CHURCH LIFE

On every Lord's day (Sunday) we meet both in the morning and in the afternoon to worship God. Since Christ is the Head of the church, and so that in everything He might have the supremacy (Colossians 1:18), our liturgy in the worship services is based on the commands and principles that He has laid down in His Word (1 Timothy 5:21).

The opening confession of dependence and greeting are taken from the Word of God (Psalm 124:8, 1 Corinthians, 1:3). The songs that we sing are taken either from the Psalms or from other parts of Scripture that have been set to music in Hymns, and can be found in the Book of praise. Like the Psalms and Hymns that we sing, the prayers are intended to give praise to God, to confess our sins, to plead for pardon and blessing, and to petition the Lord our Shepherd, Helper and Rock for help, healing and guidance. At the heart of the worship service is the reading and proclamation of God's Word. At one point in the service the deacons collect an offering, which is used to help the needy or to promote some other worthy cause in God's church and kingdom, as prescribed in Scripture (1 Corinthians 16:1,2). The service concludes with a parting blessing, which is also taken from the Word (Numbers 6:24‑26 or 2 Corinthians 13:14).

In one of the worship services, usually the afternoon one, The Heidelberg Catechism is used as a guideline for preaching. This means that the minister reads the appropriate Lord's Day and has a sermon, on the particular point of Scriptural teaching that is summarized there.

The sacraments of baptism and Lord's supper are also administered in the worship services. As soon as it is feasible, parents request to have their newborn child baptized in the congregation of God's people. The Lord's supper is celebrated by the communicant members of the congregation, usually on the second Sunday of every alternate month, and is supervised by the elders to protect its purity.

The teaching of the young people of the congregation receives a high priority. For this purpose catechism classes have been set up where they are taught in the doctrines of the church, and prepared for a life of service to God and man. They usually begin attending these classes at the age of 12 years old and continue until they desire and are ready to profess their faith publicly and be admitted to the Lord's supper. Instruction for those who are interested in becoming members is also available.

The study of God's Word by all members in the congregation is an essential component of the health, growth and well being of Christ's body, the church. Study groups are usually set up in the fall and continue until late spring. As a rule, a particular book of the Bible receives in­ depth study and discussion. Otherwise, certain Bible themes, ethical and contemporary issues, or the confessions of the church are systematically studied.