Worship

 

THE LORD'S SUPPER – In the first century, the Lord's Supper was a commemoration recognized by the assembly. In keeping with the example set forth by the Apostles, we participate in the Lord's Supper as we worship the first day of each week.

In 1 Corinthians 11:23 Paul says, "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you… Jesus took bread… Jesus gave thanks… Jesus broke the bread…"

Reading in 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 "…the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it…" Paul then repeats what Jesus said in the recent past: Reading in verse 24, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Reading in verse 25, Paul continues to repeat what Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death…"

When explaining to the reader what the Lord’s Supper is, Paul repeats what Jesus did and what Jesus said - specifically on a night in the recent history at the time- when Jesus was betrayed.

And then Paul completes his instruction by telling the reader what eating the bread and drinking the cup in the proper manner proclaims, namely, the Lord’s death…

Paul gives readers an example of practicing the Lord’s Supper the first day of the week in Acts 20:7.

As we work within the framework of the New Testament, we do our best to follow the examples set forth by Christ Jesus, the Apostles, and the Prophets.

There is arguably no better way of proclaiming the Lord’s death - than through the “sharing-with-one-another” in the proper conduct conjoined with the proper desire - concerning the Lord’s Supper - on the first day of the week.

PRAYER – Communication to God and the assembly is both vertical and horizontal. Vertical as we pray publicly to God through Christ Jesus and horizontally as we hear the public prayers of our brothers during our worship to Him. Prayer is an opportunity to encourage one another through our earnest and sincere requests to God to better serve Him as well as edify one another through love and fruit of the Spirit.

MUSIC – Singing and harmony come to life within the assembly at Sunday worship. We love to make music to God - singing to Him and each other. Visitors sometimes notice we do not have a choir or musical instruments. Those who first experience singing without instrumental accompaniment (a cappella) are often carried away by the beauty and purity of the harmonious voices. We encourage you to sing with us or feel free to simply listen to the melodies and lyrics as we draw closer to Him and each other the first day of each week.

PREACHING – The Bible is read and taught by various men within the congregation. We choose not to have one, full-time preacher - but rather a rotation of men ranging in ages, backgrounds, and experiences to present the word of God each week. God’s word transforms lives today as it did in the first century. At each Sunday during worship we hope you enjoy the sharing and teaching of the word of God from a variety of perspectives.

COLLECTION – Every Sunday we set aside a time to take up a collection, during which members are encouraged to share a portion of the resources God has blessed them with so we can fund the Lord's work both locally and abroad. Visitors are not expected to give unless they have a desire to contribute to the local ministry and mission work of the St. Cloud assembly.

COMMUNITY & FELLOWSHIP – Unfortunately in today's society, we are the first humans in history attempting to live without community and fellowship. Even when we have common attitudes, interests, and goals, we neglect to share them with others in a deep and impactful manner. Essentially, we are not participating in the sense of community that even academia say, “Organized religion provides…” At the assembly in St. Cloud, we believe we were not intended to live without community and fellowship. Genesis 1:27 says, “We were made in God’s image.” Ephesians 2:10 says, “We were created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Isaiah 43:7 says, “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” And 1 John 1:3-4 says, “...so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.” You will find we love to spend time with one another before and after worship services as it makes our joy complete. If you are comfortable and have time, please stay and get to know us.