Q: Why are we called Heritage Christian Reformed Church?
A: HERITAGE: “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly heritage” (Psalm 16:6, chosen for our original church dedication.) CHRISTIAN: We call ourselves Christian because we belong to Jesus Christ and want to be his followers. We recognize as fellow Christians all people who accept the teachings of the Bible as summarized in the Apostles’ Creed. REFORMED: We call ourselves Reformed because we’re part of that historic branch of the Christian church that arose from the Protestant Reformation. Our Reformed identity calls us to return to the Bible and apply our faith to all of life. CHURCH: We call ourselves a Church because God has called us to be a fellowship of his people in the world.
Q: Do you baptize both infants and adults?
A: Yes. We believe that children of Christian parents are included in God’s plan (covenant) of salvation. Therefore, infant baptism could more accurately be called the baptism of children of Christian parents. Baptism is a sign of God’s promise and a child baptized as an infant still needs to make a commitment at the point of belief. We also baptize believing adults who were not baptized as children.
Q: How often do you celebrate the Lord’s Supper(Communion)? How is it handled and who can participate?
A: Ordinarily we celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the second Sunday of January, March, May, July, September, November and on Maundy Thursday in the morning worship time. Occasionally this schedule varies. On most occasions the trays of bread and juice are passed down each aisle. Worshippers hold the elements in their hand until the pastor indicates, and all eat and drink together. Occasionally we move by rows to communion stations. All those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and have publicly professed their faith in a Christian church are invited to join us at the table of our Lord. If you missed taking it in the morning and would still like to participate, then a Vespers Service is held in the council room after the evening worship time. Heritage families who wish to have children, who have not formally made profession of faith but are baptized members, partake in the Lord’s Supper should make their desire known to their Household Elder. The parents and the child meet with the Household Elder and one of the pastors to confirm the child’s desire to participate, to listen to the child’s testimony and their understanding of the Lord’s Supper, and to verify the child’s level of maturity in this regard. Upon the consent of the Pastoral Elders the child may participate in the sacrament.
Q: Is it okay if I bring my infant into the worship service?
A: We have wonderful nursery facilities with CPR trained coordinators and a great Children’s Worship ministry for 2 year-olds through 2nd grade available during most morning worship services. So we do encourage you to make use of those when they are in session. However, we realize that often parents prefer to keep their infants with them until a certain age and we welcome their presence in the worship service. We do ask that you be considerate of those sitting near you should your baby become fussy. If you need to take your child out, you can watch from the narthex.
Q: What happens to the money we give?
A: The first offering every Sunday morning is for the local and denominational needs of Heritage CRC. Our members make prayerful pledges to support this ministry and they use their envelopes and that offering opportunity to fulfill their various pledges. On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays there is a second offering for a specific ministry of the church. Our evening offerings are for various ministries and community causes. All contribution records at Heritage CRC are confidential. We invite but do not expect our guests to participate in the offerings.
Q: Do you have ministries for people of all ages?
A: Yes! They are listed here on our website. If you have any questions, you can contact the church office by calling 878-1992.
Q: What is your worship style?
A: At Heritage, our worship style is blended. We use a praise band along with a variety of musical instruments, and we also sing familiar hymns when they enhance the worship theme of the morning. We seek to honor God by worshipping in spirit and in truth, using a variety of methods while maintaining the traditional message of salvation.
Q: How do you care for your members?
A: The primary care of our church members begins with their small group. We have several small groups at Heritage and we strongly encourage all our members to be a part of a small group. The next level of care is the Household Elder/Deacon. Every Household is made up of some small groups and some additional members from the church who are not in small groups. Elder/Deacon Households are notified when there is a need in their family. The Pastor of Congregational Life partners with the Elder/Deacon Households and small group leaders to coordinate the care of the congregation. The Calling Team also helps with the visiting and care of our senior members.
Q: What are the steps I should follow to become a member of Heritage Church?
A: We offer a Discover Heritage / New Members class 2 or 3 times a year as needed. We strongly encourage all new members, including CRC transfers, to attend that class to become familiar with Heritage CRC’s vision and ministries. Further membership steps are outlined at the class. For class information, call the church office (878-1992).
Q: How can I become involved in ministry?
A: A Christian is called to serve and therefore we encourage all our members to be involved in some area of ministry. That area is determined by what you enjoy doing and are good at. Your spiritual gifts, passion, abilities, personality, and experiences have all shaped you and will help determine your place of ministry. In addition to that, look around and see what ministry interests you. The staff would love to help you find your place in the church.