We hope you'll be our guest at the 50th
Street Church of Christ! We want you to feel comfortable, so let us
tell you what you can expect when you honor us with a visit.
Our background may help you understand us. Our goal is to restore the
New Testament church in our time. We attempt to determine what the
church was like in the beginning, and to be like that church as much
as possible.
We work to be a non-denominational, Bible-centered church. We know our
conclusions aren't flawless and our practices are sometimes colored by
habit, preference, tradition or convenience. Even so, we hold the
Bible as our only guide in religious matters.
Now, let us walk you through a typical worship service...
If you have visited another Church of Christ, you may have noticed
some variations from this description, because every Church of Christ
is autonomous (independent). We are not associated with any
denomination or organized religious group.
Doors are open early at 6035 NW 50th Street. You will enter what we
refer to as the "auditorium", where you will find rows of pews for the
worshippers. There are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere
you choose. Generally, one of the men will call the assembly to
worship with a prayer.
THE SINGING
In the bookrack in front of you, there will be a songbook for your
use. When the song number is announced, you can turn to that number in
the songbook to find words "and music".
One of the unique things about most Churches of Christ is that the
music is "a-capella". That is, we sing without the accompaniment of
musical instruments.
THE PRAYER TIMES
Spoken prayers are a large part of our gatherings. We believe in the
power of prayer, and we often pray for specific needs and requests.
THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper will be included in the worship service - because we
observe this memorial every Sunday. Again, the reason for this is our
desire to follow New Testament teaching. This Supper is the original
way of remembering the sacrifice Jesus has made on our behalf.
The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day
of the week. And we know from respected historians that in early
centuries, the Lord's Supper was an every-Sunday commemoration.
During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread
will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the
body of Jesus. Each participant will break off a piece of the bread
and eat it.
Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups will
contain grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus. Each participant
will drink the contents of one cup.
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.
THE MESSAGE
Who preaches is not as important as what is preached.
Our preacher does not have a special title. He is not referred to as
Pastor or Reverend. His name is Bill Adcox.
He won't be wearing any special clothing that sets him apart. He is
one of us. The reason for this is our belief that all are equal in the
priesthood of believers.
The lesson will likely be from 20-25 minutes. We hope you find it
refreshingly Bible-centered.
CHRIST'S INVITATION
Inviting worshippers to make a commitment for Jesus will be a part of
the sermon. At the close of the lesson, the speaker will "extend an
invitation." He will encourage those who wish to "respond" to come to
the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings.
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 respond for
baptism. Some to confess sins. Some to ask for prayer for a specific
need. Some to "identify" with this church.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness baptism during the
service. The baptism will be by immersion for the forgiveness of sins.
The Offering
How many times will you be asked for money? None. However, containers
will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering. As our guest,
you are welcome to make a donation if you'd like, but feel perfectly
comfortable in just passing the collection plate on down the row if
you prefer.
What Will Be Expected of You?
Usually, nothing at all! You are welcome to participate. But do not
feel obligated to. Just observe if that is your choice.
We would like all of our guests to fill out one of the Voice From
The Pew forms. This will allow us to have a record of your
attendance with us. The easiest way of turning in the Voice
From the Pew will be to place it in the offering plate as it is
passed. If you'd like to give it to one of the men in the foyer, that
will be fine, too.
Come Be Our Guest!
So, what kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much the entire
spectrum. Like many groups, we are diverse, coming from varied
backgrounds and different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth. We
don't know everything, but we are learning. We don't do everything
right, but we are improving. We don't always treat each other as we
should. We haven't arrived - we're on the journey.
But you see, we were not brought together by any illusion of our
perfection or personal righteousness. We were brought together by our
recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of
Jesus.
We were brought together by a common goal. We want to be God's people
and bring others to the tender healing mercy of our Father in Heaven.
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