www.fvcrc.org
Pastor:
George Cooper
Church office:
(815) 459-9519
Email:
revelation@dls.net
fvcrcoffice@dls.net
We meet for worship at the following times:
Sundays: 9:30 AM Worship11:00 AM Sunday School
5:30 PM Evening Worship
6:30 PM Youth Group (1st and 3rd Sun.)
Wed. 6:30 PM Cadets and GEMS (1st & 3rd Wed.)
Communion is served every 2nd Sunday.
We often meet for special occasions (Christmas Eve, Good Friday, etc.). Call or e-mail for details.
Jesus tells us not to forsake the fellowship of believers. For us, that means worshiping together in addition to the other things we do together. Here is what you can expect if you worship with us:
1. Bible-based preaching and teaching. We always have an open Bible at the pulpit. You won't hear just some loosey-goosey feel-good fluff. You'll hear a sermon based on the Word that you can use in your daily life. It sounds serious, but it's fun and interesting.
2. Singing. Singing is a great way to "talk back" to God during the service. We are open to all styles of musical expression, but we happen to be blessed with some classically inclined musicians at the moment. We usually use a piano for accompaniment, but we sometimes use flutes, strings, trumpets as well. Sometimes we go acapella. If you like to play an instrument, we'd love to give you a chance to play with us in the service.
We have two songbooks and try to mix some of the traditional hymns and songs of the faith with more contemporary styles. We like to learn new stuff. We have a small choir that does special music on occasion. We could use a tenor at the moment (hint, hint).
3. Member participation. We encourage members to participate in the service any way they can. You'll see people leading the singing, reading scripture, singing solos, doing children's messages and other things. You don't have to, but if you want, there is a way for you to participate, too.
4. Prayer. We usually have some time to share special prayer requests and notes of praise to lift up as a congregation. If you feel like sharing, go right ahead. If you don't, that's ok too.
5. Sacraments. Baptism & communion.
6. The offering. You knew we were getting to this, didn't you! Part of being a committed Christian is using the material possession God has granted us for the work of the church. We can do things as a church and as a denomination that we can't do as individuals. When we contribute, we're just giving some back to God.
Actually, the offering is for those of us who are members or committed participants. It's a convenient way for us to support the ministries of the church both locally and worldwide. We also have special offerings for specific purposes every month. Usually the special offerings are for charitable agencies (Bethany, Gideons, Food Pantry, etc.). For our guests: please don't feel obligated to contribute. Just smile and pass the plate to your neighbor. Nobody will grimace at you.
7. A relaxed atmosphere. We aren't "High Church" or painfully formal. We do use a bulletin, but you can get by without it. If you have never been in church, or are from a different tradition, you don't have to worry about complicated rules or doing something "wrong". Laughter is allowed also.
8. Dress. We do believe in showing respect to God and fellow believers (who may not be as far long spiritually as you), but you'll find a lot of diversity here also. "Come as you are" certainly applies. Nobody will throw you out for wearing a suit, and nobody will throw you out for wearing jeans and a T-shirt either. God looks on the inside, not the outside, and as long as we approach him sincerely, He has promised to hear us.
Copyright © 2003, Fox Valley Christian Reformed Church
