Let us walk you through a typical Sunday worship service …
If you have visited other churches, you may notice some variations from this description, because we as a congregation are autonomous (independent). We are not associated with any denomination or organized religious group.
The Setting
At all worship times, you will find the doors always open to anyone who wants to worship with us.
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.
Expectations
We place no expectations on our guests. You are welcome to participate, but do not feel obligated to do so. You may simply observe, if that is your choice.
As our guest, you are welcome to participate in any non-leadership activities, including service activities, Bible studies, and discussion groups.
Should you decide to place membership at Main Street, you would meet with one or more of our Elders. This allows them to learn a little about your desire to become a part of this body of believers and answer any questions you may have regarding membership.
The New Testament clearly expected every believer – every committed follower of Jesus Christ – to be committed to the Lord’s church.
Christians are expected to…
- Be a regular participant in our worship services Hebrews 10:25.
- Be “plugged into” Sunday School and other opportunities for teaching, contact, fellowship, friendship, and intimacy 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
- Be involved in a ministry or a service Ephesians 2:10.
- Be a good steward of the resources God has given us, and faithfully support the Lord’s work
2 Corinthians 9:7-8. - Develop personal and spiritual disciplines in one’s life of prayer, study, giving, fasting, etc…
Galatians 6:8.
We want to assist you in getting to know us as well as the workings of the Main Street congregation, giving you opportunities to explore using your time, talents and treasure for the glory of God.
People
You can expect to find people at Main Street from a broad spectrum. Like many groups, we are diverse — coming from varied backgrounds and at different levels of understanding and different stages of spiritual growth.
We do not claim to know everything, but we are learning. We do not do everything right, but we are improving. We do not always treat each other as we should. We have not arrived — we are on a journey together.
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 Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7.
We were brought together by a common goal. We want to be God’s people, organized and worshipping according to God’s plan. We want to be Christ’s church. That is the reason we can worship together, stick together, and with God’s help, accomplish some things that make a difference for Him.
You will not have to look very far to find our shortcomings. Here at Main Street, you will find people who love Jesus and love the Bible. We hope you will join us in our pursuit of Him and His Word this Sunday.
Singing
When songs are displayed on the big screen, a number is also announced or displayed. You can also turn to that number in the songbook in the bookrack in front of you to find the words and music.
One of the unique things about us is that our worship music is “a-cappella.” That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. We simply want everyone to worship God in the purest way possible, focused on praise to our heavenly Father.
1 Corinthians 4:15; Ephesians 5:18,19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12
We hope you will find the singing worshipful and meaningful. We invite everyone to participate.
Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship service. We observe this memorial every Sunday.
The reason for this practice is our desire to follow New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week Acts 20:7.
We believe they did it the first day of every week. We also know from respected historians that, in early centuries, the Lord’s Supper was an every-Sunday commemoration (Neander, Eusebius).
During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each participating person will break off a piece of the bread and eat it.
Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups will contain “fruit of the vine,” symbolizing the blood of Jesus 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. Each participant will drink the contents of one cup.
At Main Street, baptized believers are encouraged and expected to participate in the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. If you choose not to participate, do not be embarrassed. Feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
This Supper is the original way of remembering the sacrifice Jesus has made on our behalf.
Preaching
Who preaches is not as important as what is preached 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
Those who preach do not have a special title. He is not referred to as Pastor or Reverend. He does not wear 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.
Matthew 23:8-12; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5,9
The lesson will likely be from 25 to 35 minutes in length. We hope you find it refreshingly Bible-centered. You will find Bibles for your use in the bookracks on the pews.
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. Someone will be at the front to meet and minister to any who respond.
Do not feel uncomfortable 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, or some to “identify” with this congregation.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service. The baptism will be by immersion Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2;12 and for the forgiveness of sins Acts 2:38.
Offering
You will not be asked to make a contribution.
Collection plates will, however, be passed to collect the weekly financial offering that supports the work of the church 1 Corinthians 16:1,2.
As our guest, you are not expected to make a contribution. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection plate on down the row.