this site.