East Bristol
Church of Christ
"The churches of Christ salute you" Romans 16:16
WORSHIP & COMMUNITY
I
Sundays
Bible Class 10:00 A.M.
Worship 11:00 A. M.
Singing 5:00 P.M.
P.M. Worship 6:00
Wednesdays
Bible Class..... 7:00 P.M.
2nd Tuesdays
Ladies Class - 10:30 A.M.
Mens Class - 7:00 P.M.
What to Expect
If you have visited other churches, you may notice some variations from this description, because we as a congregation are autonomous (independent). We are not associated with any denomination or organized religious group. Let us walk you through a typical Sunday worship service:
The Environment
As you enter, our hope is that you will be greeted with a friendly smile and offered a copy of our Family News Bulletin. The worship service is located in the “auditorium,” with rows of pews for all those in attendance. There are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.
The Singing
One of the unique things about us is that our worship music is “a-cappella.” That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. We simply want everyone to worship God in the purest way possible, focused on praise to our heavenly Father (I Corinthians 4:15; Ephesians 5:18,19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12).
The Praying
Spoken prayers are a large part of our gatherings. We believe in the power of prayer, and we often pray for specific needs and requests.
The Preaching
Who preaches is not as important as what is preached. Our preacher does not have a special title. He is not referred to as Pastor or Reverend.
He does not wear any special clothing that sets him apart. He is one of us. The reason for this is our belief that all are equal in the priesthood of believers (Matthew 23:8-12; Galatians 3:26-28; I Peter 2:5,9).
The lesson will likely be from 25 to 35 minutes in length. We hope you find it refreshingly Bible-centered. You will find Bibles for your use in the book rack on the pews.
Live Streaming Services
Our worship assemblies on Sundays and Wednesdays are live streamed and recorded. If you are unable to attend with us and would like to listen in or watch at a later time, please click below.
The Invitation
Inviting worshippers to make a commitment for Jesus will be a part of the sermon. At the close of the lesson, the speaker will “extend an invitation.” He will encourage those who wish to “respond” to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings. Someone will be at the front to meet and minister to any who respond.
Do not feel ill-at-ease during this invitation. You will not be singled out in any way. Some may respond for baptism, some to confess sins, some to ask for prayer for a specific need, or some to “identify” with this congregation.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service. The baptism will be by immersion (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2;12) and for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
The Lord's Supper
The Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship service every Sunday. The reason for this practice is our desire to follow New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each participating person will break off a piece of the bread and eat it.
Next, trays filled with small cups of grape juice will be distributed. The cups will be referred to as the “fruit of the vine,” symbolizing the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). Each participant will drink the contents of one cup.
The Offering
Each Sunday, plates will be passed throughout the auditorium in order to collect the weekly financial offering (I Corinthians 16:1,2). As our guest, you are not expected to make a contribution. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection basket on down the row.
We were not brought together by any illusion of our perfection or personal righteousness. We were brought together by our recognition that we are sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus (Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7; I John 1:7).We were brought together by a common goal. We want to be God’s people, organized and worshipping according to God’s plan. We want to be Christ’s church. That is the reason we can worship together, stick together, and with God’s help, accomplish some things that make a difference for Him.