A Letter to all Visitors
Thank you for your interest in our fellowship. We hold to a New Testament approach with our meetings and therefore share the following information to inform you what to expect when visiting.
1. We celebrate the Lord's Supper as a fellowship meal
The early church celebrated the Lord's Supper not just with bread and fruit of the vine, but also as a fellowship meal, just as Jesus celebrated it in the context of the Passover meal with his disciples. Each week when we meet, each family brings a dish, and we enjoy wonderful fellowship at this meal. For more information, read Acts 2:46, 20:7, I Corinthians 11.
We believe the fellowship around the Lords table is essential for full spiritual growth. The Lord's Supper typifies past, present, and future aspects of the Christian experience. Past, because He died and suffered for our sins; present, because we enjoy communion and fellowship with Him and with one another; and future, because we await the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Paul is warning the Christians to treat the Lord’s Supper with reverence, and to practice it in a spirit of self-examination to prepare us to receive it with the right heart.
2. Casual Atmosphere
Modesty is an outward expression of an inward condition. We encourage everyone to dress appropriately and modestly as to glorify the Lord. As believers, we should pursue holiness, purity and modesty in our lives and in our clothing: for our good, our brother’s edification, to the glory of God.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
The Greek word for apparel in this text is Katastole, meaning a long dress. Kata meaning down - a garment flowing down; and Stole - a long garment, covering or wrapping.
The Greek word for modest is Kosmios, meaning orderly, well-arranged, decent, modest, harmonious arrangement, or adornment. Modesty is also Biblically applied to one's demeanor or behavior. This same Greek word is translated good behavior in 1 Timothy 3:2 in the qualifications of Elder.
Therefore, women are instructed to wear modest long dresses (Kosmios Katastole). This Kosmios Katastole not only specifies that the article of clothing should be a dress, but also specifies that the dress should be of a suitably long length.
The definition of modesty involves both one's manner of dress and inward qualities. Biblical modesty starts within a person but is ultimately demonstrated by their outward appearance.
At all times, Especially when we assemble ourselves together, the women should deliberately seek to cover their flesh with shamefacedness, simplicity and self-restraint. There apparel should be Kosmios Katastole - a long, modest dress. Do short dresses, sleeveless dresses, tight dresses, sun dresses, and low cut dresses fit God's definition of modesty? If not, then they are inappropriate in any public setting, and especially in the Assembly Meeting.
Modesty is not just for women, it’s for the men as well; men should wear clothing that is modest and appropriate.
Here is a quote from the book-Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America;
"men and women need to clearly understand that clothes are a language, a true body language, whether
they realize it or not. In light of this, God's children should fervently desire to promote purity and Godly modesty in themselves and those around them. The saints of God must examine (whatever) they wear - and their motives for wearing it- by the Word of God. "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus" Col. 3:17"
3. Our Beliefs
We hold to the essential doctrines of faith which we have articulated in our doctrinal statement of faith.
4. Guidelines for Participation In Our Meetings
Please take a moment to read the following guidelines for participating in our meetings.
The opportunity to address the church is a wonderful privilege that accords with the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. However, like all privileges, there are responsibilities that come with it, and there are scriptural guidelines to follow. Here are some principles and guidelines that we ask all who speak in our meetings to observe. Many of them have been written as "preventative medicine" - to prevent many of the controversies that in our experience, often afflict and divide churches that practice participatory meetings.
Please come with a spirit of humility and peace into the meetings. Recognize that although the scriptures are inerrant, each of us can err in interpreting them. Because of this, we must be tolerant of those who sincerely and honestly interpret some scriptures differently, as long as they do not violate the basic doctrines of the faith.
Romans 14:4-6 “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.”
Please do not challenge the foundational doctrines of the faith during our meetings (please refer to our Statement of Faith for the doctrines that we consider to be basic and foundational).
Hebrews 6:1-2 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
We try to follow the injunction of the apostle Paul concerning speaking in church meetings: "Let all things be done unto edifying." Everything spoken in the church meeting should be for the purpose of edifying God's people.
Please do not foster divisiveness or strife, or publicly challenge our practices or beliefs during the meetings. This is not appropriate for a Sunday meeting, and is especially unedifying. For this reason, we avoid heated debate during the main meeting. If we adopt changes to any of our practices, it will be in an orderly and peaceful fashion, in a setting and format agreed upon in advance.
1Co 14:40” Let all things be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
Pr 17:14 “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.”
Pr 20:3 “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.”
When a church meeting has begun and men are present, we ask that the women refrain from publicly teaching men, challenging or questioning a male teacher, and from disruptive private speech in observance of (I Cor 11, 14:24, 26, 31), 1 Tim 2:11-15 and 1 Cor 14: 34-35.
Some believe that Paul was referring to a covering of long hair, and others to a garment covering in 1 Corinthians 11. We leave it up to each family to follow the dictates of their conscience in this matter. We agree that the “head covering” expresses respect and submission to the various heads as well as a symbol of authority for the angels. We also believe if a women is to speak within the assembly meeting where men are present, that there head be covered, showing that they are under their husbands’ authority. (or under the authority of the leaders that are present). But they shall still refrain from teaching. (Teaching is anything that involves direction)
We believe in the use of musical instruments in our meetings ( Psalm 33:2, 92:3, 144:9, 150; Rom 14:4-6, 1 Cor 14:26, Rev 15:2 ), but also sing without them. Please do not make this a point of public debate in our meetings.
Although we have great respect for the accuracy and language of the KJV, we do not have a KJV only policy. If someone reads from a different translation, please do not disrupt things by making this a point of public contention.
We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still being granted to believers today. We do not claim that any particular spiritual gift is for everyone, but in accordance with 1 Corinthians 12:11, hold that the Holy Spirit "bestows His gifts upon each of us in accordance with His own will." We value genuineness, sincerity, and discernment in the exercise of spiritual gifts.
We do not have Sunday school or Children's church. Instead, the children remain with their parents during the meeting. If you have small children, it is best to have them sit right next to you so that you can quiet them if needed. You can bring things to help occupy their time if needed.
1. We celebrate the Lord's Supper as a fellowship meal
The early church celebrated the Lord's Supper not just with bread and fruit of the vine, but also as a fellowship meal, just as Jesus celebrated it in the context of the Passover meal with his disciples. Each week when we meet, each family brings a dish, and we enjoy wonderful fellowship at this meal. For more information, read Acts 2:46, 20:7, I Corinthians 11.
We believe the fellowship around the Lords table is essential for full spiritual growth. The Lord's Supper typifies past, present, and future aspects of the Christian experience. Past, because He died and suffered for our sins; present, because we enjoy communion and fellowship with Him and with one another; and future, because we await the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Paul is warning the Christians to treat the Lord’s Supper with reverence, and to practice it in a spirit of self-examination to prepare us to receive it with the right heart.
2. Casual Atmosphere
Modesty is an outward expression of an inward condition. We encourage everyone to dress appropriately and modestly as to glorify the Lord. As believers, we should pursue holiness, purity and modesty in our lives and in our clothing: for our good, our brother’s edification, to the glory of God.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
The Greek word for apparel in this text is Katastole, meaning a long dress. Kata meaning down - a garment flowing down; and Stole - a long garment, covering or wrapping.
The Greek word for modest is Kosmios, meaning orderly, well-arranged, decent, modest, harmonious arrangement, or adornment. Modesty is also Biblically applied to one's demeanor or behavior. This same Greek word is translated good behavior in 1 Timothy 3:2 in the qualifications of Elder.
Therefore, women are instructed to wear modest long dresses (Kosmios Katastole). This Kosmios Katastole not only specifies that the article of clothing should be a dress, but also specifies that the dress should be of a suitably long length.
The definition of modesty involves both one's manner of dress and inward qualities. Biblical modesty starts within a person but is ultimately demonstrated by their outward appearance.
At all times, Especially when we assemble ourselves together, the women should deliberately seek to cover their flesh with shamefacedness, simplicity and self-restraint. There apparel should be Kosmios Katastole - a long, modest dress. Do short dresses, sleeveless dresses, tight dresses, sun dresses, and low cut dresses fit God's definition of modesty? If not, then they are inappropriate in any public setting, and especially in the Assembly Meeting.
Modesty is not just for women, it’s for the men as well; men should wear clothing that is modest and appropriate.
Here is a quote from the book-Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America;
"men and women need to clearly understand that clothes are a language, a true body language, whether
they realize it or not. In light of this, God's children should fervently desire to promote purity and Godly modesty in themselves and those around them. The saints of God must examine (whatever) they wear - and their motives for wearing it- by the Word of God. "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus" Col. 3:17"
3. Our Beliefs
We hold to the essential doctrines of faith which we have articulated in our doctrinal statement of faith.
4. Guidelines for Participation In Our Meetings
Please take a moment to read the following guidelines for participating in our meetings.
The opportunity to address the church is a wonderful privilege that accords with the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. However, like all privileges, there are responsibilities that come with it, and there are scriptural guidelines to follow. Here are some principles and guidelines that we ask all who speak in our meetings to observe. Many of them have been written as "preventative medicine" - to prevent many of the controversies that in our experience, often afflict and divide churches that practice participatory meetings.
Please come with a spirit of humility and peace into the meetings. Recognize that although the scriptures are inerrant, each of us can err in interpreting them. Because of this, we must be tolerant of those who sincerely and honestly interpret some scriptures differently, as long as they do not violate the basic doctrines of the faith.
Romans 14:4-6 “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.”
Please do not challenge the foundational doctrines of the faith during our meetings (please refer to our Statement of Faith for the doctrines that we consider to be basic and foundational).
Hebrews 6:1-2 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
We try to follow the injunction of the apostle Paul concerning speaking in church meetings: "Let all things be done unto edifying." Everything spoken in the church meeting should be for the purpose of edifying God's people.
Please do not foster divisiveness or strife, or publicly challenge our practices or beliefs during the meetings. This is not appropriate for a Sunday meeting, and is especially unedifying. For this reason, we avoid heated debate during the main meeting. If we adopt changes to any of our practices, it will be in an orderly and peaceful fashion, in a setting and format agreed upon in advance.
1Co 14:40” Let all things be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
Pr 17:14 “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.”
Pr 20:3 “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.”
When a church meeting has begun and men are present, we ask that the women refrain from publicly teaching men, challenging or questioning a male teacher, and from disruptive private speech in observance of (I Cor 11, 14:24, 26, 31), 1 Tim 2:11-15 and 1 Cor 14: 34-35.
Some believe that Paul was referring to a covering of long hair, and others to a garment covering in 1 Corinthians 11. We leave it up to each family to follow the dictates of their conscience in this matter. We agree that the “head covering” expresses respect and submission to the various heads as well as a symbol of authority for the angels. We also believe if a women is to speak within the assembly meeting where men are present, that there head be covered, showing that they are under their husbands’ authority. (or under the authority of the leaders that are present). But they shall still refrain from teaching. (Teaching is anything that involves direction)
We believe in the use of musical instruments in our meetings ( Psalm 33:2, 92:3, 144:9, 150; Rom 14:4-6, 1 Cor 14:26, Rev 15:2 ), but also sing without them. Please do not make this a point of public debate in our meetings.
Although we have great respect for the accuracy and language of the KJV, we do not have a KJV only policy. If someone reads from a different translation, please do not disrupt things by making this a point of public contention.
We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still being granted to believers today. We do not claim that any particular spiritual gift is for everyone, but in accordance with 1 Corinthians 12:11, hold that the Holy Spirit "bestows His gifts upon each of us in accordance with His own will." We value genuineness, sincerity, and discernment in the exercise of spiritual gifts.
We do not have Sunday school or Children's church. Instead, the children remain with their parents during the meeting. If you have small children, it is best to have them sit right next to you so that you can quiet them if needed. You can bring things to help occupy their time if needed.