The greatest teacher that ever lived talked about the "rat race" and how it is full of broken promises and empty dreams. He says, "The thief's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life (Jn. 10:10). A rich and fulfilling life is what you want, right? An abundant life is not found in money, power or positions. It is only found in a relationship with Jesus. Let us help you build a wonderful relationship with the only One who can give you real life. What Can You Expect When You Visit? You'll be greeted at the door and handed a visitor's card. Please fill this out and drop it in the collection plate. As you enter the auditorium please feel free to sit wherever you like. We have no reserved seating. There is no dress-code. You'll see people in everything from jeans and t-shirts to dresses and suits. We're more concerned about your heart than your style of clothes. Singing - is an important and beautiful part of our worship time together. We encourage each other and praise our God from our hearts as we sing to Him. Our song leader will direct your attention to the music on the screen. We do not use instruments in our music. This is because we find no authority for it in the New Testament and we want to encourage the participation of everyone as we lift our hearts in song. Prayer - we believe in the power of prayer. Several times throughout our time together you will be invited to come before God in prayer. If you have a prayer request, please place it on your visitors card. Communion - a special part of our worship time together is to honor our Savior by partaking of a simple memorial meal. During this meal we will give thanks and pass plates with pieces of unleavened bread and cups of the fruit of the vine. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each Christian will break off a piece and eat it. The juice represents the blood that Christ shed. Each Christian will drink an individual cup. If you don't feel comfortable participating, simply pass the tray to the person next to you. Collection - usually following the Lord's Supper we will take up a monetary collection. Anyone who desires to support the efforts of the Jacksonville Church of Christ is encouraged to give what they can. Guest are not expected to contribute. The Lesson - during our worship assembly you will hear a message from the Bible by our minister or one of our members. This lesson will last from 20 to 30 minutes. We are confident you will find it relevant and encouraging. Invitation - at the close of his lesson, the man preaching usually offers an invitation. This is a time when members or guest can make spiritual needs known to the congregation. People usually come to the front of the auditorium and sit on the front row. At the end of our singing, one of our Shepherds will pray for this person. People come forward for prayer, to become Christians or to publicly rededicate their lives to God. We have a baptistery at the front of the auditorium for anyone who wants to dedicate their lives to Christ by becoming a Christian.
