What to expect...
...should you choose to visit us on Sunday morning…
We fully hope and expect that you’ll encounter God, and maybe even meet a few
warm-hearted people! When you arrive, you'll receive a program that should give
you a sense of what you can expect, order of the service, and inform you of a few
key events happening in the life of our church. The service usually opens with a
time of worship, and after some brief announcements, Gina or one of our other
leaders will speak for 20-30 minutes on a subject the Bible addresses that we
believe has deep significance for our lives. Sometimes we include audio or video
clips, or a live performance piece. Our pastor will close in prayer. There are also
prayer teams available for personal prayer at the end. We always have coffee, tea,
etc, and great snacks after the service.
About the Music…
The musical portion of our service is not intended as a performance. Rather,
through the music we are leaving space for God to act. Your participation is eagerly
sought, and you are free to engage as fully as you see fit.
During worship, some people describe having experiences of deep peace, or
prayerful dialogue with God, or rushes of emotion (whether joyful or sad), or intense
battling against distractions. For others, it is simply a time to enjoy some pleasant
music, and meditate on God’s goodness and nearness. Some around you may
express their worship through raised hands, movement, clapping or loud singing,
while others may be still and quiet. No pressure on you either way!
Regardless of the externals, you will benefit most from the time by assuming an
inner posture of leaning toward Jesus in anticipation of being blessed.
A Note on Language
You’ll notice that Gina and our other leaders tend to refer to God as “He.” This is by
no means to say that they believe God is male. The Bible clearly teaches that God
is beyond gender, that God encompasses everything we understand of masculinity
and femininity (Genesis 1:27). In any case, the Bible continues to refer to God
primarily in masculine images, seeming to suggest that it’s helpful for us to enter
into our understanding and experience of God through that lens.
Kids’ Church
Kids’ church meets each Sunday during the service for kids 2-5th grade. We
dismiss the kids to their class right after the first song through the end of the service.
Teens
Class begins after worship, and all middle to high school age students are welcome.
Offering
If you are visiting our church, we want you to feel free NOT to put anything into the
offering basket. In fact, it would be even more helpful to simply fill out a visitor card
and put that in the basket as it goes by. We’re always happy for your visit!
Communion
Every other week, communion is a part of the worship experience. You’re invited to
take communion even if you belong to another community of faith. We see this time
as a celebration of Jesus and his gift of forgiveness to all who will receive it. If you’
re not quite sure what to think about Jesus, take this time and reflect or pray
instead. As always, no pressure.
...should you choose to visit us on Sunday morning…
We fully hope and expect that you’ll encounter God, and maybe even meet a few
warm-hearted people! When you arrive, you'll receive a program that should give
you a sense of what you can expect, order of the service, and inform you of a few
key events happening in the life of our church. The service usually opens with a
time of worship, and after some brief announcements, Gina or one of our other
leaders will speak for 20-30 minutes on a subject the Bible addresses that we
believe has deep significance for our lives. Sometimes we include audio or video
clips, or a live performance piece. Our pastor will close in prayer. There are also
prayer teams available for personal prayer at the end. We always have coffee, tea,
etc, and great snacks after the service.
About the Music…
The musical portion of our service is not intended as a performance. Rather,
through the music we are leaving space for God to act. Your participation is eagerly
sought, and you are free to engage as fully as you see fit.
During worship, some people describe having experiences of deep peace, or
prayerful dialogue with God, or rushes of emotion (whether joyful or sad), or intense
battling against distractions. For others, it is simply a time to enjoy some pleasant
music, and meditate on God’s goodness and nearness. Some around you may
express their worship through raised hands, movement, clapping or loud singing,
while others may be still and quiet. No pressure on you either way!
Regardless of the externals, you will benefit most from the time by assuming an
inner posture of leaning toward Jesus in anticipation of being blessed.
A Note on Language
You’ll notice that Gina and our other leaders tend to refer to God as “He.” This is by
no means to say that they believe God is male. The Bible clearly teaches that God
is beyond gender, that God encompasses everything we understand of masculinity
and femininity (Genesis 1:27). In any case, the Bible continues to refer to God
primarily in masculine images, seeming to suggest that it’s helpful for us to enter
into our understanding and experience of God through that lens.
Kids’ Church
Kids’ church meets each Sunday during the service for kids 2-5th grade. We
dismiss the kids to their class right after the first song through the end of the service.
Teens
Class begins after worship, and all middle to high school age students are welcome.
Offering
If you are visiting our church, we want you to feel free NOT to put anything into the
offering basket. In fact, it would be even more helpful to simply fill out a visitor card
and put that in the basket as it goes by. We’re always happy for your visit!
Communion
Every other week, communion is a part of the worship experience. You’re invited to
take communion even if you belong to another community of faith. We see this time
as a celebration of Jesus and his gift of forgiveness to all who will receive it. If you’
re not quite sure what to think about Jesus, take this time and reflect or pray
instead. As always, no pressure.
Sundays
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| Charles River Vineyard Christian Fellowship Compassion * Acceptance * Healing * Hope |