As a home chapel, our services are a little bit unique. We aim to be familiar and comfortable for those who have spent a lot of time in church, but friendly and welcoming for those who may not have had much experience at church, or whose experience hasn’t always been positive.
Where We Meet
We meet in the home of our chaplain, Luke.
We sit on couches, and around the dining room table, and try to keep things relaxed, welcoming, and informal. The space is open plan, and flexible. Some people prefer to make themselves comfortable in the main living area, others prefer things to be a little quieter, and sit in our games nook, while others still — especially note takers — may choose to sit at the dining room table and spread out. If the idea of coming in someone else’s home is a little intimidating — we get it — you’re also welcome to open our patio doors and listen from the deck (weather permitting), grab a stool at the breakfast bar, or pull up a chair in the kitchen, or hallway, if you want to be a little more out of the way. Whatever makes you fell most comfortable, there is lots of space to spread out and make yourself at home
When We Meet
Our doors are open from 10:30 for coffee, welcome and fellowship, and our service begins at 11:00. We aim to finish in time for lunch (usually between 12:15 and 12:30), but most people stay and share a family meal with us after — all are welcome, and there is no expectation to bring food with you if you don’t want to.
What Our Service Looks Like
We believe that when Christians gather the bible describes a few key elements that make up the gathering.
It describes meeting regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25), and we do this each Sunday, as was the pattern of New Testament Christians, in remembrance and celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Sung Worship
Christian worship has always been marked by sung worship, as a way to honour and glorify God. Therefore, our gatherings include “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,” (Ephesians 5:19). We sing a mixture of traditional hymns, classic chorus’, and modern worship songs, all of which help us corporately express scriptural truth, and give praise and honour to God. We use both live music, and pre-recorded songs, always ensuring words are displayed on screen to help people to sing along. Some stand, while others sit, and both are totally fine. And of course, there is never any pressure to join in, and you are always welcome to simply sit back and reflect on the words and music if you prefer.
Prayer
Prayer — speaking to God, offering our thanks, expressing our gratitude, bringing our requests and supplications, and acknowledging our struggles — plays an essential part in our lives as christians, and our services create space to do this together. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us that we are to “pray without ceasing” and we enjoy doing this together. Prayer is simply a conversation between ourselves and our Heavenly Father, and we do not generally use written prayers or liturgy, preferring speak to God freely. We do this both out loud, and quietly in our hearts and minds, knowing that God hears both equally. Know that you will never be picked on to pray out loud — though there is always an opportunity to do so if you so choose.
Scripture Reading and Bible Teaching
The public reading of scripture, and teaching the bible (also called “preaching” or “sermons”) was something that the early church “devoted themselves to” (Acts 2:42, 1 Timothy 4:13), and makes up a key part of our gatherings.
We usually work systematically (chapter by chapter, and verse by verse) through a section of scripture — we are currently working through John’s gospel — drawing out the meaning of the verses, and applying it to our lives, by allowing the words of God to guide us. This is called “exegetical” preaching. However, we also trust God to guide us here and now, and will, from time to time, take diversions from our usual teaching pattern for special events (such as Easter, Christmas, Baptisms, celebrations of new life, etc), or as God guides us, as we address specific topics or situations that are especially pertinent or pressing.
Teaching usually lasts between 30 and 40 minutes, and includes illustrations and object lessons (a bit like how Jesus used parables) to help us better understand and apply the meaning of the verses to our lives.
We display bible readings and sermon notes on screen, and printed bibles are always available — we always encourage you to follow along in your own bible, and makes sure what is being taught is truly what the scriptures say.
While we believe Scripture describes order in our gatherings (1 Corinthians 14:26-40), because we meet in home, there is always a little more space to ask questions, share insight, or make observations than may be typical in a traditional service.
Teaching is overseen by, and usually delivered by our chaplain, Luke, who is also a credentialed minister in The Fellowship, and has a B.A. in Applied Theology, so we always hope that what you hear will be biblically grounded, accurate, and applicable to your life. Sometimes teaching may be delivered by others — either visiting guest ministers, or other members of our chapel, who have a discerned preaching or teaching gift). Either way, we firmly believe that biblical preaching and teaching is a gift given to some, and place a high priority on ensuring our teaching is always grounded in scripture, which has been searched diligently and preached faithfully.
The Ordinances — Baptism and Communion
We share communion (also called “the Lord’s Supper”) weekly, celebrating Jesus death, and resurrection which unites us as believers, saves us from our sin, and makes us God’s children. We do this because it is instructed by Jesus himself (Matthew 26:26-29).
We believe this is a symbolic memorial, an external symbol of a deeper spiritual truth. We therefore offer the elements freely to all, trusting each individual to determine for themselves if they would like to participate. We know there are differences of opinion over this among sincere, genuine christians, but our chapel hold that Communion is an Ordinance, not a sacrament (see our FAQ for more info). You are welcome to join us if you are visiting from a different church or christian tradition, even if you hold a different view, but understand if you would prefer not to participate, and ask that you would respect our view. There is never an expectation to participate, and no-one will think less of you if you simply allow the elements to pass you by.
We also believe that Baptism is the only other ordinance described in scripture, and take the opportunity to baptize new believers as part of our weekly gathering whenever this is requested (for more info, see our FAQ).
Fellowship Meal
Following our service, we always offer a simple, free, family meal. All are welcome to join us, and there is no expectation to bring food with you — though if you would like to, you are more than welcome.
We try to stick to “family favourites” that all can enjoy.
If you have specific dietary requirements, but would still like to join us, don’t hesitate to contact us, and it would be our pleasure to ensure these are catered for.