And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NASB)
The early church incorporated teaching, fellowship, meals with the Lords Table and prayer as the central activities in the life of the church. We believe these things need to take place in the local church today as well.
We desire to be led by the Holy Spirit each Sunday. We are open for God to move in any way that He desires. We have a basic order for our service that we are open for God to change at a moments notice. Our service starts with preparation. Prayer for service is held in the main sanctuary, on the platform prior to each service from 9:30 AM to approximately 9:50 AM. All are welcome and encouraged to pray. The Pastors, the speaker and the worship leader for the morning will be in prayer in a separate meeting at this same time. Occasionally we have some pre-service music at 9:50AM by one of the young people. The Service opens with a greeting by one of the Co-Pastors at 10:00 AM. Then one of our worship leaders, by the enabling of the Holy Spirit, leads us into the presence of the Lord, about 45 minutes. This is an open time for all to contribute by way of testimony, scripture reading, prayer, or exercising of a spiritual gift. A brief transition follows our worship where we have announcements the dismiss children for Sunday School Classes. The time of Bible teaching for adults is next which lasts for about 45 minutes. The service ends at approximately 11:30-12:00 noon.
On the first Sunday of each month, as part of our worship and praise, we remember the Lord by taking Communion together (the Lord's Table). We do not have Sunday school classes for children, or a time of Adult Bible teaching on this day. This Sunday is also a time for other special events like infant dedications, water baptisms, praying for everyone that has a birthday in that month, etc. Since the worship service ends much earlier than normally, we have a time of fellowship after with coffee and bagels. This gives us a chance to get to know each other better.
Two nurseries are provided on Sunday mornings.
We have a nursery for infants up to about 1 year old (until they are walking) upstairs near the sanctuary. This nursery includes a changing table, port-a-cribs, and a rocking chair as well as toys appropriate for children this age. Nursing mothers are encouraged to use this nursery to nurse their children during the service. A window with one-way glass has been installed that "looks" into the sanctuary in addition to an audio speaker so that you can still take part in the service. Because mothers might be nursing, men should knock before entering this nursery.
The second nursery is located is on the main floor and is for toddlers up to 2 years old (there is a Sunday school class is provided for toddlers older than 2. When bringing your children to the nursery, please sign them in with the women responsible and remember to pick them up promptly after the service is over.
The infant nursery will be open during the first half of the service (worship time), during the entire first Sunday of the month service, and Visitor's Sunday service, but supervision is the parent's responsibility. You are free to use this nursery at this time if you need to, but please do not leave your children unattended at any time.
It should also be noted that at no time are older children allowed to play in either nursery.
The breakdown of the classes may change during the summer months and from year to year if the number of children in each age group varies. Sunday school classes are only provided during the teaching time on Sunday morning. Classrooms are located on the main floor of the building and in the basement of the building.
Care Group (Home) Meetings have been a regular part of this church since it began. They meet on Wednesday nights from 8:00-9:30 P.M., in several different homes, except for the 1st Wednesday of each month when there is a meeting at the church building for everyone. These meetings provide an atmosphere for God’s people to grow in their ability to exercise spiritual gifts as we minister to each other. These meetings are essential for every adult that is committed to the church and wants to go on with the Lord.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 NIV) Much of the pastoring and caring for the needs of the people that is accomplished by the church occurs through the Care Group meetings.
On the first Wednesday of each month, we will meet at the building to continue strengthening the larger church. We will have different activities at these meetings in line with what God is doing in the church.
During the summer months we will not hold Care Group Meetings in the homes. Meetings will be held at the building. This may include prayer, street evangelism, teaching or a special event. Events are determined and scheduled after a season of prayer and seeking the Lord.
When the Lord leads, there will be a temporary break in Care Group Meetings for a special season of worship, prayer or equipping the saints.
Other types of meetings/gatherings are held throughout the year providing a balance of teaching, prayer, fellowship, and fun. We believe that they offer a special richness and provide a good atmosphere to be nurtured and grow in the Lord.
The following is a list of some of these meetings:
* Family Nights - Periodically the church has a meeting for the church family (adults) to openly and informally discuss any problems, conflicts, issues, new direction for the church, or questions that may arise in our life together. The purpose of these gatherings is to maintain clear communication between the Co-Pastors and the congregation. Individuals are encouraged, however, to contact one of the Co-Pastors at any time to discuss problems, issues, questions, etc., and not just wait for the Family Nights. We normally have two Family Nights each year. One of these is used to give a financial report to the church.