As a guest or visitor to Brooklyn Bible Chapel, the Worship or Breaking of Bread service style we use is perhaps new to you. Please understand that these are our own customs as heirs of the Open (Plymouth) Brethren movement. Scripture does not detail the manner of worship and thus each local church or denomination develops its own variation of worship practice. To help you understand our own otherwise unwritten customs in this service, please read the following carefully before participating. If you belong to Jesus Christ by personal faith in Him, you are free to partake of the bread and cup regardless of your church membership elsewhere. If you have not yet personally trusted Christ as your Savior, you are welcome to observe us in worship, but we ask that you refrain from the bread and cup as they are passed before you. The sisters are not permitted to speak publicly in the meting. However they may participate in the singing of the hymns and in silent meditation. They are encouraged to wear a head covering. This practice is based on our understanding of the teaching of the Scripture on this subject.

1. This is "open" worship. All who love the Lord Jesus may come to join us around the Table of the Lord in fellowship as members of the Body of Christ. You need not become a formal "member of our group, or of the Brethren Movement. We wish to receive all that Christ has received.

2. This is "participative" worship The worship and remembrance meeting is led by any Spirit-directed brother without detailed prior arrangement or order of service. Any brother may suggest a hymn, lead in prayer, or open up the Scriptures so as to guide the group, under the Spirit's leadership, into worship and remembrance. Sensitivity and submissiveness are important Scriptural elements for all participants in this meeting

3. This is "reflective" worship. A theme is usually established early in the meeting and should be recognized and developed as the meeting progresses. Those who publicly participate in the Remembrance Service will try and use hymns and Scriptures supporting the "theme". There are a large variety of themes such as the love of God, the cross of Christ, Christ as the Lamb of God, the grace of God, etc. Any passage suggested for consideration, hymns given out, or prayers offered, should be somehow tied in with the theme. The theme may certainly be changed by the Spirit of God in midstream, but it is preferred that the person who shifts the theme make a suitable transition to aid the others in changing their focus.

NOTE: This is our worship and remembrance meeting and not our "body life" or even our "teaching" meeting. Personal testimonies (unless they highlight an aspect pertinent to the worship theme) are not encouraged here, nor are public exhortations or rebuke, but rather reflection on and worship of our Great God and Savior. Long dissertations should be avoided in consideration of others who will want to share publicly in the service.

4. This is "musical" worship. If a believer wishes to give out a chorus or hymn, it will be sung a acappella. We prefer that songs not be selected simply because they are favorites, but because they will help others worship along with the development of the theme. It may be helpful if a brief Introduction be given by the one who gives out a hymn, so that all may easily see how it fits into the theme.

5. This is "considerate" worship. Personal preference is a significant consideration in the manner of worship. Any brother taking an audible part should strive to speak in a loud enough voice for all to hear. Walking to the front of the room and facing the audience is acceptable if this will help in his being heard. At an appropriate time one of the brethren will give thanks for the Bread, the loaf will then be broken and be passed for all the believers to partake of it. Then thanks will be given for the Cup and the trays will then be passed. Drink from one of the glasses and replace it in the tray. The offering plates will then be passed. Because of time constraints the meeting is scheduled for one hour. It is incumbent on the brethren participating to be aware of the time as they take part in the service.

Please feel free to participate and enjoy this service without further direction.

If you have any questions, please ask one of the elders. They will be very happy to hear of your interest.