Types of Services

Worship is…...

...... loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Worship is more than music. Music is a great way to help us express our thanks and praise to God but this is not the only way to worship. Our actions, attitudes, the way we serve, the way we treat others, the words we use, can all bring glory to God. Worship is something we can do at anytime of the week and right through the day. We worship God when we offer Him our whole lives.

Events You Might Find in a Weekend Service

A Church Service is the time when the congregation (the people that attend a church) regularly meet together, as instructed by Jesus, to worship, learn about and be obedient to God. The way a service is conducted is largely determined by what we, as Baptists, believe (our theology). The main elements of a regular service are;

welcome
announcements
praise through singing
teaching through a sermon
offering as an act of obedience
prayer

There are a number of special church services that encompass steps of obedience to God’s Word. Church membership is NOT required to take part in any church service, only a willing heart before God.

Baptism

What happens in a Baptism service?

The act of baptism is a public declaration of Faith. Some people give a short speech of testimony (their story) to the congregation. The Pastor and the person being baptised then enter the baptistery (a pool of water sunk into the stage) where the Pastor asks a couple of questions to which the person gives the appropriate answers.

Question: Have you turned from your sin and put your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?
Response: I have
Question: Do you commit yourself to being Jesus’ disciple and to serving him through the Church by his grace?
Response: I do
Pastor’s statement: We’ve heard your responses, so because of your faith in Jesus Christ I now baptise you in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

The person is then briefly lowered just under the water and lifted out.

What is the meaning of baptism?

The word “Baptise” means to “dip under water“, from the Greek word baptizo.

Baptism illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection

"For when you were baptised, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ. Colossians 2:12

Why are people baptised?

We are baptised to follow the example of Jesus,

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptised by John in the river." Mark 1:9

Because Jesus commands it,

"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

It illustrates our new life as a Christian,

"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

Who can be baptised?

Every person who believes in Christ can be baptised.

"Those who believed and accepted His message were baptised ..." Acts 2:41

At WDBC, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of Christ’s salvation before we baptise them. However, there is no minimum age. The time to be baptised is the time when we “turn away from our sins to God and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

If you would like to be baptised, contact the Church Office on 02 60561777 or office@wodongabaptist.org.au

Communion (Lord’s Supper)

Communion is held on the first Sunday morning of each month and on the third Sunday evening of each month.

What happens in a Communion service?

Communion is usually conducted by three people from the Pastoral team or Diaconate, both male and female. We use small pieces of bread and grape juice to follow Jesus' example. An explanation of communion and a devotion is given by the person leading the Communion, followed by a prayer of thanks for the body of Christ, symbolised by the bread. The bread is eaten individually as it is received. Usually stewards serve the members of the congregation in their seats. The grape juice is drunk collectively upon the signal of the person leading communion, at this time a prayer of thanks for the blood of Christ, symbolised by the grape juice, is given.

What is the meaning of communion?

Jesus gave his disciples a way of remembering Him, by sharing together bread and wine. It reminds us today of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf.

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28

Who can partake in Communion?

WDBC encourage all Christians present at their communion services to share in the Lord's Supper, no matter what their church background might be.

Dedication

What happens in a Dedication service?

The act of dedication is a public declaration of thanksgiving to God for the child. The Pastor asks the parents a series of questions to which the parents gives the appropriate answers.

Question Do you thank God for his gift of your children, and do you accept the joys and duties of parenthood, promising to love and care for them?
Response We do.
Question Do you promise to bring up your child within the Christian community and to share with her your own faith and trust in Jesus?
Response We do

The congregation is also asked to acknowledge their part in the Christian instruction of the child. The Pastor asks a question similar to this.

Question Do you promise to offer to this child and their families your love and care, and to join with their parents in sharing our Christian faith with her/him?
Response We do

The Pastor then holds the child and prays for them. There is no set age for dedication although it tends to be performed upon infants and toddlers.

What is the purpose of dedication?

This ceremony clearly shows the importance of children in our church and is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make their own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe.

Jesus was dedicated in the temple

“… Joseph and Mary took him [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” Luke 2:22

Who can be dedicated?

Dedication is usually undertaken by families already within the congregation of WDBC.

If you would like to have your child dedicated, contact the Church Office on 02 60561777 or office@wodongabaptist.org.au