Jamestown church of Christ

New Here What to Expect

What to Expect

We want you to feel comfortable when you join us for Bible study or worship, so we've put together some information to make things easier.

When to Show Up

When visiting somewhere for the first time, you'd like to know when to arrive. People tend to arrive anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 minutes ahead of time. If you're visiting for the first time, plan to arrive 15 minutes early. You won't be the first one to arrive, but you'll be able to get a seat for Bible class or worship.

Where Are Things?

When you arrive, we're sure you don't want to show up as the main attraction. Our main doors on the south end of the building enter the vestibule at the rear end of our auditorium, so you won't find yourself stepping in beside the preacher. For your convenience, the restrooms and nursery are also at the south end of the building.

Bible class for the adults will be held in the auditorium. Kids classes are split between upstairs and downstairs area. The stairs are located near the South/rear of the building. The upstairs classrooms are at the North/front end of the building. A sign in the vestibule indicates the location of each classroom based on a student's age/grade. Don't worry, there will be someone in the vestibule if you need assistance.

What to Wear

You won't be ostracized if you come from work or fail to wear your tuxedo, but here's what you can expect when you come. Men are generally dressed in business or business casual attire and may wear ties, sport coats, or suits. Likewise, women will commonly wear skirts, dresses or business casual attire.

Talking about a person's attire for worship can be contentious, but we know that you're likely concerned about standing out when you visit. If you were to show up for a date in ratty clothes, it would send a message to your date about the importance you place on the event. Similarly, when we gather for worship, we want to honor the God we serve in the way we dress and demonstrate our respect for the act of worship.

What About My Kids?

We have a number of kids regularly attending our worship services and Bible studies. During the Bible study periods, teachers are prepared and classes are available for all ages 2 years-old and up. During the worship service, kids are with you (or their friends) so they can take part in worship as well. We also have a nursery/cry-room available to take your kids if you need.

What Bible Study is Like

We have Bible studies scheduled every Sunday and Wednesday lasting 1 hour or 45 minutes respectively. These studies will be one of the major things that you'll notice will differentiate us from denominations. During these periods we seek to better understand the Bible and how to apply it to our lives. Learn more about our Bible Classes.

What a Worship Service is Like

When we gather for worship, you can expect us to do the same things that the church did in the first century A.D. On a Sunday morning, you can expect our worship service to last about an hour.

Singing

Singing

We'll sing just as we read about in Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19-20. Since we don't see examples of the New Testament church using instruments, our music is a-capella. There are no solos or performances, just people singing together to praise God and encourage each other.

Praying

Praying

During our worship, we'll offer prayers to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ as we read in John 16:23 and 1 Timothy 2:5.

Giving

Giving

Every Sunday, we also collect our money so we can support our work in Jamestown and the local area. As a visitor, there is absolutely no expectation for you to support our church. Collecting money on Sunday is the only example we find in the Bible for supporting the work of a local church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), but it's the sole responsibility of those who make up that group.

Communion

Communion

We'll pass trays of unleavened bread and grape juice for Christians to remember the LORD's death as we're instructed in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. We do this every Sunday just like the early church did (Acts 20:7). This memorial is for Christians, so don't feel obligated to partake in this act of worship when you come visit us.

Sermon

Sermon

As you might expect, there will be a lesson taught during our worship that will last about 30 to 40 minutes. These lessons are centered on the Bible, the Word of God, and are intended to help us keep serving God faithfully and making corrections in our lives to be more like Him (Matthew 28:18-19). Teaching from the Bible is essential because men aren't saved by some magical experience, but by hearing the gospel and choosing to respond to it (1 Corinthians 1:21).