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How We Worship
We hope you'll be our guest at the Ann Arbor church of Christ! We want you to feel comfortable, so
let us tell you what you can expect when you honor us with a visit.
Our background may help you understand us. Our goal is to restore the New Testament church in our time.
We attempt to determine what the church was like in the beginning, and to be like that church as much
as possible.
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We work to be a non-denominational, Bible-centered church. We know our conclusions aren't
flawless and our practices are sometimes colored by habit, preference, tradition or convenience.
Even so, we hold the Bible as our only guide in religious matters.
Now, let us walk you through a typical worship service...
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If you have visited another church of Christ, you may have noticed some variations from this description, because
every church of Christ is autonomous (independent). We are not associated with any denomination or organized
religious group.
Doors are open early at 2500 S. Main Street. You will enter what we refer to as the "auditorium", where you
will find rows of pews for the worshippers. There are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.
In the bookrack in front of you, there will be a songbook for your use. When the song number is
displayed on the big screen, you can turn to that number in the songbook to find words "and music."
One of the unique things about most Churches of Christ is that the music is "a-capella." That is,
we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments.
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 Lord's Supper will be included in the worship service - because we observe this memorial every Sunday.
Again, the reason for this is our desire to follow New Testament teaching. This Supper is the original way of remembering the sacrifice Jesus has made on our behalf.
The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week. And we know from respected historians that in
early centuries, the Lord's Supper was an every-Sunday commemoration.
During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout
the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each participant will break off a piece of
the bread and eat it.
Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups will contain grape juice,
symbolizing the blood of Jesus. Each participant will drink the contents of one cup.
If you choose not to participate, don't be embarrassed. Feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the
person next to you.
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. His name is Darryl Canty.
He won't be wearing 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.
The lesson will likely be from 15-20 minutes. We hope you find it refreshingly Bible-centered.
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.
Don't feel ill-at-ease during this invitation. You will not be singled out in any way.
There may be several who respond, or none. Some may respond for baptism. Some to confess sins. Some
to ask for prayer for a specific need. Some to "identify" with this church.
If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness baptism during the service. The baptism will be by
immersion for the forgiveness of sins.
How many times will you be asked for money? None. However, containers will be passed to collect the weekly financial
offering. As our guest, you are welcome to make a donation if you'd like, but feel perfectly
comfortable in just passing the collection plate on down the row if you prefer.
Usually, nothing at all! You are welcome to participate. But do not feel obligated to. Just observe if
that is your choice.
We would like all of our guests to stop by the "welcome table" in the middle of our lobby. There are forms there you can fill
out to request information about our many programs and classes for adults and children.
So, what kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much the entire spectrum. Like many groups, we are
diverse, coming from varied backgrounds and 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 and bring others to the tender healing
mercy of our Father in Heaven.
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