WHAT TO EXPECT
The purpose of the following information isn’t to “market” ourselves to you which would rudely imply you were a consumer and that we could be sold. We don’t want to leave you with some kind of inflated impression that we are the most amazing and exciting congregation in Taylor so as to convince you to be a part. We love it when new folks join, however, we know that unless the Lord
builds the house those who build it labor in vain (Psalm 127:1). That being said, we understand visiting a church can be intimidating whether you are a Christian or not. For that reason, we would like to give you an idea what to expect when visiting us on a typical Lord’s Day. I can promise with no hesitation that when you visit you will be welcomed and loved. The Lord’s Service begins at 9am. God graciously serves us and renews covenant with us in worship. In the Lord’s service to us each week He calls us, cleanses us, consecrates us, communes with us, and commissions us.This is an opportunity for all, from the youngest to the oldest of us, to ascend to the Heavenly Mountain and worship (Hebrews 12:22-24). Each week we corporately kneel and confess our sins, pray for the suffering among us, offer up prayers and petitions, confess our faith together by reciting the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed, give our tithes and offerings, receive the Word of God proclaimed, and receive the grace given to us at the Lord’s Table. Each week all baptized disciples of Jesus Christ are invited to the altar—to the Lord’s table. We do not exclude our children from this as they are part of the covenant and are welcomed to Jesus just like the rest of us (Genesis 17:7; Matthew 19:14; Acts 2:39). By our eating and drinking we are acknowledging that we are sinners, hopeless apart from the sovereign grace of God and affirming our trust in Jesus Christ alone. Further, we are acknowledging to the elders and congregation that we are in good standing with God our Father and with His Church. You are invited to join in these acknowledgements, and to come to this table—to Jesus Christ—with us. Our congregation worships as a family. This means even our littlest are growing with us in worship. Don’t worry if your child isn’t used to this. It will take time and consistency on your part to help them learn what to do, but please know and rest assured that this process does not bother us in the least. (On our website under "What to Expect" you can find a helpful article by Pastor Uri Brito of Providence Church in Florida, Practical Steps to Training Children in Worship. )
If you have trouble hearing or are easily distracted, we encourage you to sit as close to the front as possible and remember what theologian James Jordan once said, “Every time a baby squawks in church, a demon loses its wings.”
After the service ends around 10:30am children and youth will be dismissed to Sunday School classes while adults have the opportunity to fellowship with one another over coffee. This is the perfect time for us to meet you and get to know each other a bit. Finally, at 11:15am Adult Sunday School begins and runs till about noon. In terms of the schedule and liturgy that is what you can expect. For information about what we believe, be sure you look over our statement of faith and maybe listen to some past sermons. Thanks for checking us out. If you have questions or would just like to speak to someone before visiting, you can email [email protected].
