EASTSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST

 

We endeavor to follow only the New Testament precepts in all that we do or say. The following is what you can expect to be a part of in our worship services….

 

SINGING

Singing is an important part of our worship service. One of the unique things about churches of Christ is that our music in worship is A Cappella. That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments when we worship God. This is a conviction with us, not just a preference. We seek to worship God in song according to the New Testament pattern (I Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12). In the New Testament, God has addressed the kind of music the church is to use in worship. God said that we are to “sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord.” We are not to add to or take from the Word of God. Adding an instrument would add to what God has instructed us to do. Therefore, we “sing and make melody in our heart to the Lord.” We are confident that you will find the singing meaningful and inspiring, and everyone is invited to participate.

 

PRAYER

Prayer is the avenue of worship that brings us humbly before the Throne of God. It is the right and privilege of every Christian to pray directly to our Heavenly Father and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There will be several prayers during our worship service. Some will reflect our praise to God, others may be prayers for those who are sick or in need, while others may mention those who have made specific prayer requests.

 

THE LORD’S SUPPER

THe Lord’s supper is the heart of our Sunday worship service. Christians observe this Memorial Supper every Sunday. The reason for this regularity is simply our desire to follow the teachings and examples of the New Testament. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7). During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus (I Corinthians 11:23-25). Each participant will break off a small piece of the bread and eat it. Next, trays filled with small cups of grape juice (fruit of the vine) will be distributed. This symbolizes the blood of Jesus (I Corinthians 11:23-25). Each participant will drink, the contents of one of the cups. This is a special time for Christians to meditate on and remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 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. At our evening services, The Lord’s Supper is offered in Room N7 at the end of the service. This allows those who were unable to partake at the morning service to be able to observe this memorial in a quiet, focused setting.

 

THE OFFERING

The Offering is collected weekly. This freewill offering is a personal gift by each individual member according to how they have prospered (I Corinthians 16:1-2). If you visit, you are not expected to make a donation, but anything you wish to give will be appreciated and used in the Lord’s work.

 

PREACHING

Preaching the Word of God is the part of our worship that provides spiritual food for the soul. It is a vital part of our worship because it opens our hearts and minds to the Lord, letting God speak to us through His written, inspired word. The sermon will be a 20-30 minute Bible-centered lesson.

 

 

 

An Invitation is extended at the close of each sermon and the Wednesday evening devotional. This is simply an expedient or convenient time to invite those who are moved by their understanding of God’s Word to make an obedient response to the gospel. That is, to respond in faith (Hebrews 11:6), acknowledge repentance of their sins (Luke 13:3), confess Jesus as their Lord (Matthew 10:32), and be immersed (baptized) in water for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts. 8:35-29, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 2:38). In baptism they are raised up to walk a new life in Christ Jesus and added to His body, the Church (Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, I Corinthians 12:13). Also, it is a time for members of the church who have grown weak and whose sins are know publicly to seek restoration and renewal to the body of Christ the Church (Acts 8:33, James 5:16). It is also a time when special prayers for special strength or needs can be requested. The minister will encourage those who wish to “respond” to come to the front of the auditorium, while the congregation sings an invitation 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. If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service.