What should I expect when I visit?
When you visit ACC on Sunday morning you should expect to be greeted at the door by an usher who will welcome you to our fellowship. The first meeting of the morning, which meets from 9:30-10:30 am, we call the Breaking of Bread. It is a communion service which we celebrate every Sunday morning. We gather at this service to remember Jesus Christ's death and all that He accomplished for those who have trusted in him.
We usually begin the service by singing a few hymns of praise, the words of which are projected on the screen at the front of the auditorium. After a time of singing someone will stand and welcome the congregation and formally begin the service by reading from God's word and praying. They may also ask that we sing another hymn.
The service progresses for the next 45 minutes or so with various men standing and leading the congregation in worship. These men are not selected ahead of time but participate as they believe God prompts them to lead the congregation in worship. These men may share from the Bible, or they may ask that we sing a song together, or they may lead us in prayer. Because there is no strict order of service there will be pauses and silences. These times, although not planned, are not a sign that something has gone wrong. Rather, these times are useful for quiet contemplation and reflection.
The service will continue with various men standing and sharing or praying or asking that we sing a hymn together until 15 minutes before the close of the meeting. At that time someone will invite us all to give thanks for the bread together which we will then pass around. That will be followed by a prayer of thanks for the cup, which will be followed by a prayer of thanksgiving for the offering. We invite you to celebrate communion with us only if you are trusting Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. If you are not, do not be afraid to pass the bread or the cup to the person sitting next to you. In addition, visitors should not feel compelled to place any money in the offering bags as they are passed. This collection is for the convenience of our church family who gives to support the various ministries of ACC.
After the bread, cup, and offering bags have been passed around, someone (usually one of the elders) will formally close the meeting by praying and giving some announcements. We invite you to join us for a time of fellowship and refreshment after this service.
After the refreshment time the adults re-gather in the auditorium (while children and youth meet for Sunday School on the lower level) for a time of teaching from the Word of God. This is our main teaching/preaching service and lasts for approximately 1 hour. ACC is committed to teaching the Word of God; therefore you can expect the teaching at this hour to be centered on what the Word of God says. It is our ultimate authority.