WHERE AND WHEN DO YOU MEET?

We meet twice for worship on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) mornings at 9:30 AM and evenings at 6 PM at our building located at 3625 Skyview Drive, Janesville, WI 53546.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET THERE?

As you enter the door there is a welcome table with that Sunday’s bulletin. You will also find a brochure about the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, as well as other literature and information. Feel free to take and browse through these items, as well as engage any of our members or regular visitors in conversation. Our worship begins at 9:30 AM, and we prepare our hearts beforehand by observing a few minutes of silence as the piano plays the prelude to worship.  After worship, you’re welcome to stay for coffee and refreshments and join us for Sunday School.

HOW BIG IS YPOUR CHURCH?

Our church has approximately 100 communicant members and about 20 non-communicant members.  We also have about 20 regular attenders and visitors.

SHOULD WE BRING OUR CHILDREN?

Few sounds are as pleasant as the sound of children in God’s house. If you have young ones you are always welcomed and encouraged to have them worship with you in the service. They are no disturbance to us, but a joy. For your own convenience and comfort there is a nursery located off the lobby.

I HAVEN’T COMMITTED TO BEING A CHRISTIAN. AM I WELCOME?

Absolutely. The Church is a worshipping community, part of the body of Christ. What we are doing as his people is reverently approaching him in worship. At the same time, we are delighted to have those who do not know Christ come and visit with us. You will hear the wonderful words of life, and we hope it will help you to think carefully about ultimate issues.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN TO STAND AND SIT?

Our worship is traditional in nature, so you can easily see when to stand and sit simply by following the lead of the congregation. The pastor will usually say “please stand,” or “you may be seated.” The bulletin is also marked with an asterisk (*) where the congregation is asked to stand during the service, if able.

HOW DO I JOIN?

If you’ve visited and have decided that you would like to join with us, please let one of the pastors (Patrick Morgan or Casey Bessette) know, or you can contact one of the elders by emailing elders@christ-opc.org.  From time to time we have new member’s classes, or we may simply have a class together. The purpose of this class is to introduce you to every facet of our church’s faith and life, giving you an opportunity to know us better and ask questions along the way. Requirements for church membership are fairly simple, and yet important. You’ll be asked to meet with the session (board of elders). This isn’t an intimidating interview! But it is important that the session can know that you possess the knowledge requisite for active faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and rely for salvation on his merits alone.

I LIKE THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH, BUT I’M NOT SURE I AGREE WITH EVERY WORD OF IT. WOULD I BE WELCOME AS A MEMBER?

Certainly! It isn’t necessary that the members of the church adopt the Westminster Confession as their own. What is necessary is that one has a sincere profession of faith in Christ. When someone joins the church, here are the four things they need to agree with – the vows they will make before the congregation, answering in the affirmative these five questions:

Do you believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the Word of God, and its doctrine of salvation to be the perfect and only true doctrine of salvation?

Do you believe in one living and true God, in whom eternally there are three distinct persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—who are the same in being and equal in power and glory, and that Jesus Christ is God the Son, come in the flesh?

Do you confess that because of your sinfulness you abhor and humble yourself before God, that you repent of your sin, and that you trust for salvation not in yourself but in Jesus Christ alone?

Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your sovereign Lord, and do you promise that, in reliance on the grace of God, you will serve him with all that is in you, forsake the world, resist the devil, put to death your sinful deeds and desires, and lead a godly life?

Do you promise to participate faithfully in this church’s worship and service, to submit in the Lord to its government, and to heed its discipline, even in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life?

DO I NEED TO DONATE MONEY?

When the offering plate is passed, don’t feel any pressure as a visitor to put anything in it. We do teach the biblical principle of giving for believers, as part of being good stewards of what God has given us.

IF YOU ARE SERVING THE LORD’S SUPPER WHEN I VISIT, MAY I PARTICIPATE?

We observe the Lord’s Supper on the first Lord’s Day of every month.  If you have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and are a member in good standing of an evangelical, Bible believing church, and have a clear conscience before God, you are welcome to partake of the Lord’s Supper.  If you’re not sure, we ask simply that you follow along with the service, and if you’d like, talk o one of the elders about your concerns after the service.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

You’ll probably want to bring your Bible! And if you forget that, we’ll have an extra copy in the pews. We use the English Standard Version, but you’re welcome to use any translation which is faithful to the original text.   As the pastor preaches, you’re encouraged to turn to the passage he is preaching on, and other passages that he will cross-reference.

If we are having a fellowship meal, you don’t need to bring anything to join us; you’re welcome to be our guest.

WHAT IS THE WORSHIP SERVICE LIKE?

We are a reverent, traditional church. We sing hymns and psalms and recite creeds and confessions. The worship service lasts about an hour and a half. Music consists of piano and organ accompaniment. Expect to hear expository preaching from the Bible.

WHY DON’T YOU SING ANY CONTEMPORARY SONGS?

At Christ Presbyterian Church, our services contain arrangements of the Psalms and hymns selected for their biblical fidelity, richness, and depth of meaning. While most of our selections are relatively old, we recognize that every generation produces both excellent and poor hymnody and hold no age standard for our music. Our criteria is that each song must be biblical: glorifying to God and edifying to the worshiper.

WHO ARE THE LEADERS OF THE CHURCH?

Christ Presbyterian Church’s leadership is by elders, elected by the congregation. Currently there are two pastors and 5 elders serving on the “session (board of elders)  Christ Presbyterian church also has a diaconate (board of deacons) who direct the ministry of mercy and benevolence of the church.  There are currently 5 serving deacons. 

ARE THERE GATHERINGS OTHER THAN WORSHIP ON THE LORD’S DAY?

We do have some mid-week studies that are held in the community and at the church.  There is also Sunday School for all ages after the morning worship on the Lord’s Day.  There is also a fellowship meal on the last Sunday of the month every month.

WHAT OTHER EVENTS AND MINISTRIES ARE THERE?

Click here to see the Calendar for more information.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

We have congregants that wear suits, jackets and dresses, but some also wear more casual clothing – point is, we do not have a dress code. That said, worship is an important, if the the most important activity a person can engage in. What you wear should reflect the importance you place on the activity. 

IS THERE A NURSERY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?

Yes, there is a nursery available, just ask one of the greeters as you enter the building.