What Should I Expect?

What to Expect at R&C

Visiting a new church can be intimidating.  We want you to feel comfortable when you worship with us, so here is a brief summary of what you can expect from a typical service with us:

When you visit R&C, expect to find people who are warm, friendly and, like yourself, concerned about things that are spiritual.  Expect to encounter humble servants of the Lord; sinners saved by the grace of God. Expect to find folks hungry to know and obey God's will. Expect to find people with the same needs, strengths and weaknesses that you have. Don't expect them to be perfect, because they are not and do not claim to be.

The churches of Christ in this community and around the world believe strongly in the Lordship of Jesus and the authority of His word: The Bible. We are dedicated to teaching the Bible in its truth and simplicity. We have no right or desire to teach our own ideas. We study and search to know and to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When you enter the building, expect a warm greeting and an offer of assistance. If you come for Bible classes, you'll be assisted in finding a class (we have classes for all ages). If you come for the worship assembly, you may want help finding a seat or maybe finding a friend you would like to sit with.

The Service will include the following:

Prayers
Throughout the service there will be several prayers, offering praise to the Creator for His majesty, asking help for the sick and the downtrodden and strength for us as we daily live for Him. God's people should always be a people of prayer (I Thessalonians 5:17). 
Singing
As the service begins, you will notice that the singing is acapella; The early church used the simple beauty of the human voice in praise to God. The instrument we want to use in our singing is the heart, (Ephesians 5:19) as we raise our voices in praise to our God. The Bible’s emphasis is on teaching and admonishing one another in song (Colossians 3:16). 
Bible Study
The Bible will receive great emphasis in the assembly. The Bible will be quoted and read several times. There will probably be a reading of a passage of scripture before the sermon or communion. You will find the preacher's sermon to be Bible-centered and Bible-based. The New Testament is God’s Word and our authority today. It is the covenant given us by our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Communion
We celebrate Communion every Sunday, as did the early church. The Lord's Supper (Communion - 1 Corinthians 10:16) is a central part of the Sunday assembly of Christians. It was given as a memorial until Christ returns (Matthew 26:26-28; I Corinthians 11). It is a time of communion with our Lord, remembrance, quiet reflection and self-examination. 
Offering
An offering will be taken during the service. As a visitor you are not expected to give, though you may if you wish. The work of the Lord's church has always been supported by free-will offerings on Sundays by the members of the congregation (I Corinthians 16:1,2). 
As you attend the assembly, you will not be singled out or embarrassed in any way. As a visitor, you are our honored guest. We're glad you've chosen to worship with us.

We think you will find the assembly enjoyable and enriching. It will be simple, edifying and will emphasize Jesus and His will for us. We would love having you visit in our assemblies.
Sunday Evening and Wednesday Night Bible Study

Every Sunday and Wednesday night we gather for Bible study for the whole church and guests. Bible classes are available for all ages. We begin with a devotional period in the main auditorium.  After about 15 minutes we will dismiss to our classes, which will last about 35 minutes. This time is used to study God’s Word, and to encourage each other in our daily walk with God.

We think there is tremendous value in gathering for Bible study and praise in the middle of our week; it gives a “spiritual boost” to our souls, and we think it will to yours too as you participate with us.

In all of our classes, you can expect to open the Bible so we can all study and grow in our faith.  Each time we gather we see it as an opportunity to uplift and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25) .