"Practically speaking, the Christians' worship is most profitable when it is centered upon Jesus Christ and goes through him to God. When we worship, we fill our minds and hearts with wonder at him; the detailed actions and words of his earthly life, his trial and death on the cross, his resurrection reality, and his work as ascended intercessor.
In the words of Albertus Magnus, we, 'Find God through God himself; that is, we pass by the Manhood into the Godhood, by the wounds of humanity into the depths of His divinity.' ("The Spirit of the Disciplines", 1988) There is so much to do in this worship that we will never finish. As we worship in this way, our lives are filled with his goodness, which is also God's."
-Dixie Mahaffey (Director of Worship)
We tend to run an hour and ten minutes. Sometimes we go longer, and sometimes we go shorter. Television sitcoms tend to solve all of life's problems in a half hour. Real life is more complicated and as a result, leaves more hanging threads. We are all about bringing life changing Gospel to your life.
It's casual. If you are comfortable in a tie or dress, wear it! If not, that's okay. The minister will probably be in a polo shirt during summer, and a sweater with slacks during winter. We want to meet you, not your clothes!
You'll hear everything from new songs on your local Christian radio stations to "Old School' hymns. We aren't picky. What matters most is that our worship is a companion to the theme scripture, sermon series, or season. If it works with our weekly goal, we play it.
What is with the crackers and the juice? If you're not sure what it is, sit this one out. It's okay to pass the plate along. The crackers are unleavened bread, which symbolizes the body of Jesus. That body was broken on the cross to take our place as guilty sinners before God. The juice is grape juice, a fruit of the vine, that symbolizes the blood of Christ; shed on the cross where he died. It is a symbol of a new covenant with God. We eat the bread and drink the wine to memorialize Christ's sacrifice. If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, feel free to participate. If not, take this time to be still and think about the meaning of these emblems.
"I knew it! I knew it! They wanted my money!" Relax, Max. Offering is an act of worship for members of the congregation. We give what we have to God: partly because we take this opportunity to tithe (Give 10% of our income to God) and partly because we know he can do amazing things with a little bit of money. A hundred dollars looks kind of small at the mall; in the offering plate it's huge. If you are a guest, feel free to remain a guest. Pass the plate along. If you feel led to give something to God, then don't let us stop you. Don't give until it hurts; give until it feels good.
Mike will tell jokes. Feel free to laugh. Mike will ask questions. Feel free to answer. Mike will begin sentences and quote scriptures. Feel free to finish his sentences if he indicates that he would like that. Dial in and enjoy!
At the end of the sermon, Mike will ask if anyone needs to make a public declaration for Christ. That would be the time to come forward. During that time, people usually come forward and talk to Mike. Afterward, you all will discuss what kind of decision is being made and what happens from there. If you feel the need to make a decision but are unclear what to do, contact the minister/elders after the worship service. They will listen, pray with you, and help you forge a new path in life. For any questions, call or email the church. There is a contact page on this website. Feel free to friend Mike Beverly on Facebook. He will be happy to talk to you!