Questions and answers on the way we worship.

 

What services do you have each week?

We have two services each Sabbath or Lord’s Day, at 12.00noon and at 6.00pm. We have a prayer meeting each Wednesday at 7.30pm.

 

Which service is most suitable for someone who is not yet a Christian?

Everyone is very welcome at all the services, but at the evening service on the Sabbath we try to preach the gospel in a plain way to the unconverted. This is the best service to come to if you desire to know more about the way of salvation. It is also the best service to invite unconverted friends to if you want them to hear the gospel.

 

Why do you use the Authorised Version of the Bible?

Although many today have rejected the Authorised Version (AV) and moved on to more modern translations of the Bible, we believe that there are very good reasons for continuing to use the AV. It is based upon the Hebrew and Greek texts which God inspired and which He promised to preserve in the use of His church (Psalm 12:6,7; Isaiah 59:21; Matthew 24:35). It faithfully renders into English the original words of Scripture and preserves the dignity of the Word of God.

 

Why do you sing only psalms?

In our worship of God we must do only what God tells us to do in His Word (Deuteronomy 12:32; John 4:24). God has given to His church an inspired hymn-book, the Book of Psalms, and we are told to “make a joyful noise unto him with psalms” (Psalm 95:2). The version used for singing is often known as the Psalter. This was the only hymn-book Christ and His apostles used. When Paul tells us to make melody in our hearts to the Lord “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19) he means the Psalter, for these three titles are either found above individual psalms (e.g. 64, 65, 66, 67) or are used elsewhere to refer to a particular portion of the Psalter (Matthew 26:30). We sing unaccompanied by a musical instrument because that is how the church of the New Testament worshipped. We remain seated when we sing.

 

Why do you stand to pray?

In the Bible when men prayed in public they usually stood before the Lord (e.g. Luke 18:11,13; Mark 11:25). The whole congregation joins in the prayers which are offered and so we all stand when someone leads us in prayer. If any are unable to stand during the prayer because of age or infirmity then of course they may continue to sit.

 

What happens at the prayer meeting?

The prayer meeting has the same elements of worship as the Sabbath services: psalms are sung, the Scriptures are read and a sermon is preached. In addition the minister or person leading the service will call upon a number of the male members of the Congregation or visitors to pray during the service. We do not hold an ‘open’ prayer meeting, neither do the women take part vocally. To lead in public prayer is an act of authority, and the Bible says “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection...I suffer not a woman to speak, nor to usurp authority over the man” (1 Timothy 2:11,12). Because “the head of the woman is the man” women should also cover their heads during public worship (1 Corinthians 11:3-6).

 

Whom do you baptise?

We baptise adults who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and who have not been baptised previously (Acts 8:36-38). We also baptise the children of believers, in accordance with the principle of the covenant of grace in which God promises salvation to believers and their children and requires the sign and seal of His covenant to be applied to them both (Genesis 17:7,10; Acts 2:38,39; 16:31-33). We baptise by sprinkling water upon the face in the name of the Trinity (Isaiah 52:15; Ezekiel 36:25).

 

When do you hold your communion services?

Our communion services are held twice yearly, on the second Sabbath in April and September. Ministers from other congregations take the services. The communion ‘season’ lasts five days; in addition to the Sabbath services there are preparatory services on the Thursday (12.00noon; 7.30pm), Friday (12.00noon; 7.30pm) and Saturday  (12.00noon) and a thanksgiving service on the Monday (7.30pm).

 

Who may sit at the Lord’s table?

We do not have an ‘open’ table, neither do we have a ‘closed’ table. The communion table is the Lord’s table and so those who truly belong to Christ, are members in good standing in evangelical churches and are walking in the fear of the Lord are welcome to sit at His table. “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28). We request that visitors to our services at communion times make themselves known to us before we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

 

Will the minister visit?

The minister is very happy to visit anyone who would like him to, especially to speak further to you about the gospel of Christ and to read the Bible and pray with you. He will also visit the sick in hospital. When appropriate he will visit you with an office-bearer from the Congregation. If you have questions about the sermon or any other urgent matter, then the minister will be pleased to speak to you after the service.

 

Where can I learn more about the worship of your church?