What should I expect when I visit JBCoC?
At the Jacksonville Beach Church of Christ, we hope to make you feel welcome when you visit with us. We are a growing congregation with many opportunities to enhance, encourage and strengthen your spiritual growth. We know that you may have some questions about what to expect when worshipping with us, so we have tried to answer a few of those below. Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.
When are JBCoC’s services?
We offer Bible Study for all ages on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am with a morning Worship Service immediately following at 10:30 am in the church auditorium. Greeters are available to welcome you and to help direct you. We also offer a Sunday Evening Service at 6:00 pm and mid-week Bible Study classes at 7:00 pm on Wednesdays.
What type of music is used during worship?
There will be numerous songs led during our worship time. Our music is considered a cappella, Latin for “in style of the chapel,” which simply means that we do not have musical accompaniment during our song service. The Bible and history indicate that the first church did not use musical instruments in their assemblies, so we concentrate solely on vocal music in our worship services. We feel that a song service without instrumental accompaniment encourages everyone to participate and allows individual voices to blend together in a unique harmony of praise. Often we have a team of singers, our praise team, in the front of the auditorium, who will sing their respective vocal parts to aid the congregation in song.
What about prayer during the services?
There will be several prayers during our worship time. At JBCoC, we strongly believe in the power of prayer. When we talk to God in prayer we have the opportunity to tell Him how thankful we are for the many good things that he places in our lives. We are also able to ask Him for help or comfort or guidance during any difficult or sad times that we are experiencing. During worship services, one will lead a prayer and the others in assembly will listen and follow in prayer silently. We bow our heads and close our eyes to help us to clear our minds and focus on Him.
If you have a special request for prayer, you may write it on the pull-out card found in the bulletin, and place it in the collection plate. We can pray collectively for your need publicly that morning, if requested, and individually throughout the week or weeks following.
What is the Lord’s Supper?
We remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ by taking the Lord’s Supper together. During Sunday morning services, trays will be passed among those assembled, first, with unleavened bread (wafer), and then, with “fruit of the vine” (grape juice.) The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, He ate the Last Supper with his disciples. During that meal He took bread and gave it to his disciples and said “this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave it to the disciples and said: “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.”
We learn from reading the Bible that the reason the first church assembled every Sunday was to share the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of what Jesus did for them. It represented the right relationship between them, God, and each other. Imitating the first church, we too partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. Please feel free to partake if you wish.
What is an Offering?
After the Lord’s Supper we will celebrate the opportunity to give financially to support of the Lord’s work. Trays will be passed for each to make a contribution as they please. This is a free-will offering and should be done from your own desire to do so. We do not expect our guests to make an offering. If, however, you wish to do so, please view it as simply an opportunity for you to participate financially in the Lord’s work at this church.
Do you have children’s worship services?
We offer a voluntary children’s worship program - Wee Worship – for children ages three through Kindergarten for those who would like to participate. Children are dismissed by the worship leader during the Sunday morning worship service and are able to spend time in age-appropriate worship, singing and craft activities. We also have an attended nursery available for children under the age of three throughout the service time.
What happens during the sermon?
Our Minister will present 30 to 35 minute lesson as encouragement and guidance for us from God’s Word, the Bible. Our desire is to follow the pure Word of God. Therefore, his sermon will be focused on what the Bible says—what it meant when it was written, and what it means to us today. The work of our minister is to preach the Word of God and help us apply it to our daily lives.
At the close of the sermon everyone will stand at the singing of a hymn. Anyone who feels moved to request help for their spiritual lives—to seek prayers, be restored, or be saved—is encouraged to go forward to let their need be known to the preacher. Their request will be honored immediately.
What is appropriate to wear to JBCoC?
Please wear what makes you feel most comfortable. Most of our members come to Sunday morning worship services in what is considered “business casual,” with some dressing more formally and some dressing much more casually.
What does JBCoC offer me or my family?
JBCoC is a growing church made up of people of all ages that are committed to growing closer to God while building strong relationships with one another. We offer opportunities for spiritual growth through Bible study, service and fellowship. Our extended family consists of married couples and singles, young children and teenagers, growing families and involved seniors. We feel honored to have others visit with us for worship or other activities and celebrate when those who visit decide to join our church family.
For almost 55 years the church at Jacksonville Beach has been known for its loving nature and commitment to sharing the Good News about God’s love with others. We hope that you will come and visit with us very soon!