Key Scriptures
Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV)
Origins
Congregationalism came to America on the Mayflower to reestablish a Church on the New Testament pattern – a fellowship of persons who freely choose to be followers of Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to have an "Individual Conscience"?
We do not accept any formal statement of faith as binding on all members. It’s not because we think creeds do not matter, but because we believe authenticity of conviction demands intellectual freedom and personal relationship with God.
Congregationalists have liberty and responsibility of conscience in interpreting the Gospel.
A common requirement for membership is sincere Christian conviction and honest desire to live in fellowship as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Children's Ministry
Work primarily with children when they are visiting
Board Members
Chairman/woman
Moderator
Chair, Trustees
Lead Deacon
Clerk / Secretary
Lay Person Liaison
Mark 12:30-31
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Congregationalism Authority Influences
The Mayflower Pilgrims also gathered freely, committing themselves to worship and serve together as the Spirit of God moved them. In matters of faith, they accepted full responsibility for their personal relationships with God in Christ and allowed no outside authority to dictate how they should believe, worship or serve God.
Christ Centered
Congregational Churches accept Christ alone as the head of the Church and are completely responsible for hearing and responding to Christ’s guidance as they understand it. Each church is autonomous and self-governing, free from outside church authority to follow the leading of Christ’s Spirit.
The relationship between Congregational Churches is one of mutual respect and kindred fellowship. Decisions are only recommendations and advice. They have only as much authority as there is truth in them.
When you join a Congregational Church, you accept the comprehensive view that all believers are one in Christ – regardless of organizational affiliation.
Media / Tech
Coordinate with Pastors on all media related content and advise Trustees of new relevant technologies to remain current.
Deacons
Service Assistance
Galatians 6:1-3
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
Henderson church origin
At the turn of last century, Henderson consisted of an elementary school, hotel, railroad depot, blacksmith shop, barber shop, cheese factory, general store, the Grange and a post office serving a small farming community. The only religious influence was a Sunday School started in the late 1800’s and taken over by Mr. Ralph Byers in 1897. By the end of 1904, Mr. Byers convinced a few people that Henderson needed a church and on March 26, 1905, the charter was signed.
Sacraments are what?
Congregational Churches practice two sacraments: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper, also referred to as Holy Communion.
Christian baptism is practiced in different ways. God’s blessing of the new life in Christ is the essential factor. Baptism though is a personal matter and is not an event to be taken lightly. We encourage personal, group, and pastoral bible studies for preparation.
Christians Dedication of infants relies on the parent’s sacred promise to bring up children in the Christian faith and is a common practice in Congregational Churches.
The Lord’s Supper is practiced in a variety of ways. The Presence of the Living God is the essential factor. No human ritual, tradition or practice by itself can provide the inspiration and spiritual strength which comes from God to believers in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s faithfulness.
Worship Team
Work with Pastoral staff to identify spirit filled songs that support the message of that day.
Sing in lead or support roles.
Play instruments if given that talent.
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Oversees ministry admin
Acts 2:38-42
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Henderson First Church Services
The first church services were held on the second floor of Mark Morris’ General Store, where the Grange also met. In 1907 the church affiliated with the Congregational Church and received a grant from the Home Mission Board to help erect the first church building on an acre of land east of the railroad on what is now 120th Avenue. The land was donated by Mr. Brose McCool. We still use the bell donated by an evangelist, who held special services to create interest in the church.
The Holy Spirits role...
We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to understand and apply God’s Word written in the Bible and experienced in our lives. The Spirit helps us develop as intelligent and joyful followers of Jesus Christ, expressing in our lives the fruit of God’s Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)
Food Bank
Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm. Close when there's no more people or supplies run out, whichever comes first.
Trustees
Keeps the lights on.
Building maintenance.
Oversees and sets annual budget.
Drive fundraisers.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Affiliations
In 1957 the church voted to be affiliated with the United Church of Christ. In 1992, its name was changed to Henderson Community Church to be more modern and appealing to the general public.
Whole Bible, implementing NT Principles
Congregational Christians stand for an open Bible. It is the inspired Word of God, a guide for life. Through God’s Word we learn and experience the power and love of a living God, so Christ becomes the primary light in our daily lives.
Congregationalists expect each member to have a personal relationship with God as the motivating force in his or her life.
The purpose of the Church is to help us grow in our relationship with God and our expression of God’s love in our lives.
Prayer / Bible Study
Meet every other Monday to pray for specific prayer requests, and work through a series of bible studies.
Members
To be a Church member is to recognize our commitment to God as God is made known to us in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We choose to be counted with those whose purpose is to build a more Christian community.
To be a Church member is to enter a dedicated fellowship; growing in our understanding of Christ, sharing each other’s burdens and joys, and serving others in Christ’s Spirit. These are all part of a living fellowship of those who follow Christ.
To be a Church member is to offer strength and encouragement through shared worship, prayer, study and service. Each member adds talent, time, money and prayers to the total work of the Church. When we work as a team to accomplish God’s purpose, we receive the joy of God’s contagious inspiration.
To be a Church member is to make real in our everyday lives the love of Jesus Christ. When Christ is alive within us, our relationships with others are deeper and truer. We rejoice as we experience and see God’s love expressed in Christian fellowship around us.
To be a Church member is to find forgiveness for sins, strength for life’s tasks, and assurance of a destiny worth desiring – to know oneself as a child of the living God!