Welcome to a congregation of the churches of Christ

Greetings!

     Please come in.  Sit where ever you like. 

     The Church was begun  about 33 A.D. on the Day of Pentecost.  Because of persecution,  scattering of the Christians and the apostasy of some believers, the  church has waxed and waned in numbers over the centuries, becoming  weaker in one area while stronger in another.  Ancient and modern  research confirms that there were always strongholds where the people  held fast to the Gospel as taught in the first century.  There were often "restoration movements," times in which people would return to the Scriptures with the determination to follow God's word alone.  

     Our aspiration today is to apply what was taught and practiced in the New Testament church as we maintain the simple teachings and worship of the Church of the First Century.  Placing God first in our lives, obeying  His will and sharing the Good News of God's love with others is our  goal.

Bible Classes

We have a Sunday morning Bible study period with classes for all ages.  It begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 9:45. 

Worship service follows and is conducted from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00.  We also have evening worship services at 6:00 p.m. 

A Bible Study and devotional period is conducted on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

Preaching

     Our preacher or minister of the gospel is Terry Harmon.  He has a Bachelors and a Masters Degree from the Bear Valley Bible  Institute (BVBI) in Denver, Colorado.  Terry is an experienced gospel minister who served for many years as a  missionary in Russia and in the Ukraine.  He has also served in Colorado and South Dakota.

     In addition to his evangelistic responsibilities here in Rapid City, he is currently the Stateside Director of the Bear Valley Bible Training Institute of Ukraine (BVBI-U) in Bila Tserkava, Ukraine.  He bears no religious title and wears  no religious clothing. Since Christianity is a priesthood of all believers, all members of His church are considered equal.

Singing

     Our singing is a cappella, without the use of musical instruments. We praise God with our pure, natural voices. 

     Musical instruments were not used in early worship.  Instruments were first used, with great opposition from the membership, in the cathedral at Aix-la-chapel by the German emperor, Charlemagne who came to the throne in 768 A.D. (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. 4,  pg. 439).  

     Everyone is invited to participate in singing praises to God.

Prayers

     Prayers will be led by men who have been designated. Our prayers are made from the front where they can be more easily heard.

     Invitation Song

The minister will extend an invitation to those wishing the prayers of their fellow Christians or for those who are expressing a desire to be baptized.  This invitation usually comes at the close of the sermon. We believe that everyone should be given an opportunity to become a Christian. Therefore, this special time of encouragement has been set aside for this purpose.

Communion

     The Lord's Supper (or Communion) is part of our service each Lord's Day. The Lord's Supper is for all Christians, and visitors are welcomed to observe the Supper in the same manner as our members.

     Offering

A collection is taken each Lord's Day. 

Guests are not expected to make a contribution, although you are welcome to do so if you would like.  Please feel comfortable in passing the collection plate down the row without making an offering. 

               We hope that you will visit our congregation!