What to expect in a service?
Sunday services at North End are great times to connect with God and His people. Here is some information that explains what you can expect in our services.
MEETING OUTLINE: The meeting will be led by one of the Pastors or an appointed meeting leader. This person will give any directions or announcements needed to ensure a continued flow in the meeting. The name of the speaker & any other events will be found inside one of our information newsletters.
PARTICIPATION: Do what is right for you, Feel free to participate as best suits you. Or perhaps you may just prefer to watch & listen - that is also OK.
SINGING: (Praise & Worship) Stand or sit as suits you. (especially if you get tired easily) Some of the time we sing songs by following words on the overhead screen, & sometimes we sing spontaneously, expressing our own thoughts & feelings as individuals or together. If any of the words in the songs don’t make sense, then please ask for an explanation from one of the Leaders at the conclusion of the meeting.
PRAYER: (Talking with God) Sitting, standing or kneeling - all of these are fine in times of prayer. Prayers are usually more spontaneous in nature, i.e. prayers not read from written notes.
SCRIPTURE SHARING: We allow time for people in the congregation to share portions of the Bible at an appropriate moment, in order to encourage each other.
INFORMAL SHARING: Sometimes people share an idea or thought which they believe God is wanting to use to encourage us. This may sound as though God is speaking & we encourage people with the ability to hear God in this way to share from the floor. (The Bible calls this prophecy.)
TEACHING / PREACHING: One of the Pastors / Teachers or an invited guest speaker will present a prepared teaching for the congregation. This usually covers an aspect of God’s character or biblical advice & principles that will help you in areas of personal, family, church & life. We encourage bringing your own bible to follow with & the taking of notes for later study & review / discussion.
REMEMBRANCE MEAL: This symbolic “meal” reminds us of Jesus’ death & resurrection. We do this with symbols of bread & juice. If you are a Christian feel free to share this “meal” with us. If you don’t understand the significance of this time, then it may be best to wait until you understand better what this means. The elements are usually eaten while sitting in our seats as directed by the person leading this part of the meeting. Parents…The decision is yours regarding your children‘s participation. Normally those in the crèche do not participate in this meal.
GIVING: There is an urn by the stage area of our auditorium for this purpose. The regular attenders here enjoy giving to support the work of the church locally & internationally. If you are visiting & want to give, then please do, but we do not expect or ask our visitors to give at this time.
CHILDREN: Usually children aged 4-12 yrs (Form 2) have their own program (The Zone) starting at 11am. Classes are not compulsory, it is the parent’s decision whether their children attend.
HELP!! The ushers, are always available & glad to assist you. We are also happy to give explanations on any aspect of this church should it be required. Feel free to phone the church office for an appointment with one of our leaders.