Grace Gospel Chapel

Remembrance Meeting

(aka: "Breaking of Bread" or "Lord's Supper")

Breaking of Bread Practices at Grace Gospel Chapel

As a guest or visitor to Grace Gospel Chapel, the Remembrance or Breaking of Bread service style we use is perhaps new to you. Please understand that to some extent these are our own customs though based wholly on Scriptural principles. Scripture does not detail the exact manner of worship and thus each local assembly develops its own variation of worship practice. To help you understand our own otherwise unwritten customs in this service, please read the following carefully before participating. If you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and are not under church discipline from another body of believers, you are free to partake of the bread and cup. If you have not yet put your faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are welcome to observe us in worship, but we ask that you refrain from the bread and cup as they are passed. The sisters are not permitted to speak publicly in the meeting. However they may participate in the singing of the hymns and in silent meditation and silent prayer. Women are also encouraged to wear a head covering. This practice is based on our understanding of the teaching of the Scripture on this subject.

1. This is "open" worship. All who love the Lord Jesus may come to join us around the Table of the Lord in fellowship as members of the Body of Christ. You need not become a formal "member" of our group. We wish to receive all that Christ has received.

2. This is "participative" worship The worship and remembrance meeting is led by any Spirit-directed brother without detailed prior arrangement or order of service. Any brother may suggest a hymn, lead in prayer, or open up the Scriptures so as to guide the group, under the Spirit's leadership, into worship and remembrance. Sensitivity and submissiveness are important Scriptural elements for all participants in this meeting.

3. This is "reflective" worship. A theme is often developed during the meeting through prayer, hymn or Scripture, and can be recognized and developed as the meeting progresses. There are a large variety of themes such as the love of God, the cross of Christ, Christ as the Lamb of God, the grace of God, etc. Any passage suggested for consideration, hymns given out, or prayers offered, are quite often tied in to this theme. The theme may certainly be changed by the Spirit of God in midstream, but it is preferred that the person who knowingly brings out the shift in theme make a suitable transition to aid the others in changing their focus.

NOTE: This is our worship and remembrance meeting, not our "teaching" meeting. Personal testimonies (unless they highlight an aspect pertinent to the worship theme) are not encouraged here, nor are public exhortations or rebuke, but rather reflection on and worship of our great God and Savior. Long dissertations should be avoided in consideration of others who will want to share publicly in the service.

4. This meeting also employs "musical" worship. If a believer wishes to give out a hymn, it will be sung a a cappella. We prefer that songs not be selected simply because they are favorites, but because they will help others worship and reflect on the work of Christ in our behalf. It may be helpful if a brief introduction be given by the one who gives out a hymn, a short statement of what in particular speaks out to the hymn giver in relation to the meeting would be appropriate.

5. This is "considerate" worship. Personal preference is a significant consideration in the manner of worship. Any brother taking an audible part should strive to speak in a loud enough voice for all to hear. Repositioning, or turning toward the rest of the group is acceptable if this will help in his being heard. At an appropriate time one of the brethren will give thanks for the Bread, the loaf will then be broken and be passed for all the believers to partake of it. Then thanks will be given for the Cup and the trays will then be passed. Any avilable brother sitting near the front is encouraged to assist the brother who led out in thanks to help distribute the trays of cups. Drink from one of the glasses and replace it in the tray as it is passed. Because of time constraints the meeting is scheduled for one hour. It is incumbent on the brethren participating to be aware of the time as they take part in the service.

Please feel free to participate and enjoy this service without further direction.

If you have any questions, please ask one of the elders. They will be very happy to hear of your interest.