If you have visited another church of Christ, you may notice some variations from this description, because our churches are autonomous (meaning "self-ruled" or "independent"). Churches of Christ generally claim to be non-denominational and exist without any association of church hierarchy or ecclesiastical control. Local churches serve under the authority of Christ with a plural number of elders or shepherds who "oversee" the flock or congregation. This is in accordance with the New Testament teachings as found in Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; and Titus 1:5.

"From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church…Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."-Acts 20:17, 28

THE SETTING

We are located in Elgin on Avenue C between 7th and 8th streets. You will enter what we refer to as our "foyer." From there you will come to double doors which then open into our place of worship or auditorium. There you will find rows of pews for the worshipers. There are no reserved seats, so please feel free to sit anywhere you choose. "We are all equal at the foot of the cross."

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."-John 3:16

SINGING

One of the unique things about churches of Christ is that the music is "a cappella," a Latin phrase meaning, "according to the church"; that is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. Not only do we believe this allows everyone in the assembly to participate in worship to God, but it is a conviction with us. It has its roots in our restoration heritage. We are seeking to worship according to the New Testament pattern. Since the New Testament makes no mention of worship with the accompaniment of the instrument, we believe it's necessary to exclude it, too. We believe you will respect our reason for it, and our conviction. We think you'll find the singing meaningful, with everyone being invited to participate.

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord…"-Ephesians 5:19

PRAYING

Any church family time must include prayer. We pray during the Lord's Supper, and usually several other times during the service. We believe strongly in the importance and power of prayer. We want to follow the example of our Lord and the early church as well as experience God's work in and through his church today.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."-Acts 2:42

LORD'S SUPPER

When you visit us on a Sunday morning, the Lord's Supper will be included in the worship proceedings - because churches of Christ observe this memorial every Sunday. Again, the reason for this is our desire to follow New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week. We assume from this that they did it the first day of every week. And we know from respected historians that in early centuries the Lord's Supper was an every-Sunday commemoration.

During this communion service, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. 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 will be distributed. The cups will contain "fruit of the vine," or grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus. Each participant will drink the contents of one cup. If you choose not to participate, there is no need to be embarrassed. We want you to feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you. This Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ himself to aid his followers in remembering the sacrifice He has made on our behalf. Christ's communion is open to all believers.

"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you. The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."-1 Corinthians 11:23-26

"On the first day of the week we came together to break bread…"-Acts 20:7

OFFERING

Also, if you visit on Sunday morning, plates or containers will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering. As our guest, we want you to know that you are not expected to make a donation. Your gift is certainly welcome, but feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection plate on down the row. The offering is used not only for the upkeep and maintenance of our building, but also for local ministries of benevolence with our weekly food pantry which provides food for over seventy families each month. It is also used for preaching and teaching the Word of God, and for our many domestic and foreign mission efforts with which we are directly involved.

"Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income..."-1 Corinthians 16:1-2

PREACHING

You will notice that our preacher doesn't have a title. He won't be referred to as Pastor or Reverend. He will usually be referred to by his first name. He won't be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments which set him apart. He is one of us. The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of all believers.

The sermon will likely be from 25 to 30 minutes. We hope you find it refreshingly Bible-centered. Our minister strives to make his lessons both Biblical and practical to everyday living.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."-1 Peter 2:9

WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF YOU

Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate, but don't feel obligated. Just observe if that is your choice. At the beginning of the service, young men will distribute "Welcome Packets." Inside you will find information about the church and perhaps a tract or message of encouragement. It will also contain a visitor's card. We encourage you to accept the packet and fill out this card. This simply provides information so the church can write or call to thank you for your visit. Supply the information if you are comfortable in doing so.

OUR PEOPLE

What kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much the entire spectrum, as in any group.

We are diverse, coming from varied backgrounds, and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth. We don't know everything, but we are learning. We don't do everything right, but we are improving. We don't always treat each other as we should. We haven't arrived; we're on the journey.

But, you see, 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. 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. We share in a common faith in a most uncommon Savior.

That's the reason we can worship together, stick together, and with God's help accomplish some things that make a difference. You won't have to look very deep to find our failures. But, bottom-line, you will find people who love Jesus, love the Bible, love God and one another.

We would love for you to join us in our pursuit of Him and His word this Sunday morning. We plan to meet and worship together at 10:40 AM. Would you please join us?