HOLY COMMUNION....

is special to us, as we remember the last supper of Jesus with his disciples before the crucifixion. In this way we identify ourselves with him, and with the Church in all ages and places. The service usually takes place on the first Sunday morning in the month and on the third Sunday evening. The symbolic bread and wine is distributed by the deacons and there is no need to come to the front. We all eat and drink together, and the invitation is to 'all who love the Lord in sincerity' whether or not they are members of the Church.

MUSIC

The Church is renowned for a high standard of musical presentation. A superb pipe organ is well maintained.

BAPTISM....

is offered to babies and adults on request, and after discussion with the Minister or a deacon. We believe it to be a sign of the unconditional love of God offered through Jesus Christ to everybody. In children it is a time of thanksgiving for the gift of life. Parents and God-parents promise that they will do their best to ensure that the child knows about Jesus and is encouraged to follow him. Adults are making a new commitment to Jesus as Lord. The sacrament does not signify our decision about God: it celebrates God's decision about us. HE LOVES US!

HOUSE GROUPS....

are a vital element in the life of the Church. We have a housegroup Eutychus, which meets monthly and to which all are most welcome.

WEDDINGS....

can be conducted here by arrangement with the Minister.

CAN WE HELP?

Members of the Church are keen to be of service to the wider community. Many are teachers, social workers, nurses, and have links with the statutory and voluntary agencies. The Minister or a member of the Diaconate can always be available on request to call on anybody who would like to share their troubles in a confidential manner.

SOCIALLY....

we enjoy a number of relaxed events as a church family. The refurbished hall below the church building is one of the finest in the borough, and is available for letting by arrangement with the church secretary.

MEMBERSHIP....

is open to all who claim Jesus Christ as Lord. Those who join us do so by confession of faith or by transfer from other churches. Members are expected to have some knowledge of basic Christian belief, and what it implies in daily life. They will contribute to the Church's funds as they are able, and take seriously their duty to attend Church meetings (nine a year), Sunday worship and the sacrament of Holy Communion.

CONGREGATIONALISM....

is a form of church organisation which can plainly be seen in the New Testament. The first Christians met in groups to 'hear the apostles preach, to share the common life, to break bread and to pray' (Acts 2.42). These groups managed their own affairs, appointed their own office-bearers, and were free from any control from outside.

Centralised bureaucracy developed over the centuries, but there were always independent groups of Christians who kept alive the conviction that Christ was present when 'two or three' met in his name (Matthew 18.20).

The 17th Century saw vigorous moves to make all Christians worship in accordance with prescribed state decrees. In 1662 all ministers in the Church of England were required to lead worship only as prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer. Some 2000 ministers left the church because they could not do this, and the first modern Congregationalists were among them. They believed that the authentic Christian Church is a gathered assembly of believers, managing their own corporate life in accordance with the scriptures and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They denied that the Monarch could be the 'Supreme Governor' of the Church, although they were generally loyal subjects and good citizens in all things legal and temporal.

Some suffered martyrdom on the gallows and at the stake, and others spent long periods in prison, for their convictions. Some fled to Holland where they could worship in freedom, and in 1620 a party of them set sail in the Mayflower to begin a new life in America as the 'Pilgrim Fathers'.

The Church can be no more authentic than when a group of committed Christians agree to trust and obey God, no matter what fine buildings, robed 'priests' or distant courts there may be elsewhere. The people at King Street felt so strongly about this that in 1972 they declined to become part of the United Reformed Church, which was seen to be a threat to local church autonomy and a denial of 'the priesthood of all believers.

We take it for granted that all Christians are equal, although church members may have different gifts. The Minister has no special authority apart from what he may deserve through diligence and quality of life. A lay person can just as well preside at Holy Communion, funerals and baptisms, and within the law, at weddings. We are, all the same in loving fellowship with other Congregationalists through a Federation, and the International Congregational Fellowship. Locally we are in full membership of Churches Together in Newcastle.

We support the Council for World Mission, a body of some 30 world churches committed to making new disciples. Congregationalists have long ordained women as well as men to the ministry of their churches

THE DEACONS....

are experienced Christians who hold personal lists of members and adherents, with whom they keep in touch. They are elected by the Church meeting, and help in the general management of the Church's business, and in particular serving at Holy Communion.

WE ARE....

convinced that each individual is of supreme value to God, and that each of us is intended to come into harmony with His purposes. He waits for our conscious decision to love and trust Him.