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We want you to enjoy your visit with us at
the Piedmont church of Christ. It is our desire that you feel
comfortable. However, we know that often while in an unfamiliar
place one can feel uneasy. This is especially true in the religious
arena. We hope the following information will alleviate any concerns
you may have.
WORSHIP
The churches of Christ conduct worship services as close as possible
to the way the Christians did in the first century . In worship they
included singing, praying, giving, partaking of the Lord's Supper
and preaching (Acts 2:42). Today we do the same. You will hear
announcements being made about the church group and current
activities before worship. At the end of the service the preacher
will extend an invitation. He will encourage those who have a
spiritual need to come forward during the singing of a hymn. There
may be no responses. However, one or more may come forward to be
baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38-41) or to ask for
prayers for a specific need.
SINGING
A unique thing about the singing - and something you might find
strange - is that the church music is "a capella." That is, the
singing is without the accompaniment of musical instruments. In the
first century church every Christian was instructed to sing and make
music (melody) in his heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19/Colossians
3:16). Based on this scripture and others, we conclude that early
Christians sang without musical accompaniment. We do the same.
PRAYERS
There will be prayers offered by the men of the congregation during
the assembly. These prayers can be for specific needs and requests.
Prayers can also be generic for leaders of the nations and the
spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).
GIVING
The first century church gave on the first day of the week (1
Corinthians 16:1, 2). We do the same. As a visitor you are not
expected to contribute to the work here in Farmville. However, if
you would like to contribute, it will be graciously received.
THE LORD'S SUPPER
When you visit on Sunday, the Lord's Supper (unleavened bread and
fruit of the vine) will be included as a part of our worship. This
memorial was instituted by the Savior at the Passover meal, which
took place on the evening of His betrayal (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
The first century church observed this in a memorial of the Lord's
death every first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Today we do the same.
You do not have to participate if you would rather not. Just pass
the plate or tray to the person next to you. If you do participate
realize it is a serious matter (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
PREACHING
The sermon will be Bible-centered (1 Peter 4:11). Christianity is
the religion of preaching (2 Timothy 4:2-5/Romans 10:14,15). It is
an important part of Christian worship (Acts 20:7). Notice that
"Paul.....continued his preaching until midnight." Paul admonished
Timothy to, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of
season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and
careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2)
ALL ARE WELCOME!
THE CHURCH
The church is made up of people who are young, middle aged, old, and
from different backgrounds. People, just like yourself. Each of us
are at different levels of Bible knowledge and spiritual growth. We
all realize we are not perfect and not without sin in our life (1
John 1:8), However, we also realize that if we do the best we can to
worship and live, according to the Bible, our sins will be forgiven
( 1 John 1:9) and we will enjoy eternity in Heaven (1 John 5:13) the
same as the Christians in the first century.
If you would be interested in further
Bible study, the Piedmont church offers Bible correspondence
courses, visual Bible studies on video tape, and open Bible study
with one of our members or minister. You can contact the church at
804/392-5895 or by mail at the following address: P.O. Box 901,
Farmville, VA 23901.
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