Worship reflects the inter-denominational composition of the congregation. Baptist, Methodist and Covenant Rite Liturgies are used, infant and believer’s baptism and infant dedication are practised. It is a Church decision not to re-baptise as believers those baptised as infants, in this way we demonstrate very clearly that we accept and respect first baptism, whichever that may have been. After a long period of discussion and prayer, the Church has an open Communion table at which the invitation is to, ‘All who love our Lord Jesus Christ’, this invitation is literally to all, from the youngest to the oldest.
Sundays
We meet for morning worship at 11.00am and this service includes Junior Church. Holy Communion is normally celebrated on the first Sunday of the month.
We use Complete Mission Praise as the main source of hymns and songs.
There are opportunities for members of the congregation to take part by doing the Bible readings, prayers, etc.
We hold Parade Services 3-4 times a year, to celebrate the work of the Uniformed Organisations that meet at Christchurch.
Tea and coffee is served after morning service except on the first Sunday of the month when Holy Communion is celebrated.
Membership
Everyone wants to be part of something, and we want people to be part of this church, and to receive all the privileges being a member of Christchurch offers.
And so it is, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in accordance with the decision of the Church Meeting, here in Christchurch we welcome into membership those who declare, that in dependence on the help of God, they will endeavour to live as a faithful member of this fellowship. Being a member in Christchurch means that each person declares their faith in One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Members promise, trusting in God’s grace, to be faithful in their public as well as their own private worship, to live in the fellowship of the church, and to share in its witness.
Those who become a member in Christchurch, have the opportunity of sharing in all that happens within the life of the church, and share in all the privileges and responsibilities. Deciding to be a member of the church is not a decision that should be taken lightly, as with the privilege of being a member, comes huge responsibilities.
Of course, every member and those who attend the church are expected to play their part in the life of the church which could mean many things! Whether that is volunteering with the Children’s and Youth activities; serving on the coffee rota; it could mean stewarding in our weekly services and much more.
However, along with the privileges of being a member in Christchurch, comes the responsibility for discerning the will of the Lord, as the members come together in the Church Meeting, to make decisions about: how finances which have been entrusted to us should be spent or invested; the direction the church should be going in; the Mission opportunities and various projects it should be involved in and much more.
Each member is expected to attend Church Meetings and is entitled to vote on recommendations.
If you would like to consider being a Member, please speak to one of the Deacons.