What to expect
First of all, please know that you are an honored guest, and we are glad you have chosen to visit us. You will be greeted by warm loving members. We will not single you out, but will simply introduce ourselves to you individually.
We want you to feel comfortable as you worship with us, so let us tell you what you can expect when you honor us with your visit.
Source of Our Guidance
We are people who hold the Bible as God's word and as the only source of our faith and practice. We simply desire to be a Christ-centered church, so we continue to study the Bible and to adhere to the teachings of Christ and the inspired writers of God’s word. Yet we are also human, and as such realize that our practices are sometimes colored by habit, preference, tradition, or convenience.
There may be some variations between the Eastside Church of Christ and other Churches of Christ because every Church of Christ is independent and self-governed. We have elders, men with scriptural knowledge and good reputation, who oversee the spiritual needs of the church. We believe that these men are answerable to Jesus, the head of the church.
With the above in mind, let us now walk you through a worship service of the Eastside church.
The Setting
You will find our facilities simple and functional. Please make yourself at home and sit where and with whom you please. Please be sure and let us know if you need help with anything at all.
Singing
For your convenience, we usually project our songs on the two screens in the auditorium. However, the song leader will announce the song number if you prefer to sing from a songbook. If your preference is a songbook, they are located in a bookrack on the back of each pew for your use.
One of the unique things about us and most other Churches of Christ--something you might find initially strange--is that the music is sung "a cappella." That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. This is by choice. Since the early New Testament churches apparently did not use instrumental music, we have chosen to imitate their example. We hope you will find our singing meaningful, with everyone invited to participate.
Lord’s Supper (Communion)
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship service. The reason for this is our desire to follow a New Testament pattern. The first century church is noted to have celebrated this observance on the first day of the week. We assume from this that they did it on the first day of every week. We know from respected historians that in the early centuries the Lord’s Supper was an every Sunday commemoration.
During this memorial service, plates containing pieces of unleavened (no yeast) bread will be passed through the congregation. To us, this symbolizes the body of Jesus offered on our behalf on the cross. Each baptized believer will take a small piece of the bread and eat it.
Next, trays of small cups will be passed. The cups contain "fruit of the vine," (usually grape juice). It symbolizes to us the blood of Jesus, also as offered on the cross. Each baptized believer will drink the contents of one of the cups and then put the empty cup back in the tray.
If you are not a baptized believer, feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
Offering
On Sunday mornings a collection is usually taken up after the Lord’s Supper. As our guest you are not expected to donate. Feel perfectly comfortable to just pass the collection plate on down the row. If you choose to contribute, thank you for your generosity.
Scripture Reading
From the earliest times of the church, the reading of Scripture has been an essential part of Christian worship. Throughout the ages certain members of congregations have been called to the important task of reading Scriptures in public worship. The person reading will read a passage that relates to the selected topic of the one who delivers the message. Our hope is that you will come to know God through the reading of His word.
Preaching
Our preacher has training in Bible knowledge and various related areas. He won’t be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments or special clothing that set him apart. The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of all believers-that all are equal before the Lord. His sermon will be Bible-centered and likely last 30 minutes.
Invitation
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will usually "extend an invitation." This is simply a convenient time to invite those who are moved to do so to make a spiritual commitment or request prayer support. He will encourage those who wish to "respond" to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a hymn.
Please don't feel uncomfortable during the invitation. You will not be singled out in any way. There may be several who respond or none. Some may respond for baptism, some to confess sins and request prayers for strength, and some to ask for prayer for a specific need. Others may respond to "identify" or "place membership" with the Eastside Church of Christ.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service. The baptism will be by immersion.
What Will Be Expected Of You?
You are welcome to sing with us and to fully participate in the worship of God, but don’t feel that you have to participate. Just watch and listen, if that is your choice. As our honored guest, we want you to feel welcome.
We would appreciate it if you would fill out a "visitor’s card" located in a pocket on the back of each pew so we can have a record of your visit. You may drop this card in the collection plate, but feel free to decline this request if you prefer.
What should you wear? You will see a variety of styles. You will see coats and ties, khaki slacks and sport shirts, and several in jeans and T-shirts. Similarly, you will see some of our women in dresses and skirts, others in pants. In New York’s finest or Walmart’s best, you’ll be in style here. We are more concerned with your relationship with the Lord than about what you wear.
What to Expect From Us?
We're a diverse group, coming from varied backgrounds, and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth.
We do have a mutual commitment to practice the truth we have learned from Scripture. You see, we were not brought together by any illusion of our perfection or righteousness. We were brought together by our recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus.
Bottom line, you will find people who love Jesus and love the Bible.
So why don't you join us for worship this Sunday, to give us an opportunity to show you what Christ can do in your life? We think you will find us to be a warm, caring group and, we would love to have you visit. See you Sunday.
We want you to feel comfortable as you worship with us, so let us tell you what you can expect when you honor us with your visit.
Source of Our Guidance
We are people who hold the Bible as God's word and as the only source of our faith and practice. We simply desire to be a Christ-centered church, so we continue to study the Bible and to adhere to the teachings of Christ and the inspired writers of God’s word. Yet we are also human, and as such realize that our practices are sometimes colored by habit, preference, tradition, or convenience.
There may be some variations between the Eastside Church of Christ and other Churches of Christ because every Church of Christ is independent and self-governed. We have elders, men with scriptural knowledge and good reputation, who oversee the spiritual needs of the church. We believe that these men are answerable to Jesus, the head of the church.
With the above in mind, let us now walk you through a worship service of the Eastside church.
The Setting
You will find our facilities simple and functional. Please make yourself at home and sit where and with whom you please. Please be sure and let us know if you need help with anything at all.
Singing
For your convenience, we usually project our songs on the two screens in the auditorium. However, the song leader will announce the song number if you prefer to sing from a songbook. If your preference is a songbook, they are located in a bookrack on the back of each pew for your use.
One of the unique things about us and most other Churches of Christ--something you might find initially strange--is that the music is sung "a cappella." That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. This is by choice. Since the early New Testament churches apparently did not use instrumental music, we have chosen to imitate their example. We hope you will find our singing meaningful, with everyone invited to participate.
Lord’s Supper (Communion)
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship service. The reason for this is our desire to follow a New Testament pattern. The first century church is noted to have celebrated this observance on the first day of the week. We assume from this that they did it on the first day of every week. We know from respected historians that in the early centuries the Lord’s Supper was an every Sunday commemoration.
During this memorial service, plates containing pieces of unleavened (no yeast) bread will be passed through the congregation. To us, this symbolizes the body of Jesus offered on our behalf on the cross. Each baptized believer will take a small piece of the bread and eat it.
Next, trays of small cups will be passed. The cups contain "fruit of the vine," (usually grape juice). It symbolizes to us the blood of Jesus, also as offered on the cross. Each baptized believer will drink the contents of one of the cups and then put the empty cup back in the tray.
If you are not a baptized believer, feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
Offering
On Sunday mornings a collection is usually taken up after the Lord’s Supper. As our guest you are not expected to donate. Feel perfectly comfortable to just pass the collection plate on down the row. If you choose to contribute, thank you for your generosity.
Scripture Reading
From the earliest times of the church, the reading of Scripture has been an essential part of Christian worship. Throughout the ages certain members of congregations have been called to the important task of reading Scriptures in public worship. The person reading will read a passage that relates to the selected topic of the one who delivers the message. Our hope is that you will come to know God through the reading of His word.
Preaching
Our preacher has training in Bible knowledge and various related areas. He won’t be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments or special clothing that set him apart. The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of all believers-that all are equal before the Lord. His sermon will be Bible-centered and likely last 30 minutes.
Invitation
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will usually "extend an invitation." This is simply a convenient time to invite those who are moved to do so to make a spiritual commitment or request prayer support. He will encourage those who wish to "respond" to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a hymn.
Please don't feel uncomfortable during the invitation. You will not be singled out in any way. There may be several who respond or none. Some may respond for baptism, some to confess sins and request prayers for strength, and some to ask for prayer for a specific need. Others may respond to "identify" or "place membership" with the Eastside Church of Christ.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service. The baptism will be by immersion.
What Will Be Expected Of You?
You are welcome to sing with us and to fully participate in the worship of God, but don’t feel that you have to participate. Just watch and listen, if that is your choice. As our honored guest, we want you to feel welcome.
We would appreciate it if you would fill out a "visitor’s card" located in a pocket on the back of each pew so we can have a record of your visit. You may drop this card in the collection plate, but feel free to decline this request if you prefer.
What should you wear? You will see a variety of styles. You will see coats and ties, khaki slacks and sport shirts, and several in jeans and T-shirts. Similarly, you will see some of our women in dresses and skirts, others in pants. In New York’s finest or Walmart’s best, you’ll be in style here. We are more concerned with your relationship with the Lord than about what you wear.
What to Expect From Us?
We're a diverse group, coming from varied backgrounds, and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth.
We do have a mutual commitment to practice the truth we have learned from Scripture. You see, we were not brought together by any illusion of our perfection or righteousness. We were brought together by our recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus.
Bottom line, you will find people who love Jesus and love the Bible.
So why don't you join us for worship this Sunday, to give us an opportunity to show you what Christ can do in your life? We think you will find us to be a warm, caring group and, we would love to have you visit. See you Sunday.
