WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
The purpose of the Midweek Service is to provide a learning experience in Christian discipleship. The primary focus is in-depth Bible study with balanced attention also being given to church history, theology and ethics, and contemporary issues relating to the witness of the church in the world.
Typically these topics are treated in a series over several weeks. Such series are offered throughout the year except for two semi-annual church conferences, two programs on national and international missions, and a variety of guest speakers during the vacation season in mid-summer.
Each new series is introduced in the monthly church Messenger and is shared with non-members who wish to be on a mailing list maintained for that purpose.
Parking is conveniently available off Overbrook Road in three lots near the lower portico. The services are held in Heritage Hall which is located on the ground floor of the church to the left of the reception area. The regular schedule for these Midweek Services is in three parts: (1) an evening meal is served cafeteria style from 5:00 to 5:40 at a cost of $5. (2) After brief singing, a prayer time is led normally by the senior minister, James D. Moebes, from 5:45-6:00. (3) The main presentation of the evening then follows from 6:00-6:45.
The format of the service is informal with participants remaining around the tables where most have eaten together. Those who do not wish a meal, or whose work schedule requires them to come later, may arrive at 5:45 or at 6:00 p.m. when empty places may be found at one of the tables. No reservations are needed for the evening meal. For most the dress is casual, although a few who come directly from work may be in business attire. Adults usually eat in areas adjacent to the podium leaving the far end of the room free for children who leave following the meal for other activities scheduled during the school year.
The service is designed to be accessible to those of diverse faith traditions. The prayer time does focus directly on hospitalizations, births, and deaths within the life of our congregation, but the presentations are not limited to one denominational perspective except for an occasional series devoted to some aspect of Baptist life. We are accustomed to have a number of visitors in each service from other churches and a very warm welcome by our members is assured to all who attend.
