Assembly Times
What To Expect
When you visit you will find people who sincerely want to follow the teachings of the Bible and please God with their lives. You’ll find that every sermon and class is based on the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16–17). In fact, members and visitors are urged to bring their own Bibles and follow along. We still strive to do Bible things in Bible ways, and to call Bible things by Bible names—nothing more or nothing less. We seek to exalt Christ in our songs, prayers, sermons, and lives (Colossians 1:18). The Bible is at the center of our faith, which is where you gain faith (Romans 10:17). Churches of Christ are diversified—people of all races and nationalities, worshiping and working together as God’s children (Acts 10:34–35).
On Sunday mornings we hold the worship service before Bible classes, which is a little different from some congregations that hold Bible classes first, so be prepared to worship first! When we gather to worship on Sundays you should expect:
• Congregational Singing. Every Christian is exhorted to sing songs, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The whole congregation sings, regardless of ability. Nothing in the New Testament calls us to use musical instruments and since we desire to only do what the Bible authorizes, we sing the way the early church did – without instruments.
• Prayer. We are a people of the Bible and of prayer so during worship services several men will offer prayer to the Lord and one of the elders will offer prayer for those requesting it (Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• The Lord’s Supper. The New Testament records how the church of the Bible observed the Lord’s Supper (Communion) on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) in commemoration of the blood and body of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:26) and we follow that example. This memorial consists of eating unleavened bread and drinking the fruit of the vine, which Jesus used when He established this practice (Matthew 26:26-29).
• Preaching from the Bible. The Word of God is preached from the pulpit to reprove, rebuke, exhort (2 Timothy 4:2), encourage and inform to grow in faith and knowledge in the doctrine of Christ (1 Peter 2:2). The aim is to present the Word in a simple and understandable form.
• Contribution. No guests are expected to contribute money so feel free to just pass the plate to your neighbor. The members of the church give as they have prospered and determined in their hearts to continue the work of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
We do these thingswith the aim to worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24) in order to please him and not ourselves. By doing so, we know we shall be edified.
Following our Sunday Morning worship service, we have a short intermission and then we have Bible classes for all ages. During the Bible Study times, there is an adult class that meets in the auditorium, and you can always feel free to join us there. In the summer when students are home from college, we usually have a college class as well. The class for young singles and families that we call “Primeagers” meet together and several older age groups also meet together. After class, many people socialize and foster lasting relationships. There are age-appropriate classes for children of all ages. There are always several friendly members who would be happy to help you find the best classes for you and your children.
We also gather to worship on Sunday evenings so that those who could not worship in the morning can do so and communion is also offered at that time as well. It is another great opportunity for everyone to learn and study the Bible more. We gather again on Wednesday evening for Bible study for all ages. Usually the subject matter on Sunday night and Wednesday is a little deeper.
As friends, we like to get together when we can. We hold several banquets through the year to honor certain people, like graduates or our older saints. Once a month, the young families gather for “Primeagers” fellowship, which is often at someone’s house. The “saints” is the older group that meets once a month and enjoys good food and fellowship. We hold All-Family Fellowships, which are pot luck meals with a devotional and singing.
Every summer we host Vacation Bible School for the children of the congregation and the surrounding area that is usually themed. The youth also participate in regional youth rallies like the Family Summer Series during the Summer months.
During the school year the youth participate in Bible Quiz and meet with other local congregations for fellowship and we also find service projects that our youth can work on together.
Every Summer the youth also attend camp at Green Valley Bible Camp in Rogers, Arkansas. For one week young people get away from the stresses of everyday life, and drink deeply from a daily study of God's Word, inspiring periods of worship, and lots of good clean fun. The bonds that are formed here last a life time! Throughout the year Highland works to provide opportunities for our youth to come together. It's a great way to build lasting friendships with others who are like-minded.