We realize it can be a little intimidating whenever you visit a new church so we thought we would make it just a little bit easier for you by explaining what you can expect if you visit us on a Sunday morning for the Breaking of Bread meeting:

We try to keep seats free especially for visitors on the back row near the entrance doors; please make yourself comfortable there. You may notice a collection box in the Main Hall but visitors are not expected to donate and no other collection will be taken; please just be our guest!

On a Sunday morning, the church holds its first important meeting of the week. It is called the “Breaking of Bread” or the “Remembrance” (sometimes also referred to as “The Lord’s Supper” or “Communion”). The first term describes what is done; the second term says why it is done (see 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 in the Bible). Jesus has directed His followers to use bread and wine in a ceremony in memory of Him; He gave the example and we follow it today. So then, one of the men in the church will first go to the table at the front of the hall and give thanks to God for bread and for what it symbolizes; then he will break the loaf.  It will then be distributed to the other members of the Church. Next, the same man will then go back to the table and give thanks for the wine and it is likewise circulated to all those in the Church. By the way, the word “Church” is used here to describe the people – those who have formally joined the Church of God in Toronto – not the building we are all in.

Next there is a period of singing and prayers led spontaneously by men in the Church. These activities are led by the men of the Church and we would ask that you simply observe in quiet respect during this time – but please do join in the singing if you wish! Hymnbooks should be available in the foyer or in the back of the seat in front of you and everyone usually stands while the hymns are being sung. We do not use musical accompaniment when singing the hymns.

You will no doubt notice that the theme of the meeting concentrates on worship and thanksgiving to God for the life, death and glory of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, because the meeting is held in remembrance of Him.

At the end of the Remembrance meeting and worship time, announcements will be made and then there is usually a short refreshment break, followed by a time of Bible teaching or preaching by a chosen speaker and you are warmly invited to stay and enjoy a relevant message from the Word of God.

You may also notice the following:

• The chosen speaker may open the meeting with a hymn and prayer.
• He will also rely mainly on Bible quotations to support what he says. Many people like to read the Bible passages the speaker refers to, but if you do not have a Bible with you, don’t worry! You can either borrow one from the bookstand in the lobby or simply listen as it is read. Some speakers use different versions of the Bible, therefore you may notice some differences in the text from the version you are reading. Whatever version is used, it is the speaker’s role to explain Bible truth clearly. Should you be unclear on anything that’s said or read, please discuss it with the speaker after the meeting. You can be sure he will really appreciate your interest.

Questions on any of these practices or any other issues will be welcome, especially if you want to know why things are done here differently from other churches you may have attended.  Please feel free to speak to any members of the Church if you do have any questions. You can be sure of a friendly and helpful response!