We would like for you to be our guest at the Avenue N church of Christ. We know that unfamiliar places can be confusing and we want you to feel comfortable while with us, so let us tell you what you can expect.

Place of Worship

Our building consists of rooms for Bible classes and an auditorium in which we assemble for worship. No seat is reserved so feel free to sit anywhere you choose. As we worship, we recall the words of Jesus to worship in “Spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

Singing

In the book rack in front of you, there will be a hymn book for you to use. When the song leader announces the number of a song you can turn to that place and find the words and music. You may recognize the songs which are sung, but some may be new to you. We are not concerned about how well people sing, only our singing is offered to God from the heart.  

It is our practice to sing without accompanying instruments. This is not simply our preference, it is our conviction. We believe that singing this way rests upon New Testament authority (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; I Corinthians 14:15) and as we have said, it is our aim to do only those things sanctioned by the New Testament.

Prayer

Early Christians prayed when they came together for worship (I Corinthians 14:15; Acts 2:42). No doubt in their prayers they “made their requests known to God (Philippians4:6). We, like them, have needs which we want to take to God in prayer, so in our worship, prayers are led. Sometimes these needs will be stated very specifically.  At other times more general requests and thanksgivings will be made. We want to be sure to practice the teaching of Jesus recalling that “people ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).

Preaching

An important part of the service is the sermon. It is delivered by the preacher (also called evangelist or minister). The preacher is not set apart from other members of the church by special clothing or titles. All believers are equal (Matthew 23:8). 

At the end of the service an invitation will be extended. The sermon is brought to a close and a song is sung by the congregation. If there are those present who want to ask for help in their spiritual lives, they may respond at this time. Some may come asking for prayers on their behalf. Others may make public confession of sin. There may be no public response.  Still others may be baptized. If this occurs, the baptism will be conducted during the service in keeping with the New Testament practice of baptizing the “same hour” upon repentance and a confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ (Acts 16:33; 8:37-38; 2:38). The baptism will be by immersion, in the name of Christ, and for the remission of sins.

The Lord’s Supper

If you attend a Sunday service, the Lord’s Supper will be served. We understand from the scriptures that the early church observed the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7). We are committed to following their example and so offer the Lord’s Supper every
Sunday.

During this memorial, plates of unleavened bread are passed to the congregation. This bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Next the trays containing small cups of the “fruit of the vine” (grape juice) are passed. This represents the blood of Jesus (I Corinthians 11:23-25).  Every Christian may participate in the Lord’s Supper. It is a time of self-examination as we remember and meditate on the death of Jesus.

Contribution

If you attend on Sunday, a collection will also be taken. The collection plate will be passed so that each member will have the opportunity to give according to his or her ability. This is taken only on Sunday (I Corinthians 16:1-2). Those who are not members at Avenue N church of Christ are not expected to give, but may if they choose to.