Our Worship
What Can You Expect When You Visit Us?
Seventh-day Adventists have two main parts to their morning services, which take place on Saturday (the Sabbath).
Bible Study Time (Sabbath School)
We start the morning with a Song Service at 9.30 am, where we sing hymns together praising God.
Sabbath School begins at 9.45 am on Saturday mornings before the Morning Worship service starts. The Sabbath School service for adults usually involves a mission emphasis and a short talk. We also show or listen to stories of people who have come to know Jesus, from around the world, and collect funds for assisting the spreading of the Gospel.
We then have small group Bible study, which is usually on a particular book of the Bible or Bible topic. The congregation separates into smaller groups of approximately 10 - 15 people to discuss particular Bible passages which have been studied individually during the previous week. This is the ideal time to learn about about the Bible, and to ask questions, and discuss what you have learnt. We have separate groups for Adults, Young People, Teens and Children. When the lesson study draws to a close, the small groups join back together to close Sabbath School, before the main worship service begins, usually at 11:15 am.
Have a look at an online version of the Sabbath School Bible Study Guide at http://ssnet.org/ or you can watch or download a video or a Sabbath School study programme, from the Sacramento Central Seventh-day Adventist church in Sacramento, California. For details go to http://www.amazingfacts.org/Television/CentralStudyHour/tabid/76/Default.aspx.
Family Worship
The main worship service is known as Family Worship, or Divine Service. This is a more formal time of worship and praise. During this time you will hear a practical, Bible-based sermon designed to encourage you with the strength to live as a Christian during the week. The service also includes singing hymns, prayers, and an opportunity to give tithe (10 percent of one's income) and an offering which goes towards the running costs of the church and its programmes. This is a time for all the family, from the youngest to the oldest. We often have special items, where a singer, group or choir sing praises to God, and there is a special spot for the children with a Children's Story or illustration.
We often have special days, such as Youth Days, where the young people of the church take over the main services, including the sermon, and there can be music, drama and testimonies where people relate how God has helped them in their lives.
Once a quarter, we have a Communion Service. This is where we remember and commemorate Christ's death and resurrection, through the symbols of the bread and non-alcoholic wine. It is a very moving service, where we put aside all differences and draw close to each other and God.
Prayer Meeting
Bristol Central church meets in the middle of the week for a prayer meeting. All who wish can attend, to study the Bible and pray for those who may require it.
The meetings are on Wednesdays between 7:30 pm - 8.30 pm. Come with a heart full of honesty and a genuine desire to see your prayers answered.
Friday Night Meeting (Vespers)
The Bristol district churches meet on a Friday evening at Bristol Central to welcome in the Sabbath. There is usually a song service, and a short talk. These meetings are usually taken by lay people of the church.
