Gathered worship
Corporate worship on Sundays is the central rhythm in the life of God’s people. Through the Holy Spirit, we re-center our lives in Jesus Christ through song, Scripture, prayer, communion, and corporate fellowship. When we cannot be at the church where we are members, we seek to worship elsewhere, or in some other way join in the fellowship of other believers to observe the Lord’s Day.
Some Scripture references we will return to: Hebrews 10:19-25; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2-4; Revelation 1:10.
service
We seek out opportunities to love and serve neighbors. Our time and talents, in addition to our “treasures”, all come into view in this rhythm. Our service nurtures God’s will in the world, and it delivers people from hardship and suffering. We ask God to open our eyes to the needs of those near us, and we bring needs to the attention of others in the Church who can serve better than we can.
Some Scripture references we will return to: Mark 6:30-44; Acts 2:42-37; Acts 3:1-6; Galatians 2:10
missional encounter
We pursue rhythms of both showing and telling the good news of the gospel with those who don’t currently know and trust Jesus. This includes the essential Christian practice of evangelism, but it is far more than this. Mission includes any rhythm of inviting others into your life — including those who are different from you (race, class, political party, faith tradition, etc.) There’s a wide range of venues in which mission can occur - locally in neighborhoods, workplaces and schools and globally through partnerships and direct international mission work. At times it also includes prophetic speech against oppression or other injustice in our society or in other societies. We have the spiritual practice of hospitality in view here as well.
Some Scripture references we will return to: Luke 5:29-32; 1 Peter 3:13-17.
generosity
We share what we have with others, and we seek to live simply. This includes the discipline of giving regularly, sacrificially, and generously to the local church. It also transcends that discipline by seeking to live with less, saving the difference, and use it to love God and love others around the entire world. Generosity encompasses not only our money, but our homes, our time, truly all that God has entrusted to us.
Some Scripture references we will return to: Acts 2:42-37; Acts 6:1-7; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
spiritual friendship
We meet with other people, becoming friends and helping each other to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. We seek to encourage and care for our brothers and sisters in Christ and also to accept their input in our own life. There are a variety of ways these relationships are formed in our church — home meetings, men’s and women’s ministry groups, etc. — as well as through spontaneous gatherings. Confession of sin and related accountability relationships are included here, as are the simple pleasures of shared meals, outings, and hobbies with other Christians. Disciples of Jesus enjoy time and life with other disciples!
Some Scripture references we will return to: Acts 2:42-37; Romans 16:1-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Fasting & Feasting
True fasting is intentionally forsaking some good thing (like a meal, or TV) for the sake of greater enjoyment of / fellowship with God. True feasting is celebrating God’s good gifts with attentive thanksgiving in our hearts (not just enjoying things mindlessly, as we so often do). At different times of the year we encourage these rhythms corporately and/or individually. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Some Scripture references we will return to: Nehemiah 1:1-4; Nehemiah 8:8-12; Matthew 6:16-18; Matthew 9:14-17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
sabbath
We rest from our work and celebrate our new life in Christ for a day each week — this is related to “common worship” as described above, but it is distinct enough to categorize separately, because the sabbath principle transcends the weekly exercise of gathered worship. This rhythm may include other annual or biannual retreating rhythms at different times during our year, in order to intentionally reflect upon our relationship with God and others.
Some Scripture references we will return to: Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:30-31.
Daily prayer & Bible study
Everything in the Christian’s life flows from encounter with God in prayer. We bring each day's joys and needs to the God who cares for us, and we also read His Word, allowing it to change us and help us grow. When together with one or more brothers and sisters, these prayers and readings can be recited jointly. When absent from one another, we will pray on our own. This rhythm also involves deeper study of theology, which may need to be a weekly or monthly practice rather than a daily one.
Some Scripture references we will return to: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 1; Matthew 7:24-27; Ephesians 6:10-24; Colossians 4:2.
