Allow Us to Introduce Ourselves
If you’re coming to us for the first time, here’s what to expect…
If you’re coming to us for the first time, here’s what to expect…
When does the Bay City congregation hold services?
Weekly. Our congregation meets every Sunday, with special accommodations made due to holidays, sports, etc. Please check our Events Calendar for additional information.
Standard Sunday Schedule:
9:30 a.m. – Doors open (approx.)
9:45 a.m. – Sunday School*
11:00 a.m. – Sunday Worship
What does a standard worship service look like congregation?
Expect variety! Because the services are planned by a variety of people and the service leadership and participants change from week to week, no two services will ever be exactly alike. Some will be more traditional, others more contemporary, and most somewhere in-between. All will provide an opportunity for you to share in music, scripture, and challenging words of hope, faith, and the love of Jesus Christ.
Weekly. Our congregation meets every Sunday, with special accommodations made due to holidays, sports, etc. Please check our Events Calendar for additional information.
Standard Sunday Schedule:
9:30 a.m. – Doors open (approx.)
9:45 a.m. – Sunday School*
11:00 a.m. – Sunday Worship
What does a standard worship service look like congregation?
Expect variety! Because the services are planned by a variety of people and the service leadership and participants change from week to week, no two services will ever be exactly alike. Some will be more traditional, others more contemporary, and most somewhere in-between. All will provide an opportunity for you to share in music, scripture, and challenging words of hope, faith, and the love of Jesus Christ.
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Standard Worship Service
Welcome/News/needs The presider, or the person responsible for organizing and overseeing that week’s worship service, will welcome those in attendance. During this time, attendees are given the opportunity to talk about noteworthy events in their lives, request prayers, or alert the congregation to opportunities for service and fellowship in the community. A prayer may be offered. Hymns The congregation will sing two to four hymns at each worship service. Most of these hymns will come from our most recent hymn book, Community of Christ Sings! At times, hymns or worship music from other sources will be used. In these instances, words will be provided. Call to Worship The Call to Worship is an opportunity to center the mind and prepare for the worship service. It invites us to settle into this sacred space. This may include a special hymn, a call and response, a meditative question, or a scripture reading. Prayer for Peace Each day at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA, a prayer of supplication is offered for a different country throughout the world to promote peace and justice. In our local congregation, this Prayer for Peace is included in our Sunday Worship, Prayers In addition to the Prayer for Peace, a standard worship service will include several prayers, including Invocation, Benediction, prayers of supplication, and occasionally the laying on of hands for the sick … Disciples generous response (offertory) Each week tithes and offerings are collected during the service. In addition to a collection for the general operating funds of the church, certain offerings may be requested for special projects or a specific missional goal. Patrons are invited to specify which projects or mission initiatives they wish to financially support by indicating their preferences on their offering envelope. Programmatically, the Disciples Generous Response may include a reading of scripture, sharing of a story, or a video about various projects conducted at the congregation, mission, or world church level. A collection basket is passed around the congregation to collect these funds. On Sundays we take the opportunity to model this practice in our communal worship services. Often the individual offering the Prayer for Peace will take some time to share some brief information about the country chosen for that day including diplomatic and domestic challenges it may be facing. |
How long does each service last? Worship services typically run for approximately one hour, from 11 a.m. - Noon. Some programmatic elements may shorten or lengthen the service by +/- 15 minutes.
What does a communion service look like at our congregation?Communion Sunday (also referred to as The Lord's Supper, Sacrament Service, Eucharist, etc.) takes place on the first Sunday of every month. Community of Christ congregations worldwide regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper as an opportunity to reflect on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is also a chance to recommit our self to following him.
During communion, ordained ministers of the church serve bread and grape juice (sometimes referred to as wine) as symbols of Jesus’ body and blood.
Are there opportunities for Camps & Retreats?Camping has historically been an important part of our faith tradition. From the early days of revivals in the American frontier to today, Community of Christ offers spiritual camps and retreats for all ages - including families. Each summer, members and friends of Community of Christ throughout Michigan gather at our campgrounds, for Youth Camps and Family Camps (also referred to as Reunion). Other retreats are offered throughout the year, such as the Nurturing Spirit Retreat, Men's Retreat, Women's Retreat, Youth Retreat, and Young Adult Retreat.
What do I wear? Dress on Sunday leans towards business casual; however, you will find people dressed in their Sunday best and others in blue jeans, a t-shirt, and flip flops. Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Come as you are!
Is this a child-friendly congregation?Yes! Children are an important part of the Bay City congregation. We cherish the ministry shared by persons of all ages, and this includes our children. You will find children participating in worship services through prayer, music, testimony, and focus moments.
Children are always welcome in both Sunday School and our 11:00 a.m. worship service.
What does a communion service look like at our congregation?Communion Sunday (also referred to as The Lord's Supper, Sacrament Service, Eucharist, etc.) takes place on the first Sunday of every month. Community of Christ congregations worldwide regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper as an opportunity to reflect on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is also a chance to recommit our self to following him.
During communion, ordained ministers of the church serve bread and grape juice (sometimes referred to as wine) as symbols of Jesus’ body and blood.
Are there opportunities for Camps & Retreats?Camping has historically been an important part of our faith tradition. From the early days of revivals in the American frontier to today, Community of Christ offers spiritual camps and retreats for all ages - including families. Each summer, members and friends of Community of Christ throughout Michigan gather at our campgrounds, for Youth Camps and Family Camps (also referred to as Reunion). Other retreats are offered throughout the year, such as the Nurturing Spirit Retreat, Men's Retreat, Women's Retreat, Youth Retreat, and Young Adult Retreat.
What do I wear? Dress on Sunday leans towards business casual; however, you will find people dressed in their Sunday best and others in blue jeans, a t-shirt, and flip flops. Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Come as you are!
Is this a child-friendly congregation?Yes! Children are an important part of the Bay City congregation. We cherish the ministry shared by persons of all ages, and this includes our children. You will find children participating in worship services through prayer, music, testimony, and focus moments.
Children are always welcome in both Sunday School and our 11:00 a.m. worship service.