WORSHIP at ATLANTIC AVENUE CHURCH

     Our culture is permeated with both visual and audio communication. At Atlantic Avenue Church, we believe it is essential that we convey the message of Christ in a way in which our culture is accustomed. Jesus, while on earth, was known for His creative and "down to earth" way of communicating eternal truths.

     For this reason our services include dramatic presentation, multimedia productions, and the use of other creative arts. We are committed to the highest possible excellence, providing a variety of expression in our worship services.

     There's country, rap, adult contemporary, rock, jazz, blues, classical, and the list goes on. All you have to do is turn on your radio and take your pick. No matter what your preference, one thing is certain; music is an important part of life. At Atlantic Avenue Church, we believe all musical styles find their source in God. For that reason music is central to what we are. Worshipping God gives us the opportunity to release our own specific preferences as part of our sacrifice of praise. In doing so we recognize that music is not worship; it is simply one means to bring glory to our amazing God. A frequent saying at Atlantic Avenue, "It's not about me," conveys our heart: Worship, though a blessing to us, is not meant for us. It is meant as a way for us to respond to our loving, merciful, and mighty God.

     At Atlantic Avenue Church we teach the importance of living a life of worship as we walk daily with Christ. Sunday mornings and other special services provide a climax to each individuals daily worship. These services afford the body of Christ the oppurtunity to join in one heart and one voice and worship God in His splendor and holiness.

     While both of our worship services are very contemporary, we make use of modern music as well as some traditional hymns. Our 9:15 service opens with a "pre-glow" worship time which includes some of the classic hymns of our faith. Our 11:00 service utilizes much of the more modern Christian worship music. Both services are led by our capable worship band under the leadership of Pastor Brad Riddle.

Personal Expression in Worship

     Our members at Atlantic Avenue Church come from a wide variety of religious backgrounds and have varied expressions of worship. You will find some who raise their hands, others who clap their hands, and still others that feel most comfortable doing neither. Whether you raise your hands in worship or not, God's concern is that your worship is authentic and sincere. We invite you to participate in a way that you find comfortable, and allow others the same liberty. In doing so, our prayer is that we each encounter the reality of the Living God.

For other specific questions you may have or to find out more about our worship team, be sure to contact Pastor Brad Riddle in the church office.