What is a Congregational Church? How does it differ from other denominations?
Congregationalists are Christians, we are followers of Jesus
The Pilgrims were the first Congregationalists in America
We believe the Bible is the primary source of divine guidance
We believe that, in God’s eyes, all of the faithful are spiritual equals
Congregational churches are organized around a covenant shared among their members; the Congregation reaffirms this when new members join
Every church is complete under Christ with the authority to administer its own affairs. We select our own ministers, set and manage our own budgets, define our own covenant
Congregationalists have a long history of involvement in social justice issues – abolition of slavery, women’s rights, civil rights, higher education for all
What is your Church worship service like?
Traditional organ and choir music, sometimes with handbells or children’s choir
Frequent children’s message
Communion six times per year: the first Sundays of October, December, January, February and June, plus Maundy Thursday
Special worship services Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Eve
We use the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible and the New Century Hymnal
What does North Church offer to youth and children? Is there child care? North offers a comprehensive program for children and youth. It includes:
Sunday School classes for all ages
Nursery and child care
Children’s music program
Confirmation classes
Vacation Bible School (in conjunction with other local Churches)
How is North Church involved in the community and in serving others? What opportunities are there to get involved? North Church is very active with mission work and serving others, both locally and nationally. There are opportunities for all members and friends to get involved. Some of our service activities include:
Crossroads (serving food to the needy in downtown Detroit)
C.A.R.E.S. (food and other necessities for the needy in the Farmington Hills area)
SOS (providing shelter to the homeless in Oakland County – North Church hosts one week per year)
CROP Walk (raising money for the hungry locally and around the world)
NOLA Mission Trip (helping with rebuilding in New Orleans and other disaster areas; an annual trip)
Do you have a music program? North Church is blessed with an outstanding music program, in which anyone can participate. It includes:
Traditional organ music before, during, and after Worship service
Our Chancel Choir, which sings during Worship and at the occasional concert and special event
Our Chancel Bells, a wonderful handbell choir
Our Children’s Choir, which performs during Worship on special occasions, including Halloween and Christmas
What about North Church social activities? North Church has many active social programs. These include:
Women’s Fellowship (social and mission activities)
Book Group (reads, meets, and discusses interesting books)
PLARN (turning donated plastic bags into sleeping mats or blankets for the homeless)
Flick Chicks (for movie-going women)
Men’s Breakfast (biweekly)
Fellowship groups and social meals
Do you accept people of other faiths? Yes!
We are seekers of God’s truths; we have no monopoly on those truths and strive to keep our minds open to God’s message in the world
We believe that all of the faithful are spiritual equals, as part of the Priesthood of All Believers (1 Peter 2:5)
We welcome all who are seeking guidance and worship in Christ’s love and messages
We practice open communion – all are welcome to participate
Many of our Congregation have come to us from other denominations
We regularly coordinate with other faith organizations – Christian and non-Christian – to serve our community (e.g., SOS, Crossroads). And our Senior Minister is active in the Farmington Area Interfaith Association