Greetings from the Westgate church of Christ. We're excited about getting to know you, and we'd like to take a moment to help you get to know us.

If this is your first time at Westgate or your first time in a church of Christ, we're aware that you may have certain expectations or preconceived ideas. We've heard the "you think you're the only ones . . ." comments and the rumors that we "don't have music."

So, before we tell you what to expect from your visit, we'll first let you know what not to expect.

1  First of all, don't expect to find perfect people or even people who think they're perfect. At Westgate, we're all very aware of our flaws and weaknesses. That's why we're here — because we need God's forgiveness and direction.

2  Secondly, don't expect a group of know-it-alls. Every one of us has questions and struggles. We don't claim to know all the answers; we're just diligently pursuing them in God's book.

 3  Third, don't expect a music-less service. We love music; we just create it in a specific way—with our voices. At Westgate, we try to be like the church we read about in the New Testament, and since they didn't worship with instruments, neither do we.

Still, our music is heartfelt, exciting, and full of life. We sing with all our hearts. And though the resulting sound may not be slick and rehearsed, it is remarkably moving.

--Now that you know what not to expect, here's what you can be looking forward to...

Every part of our worship centers on praising, uplifting and exploring God in the ways He's directed.  We try to forget ourselves as much as possible and look to Him for guidance. In doing this, we engage in worship that looks a lot like an assembly may have looked a couple thousand years ago.

singing

As we mentioned before, we lift our voices together in praise to God. Our songs are chosen to express to God our admiration and to teach and encourage those singing alongside us.¹

                           prayer

During our prayers we approach God with respect, love, and wonder. We believe that a relationship with God depends on prayer and that this church must be a praying church in order to truly be connected to Him.²

communion

This is a memorial celebration that we engage in every Sunday. We follow the model of Christ's last supper, during which He encouraged His followers to remember His death through the drinking of "the fruit of the vine" and "the breaking of bread." We remember Christ's blood as we drink and Christ's body as we eat. This "meal" is a beautiful symbol of the unity we find in Christ. It's also a remembrance of the sacrifice Christ made for all people and a celebration of the effects that sacrifice has had in our lives.³

                                                   giving

After the communion, we pass plates and encourage our members to partner with one another and with God by giving money to enable the church's work in the world. The work we do focuses on showing Christ to the world and helping those in need.⁴

teaching

During this part of the service, one of our ministers will direct us in a study of God's Word. We strive to present lessons that are Bible-based, dynamic, challenging, and relevant.⁵

When you visit Westgate, you'll meet people of all ages; people with different backgrounds, different skin colors, different educational levels, and just about any other difference you can imagine. What brings us together is a love for and respect for God.

We're people who believe that listening to God and obeying Him is the most important thing we can do. While each of us sometimes fails at doing God's will, we are striving to improve every day—to honor Him and serve Him with consistency.

We hope that you will also notice how connected our members are to one another. The church here is a family. We help one another in tough times and celebrate with one another in good times. We are all willing to make sacrifices for one another because of the sacrifice God made for us.

Becoming a part of the community here is easy. We're eager to find ways for you to serve and groups where you can plug in. Every new member is warmly received.

To find out more about becoming a part of our family please contact us.

We look forward to talking with you.

We'd love for you to visit our weekly Bible study periods at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings and at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday evening. During these sessions we divide based on age or interests to study the Bible in depth.

kids

Our children receive a thorough education in what it means to know and serve God. From birth through high school, students are introduced to the personalities, stories, and life lessons contained in their Bibles.

Teachers are full of energy, creativity, and love.

adults

Just as we care about the spiritual development of our children, we are equally concerned about the spiritual growth of our adults.

Adult classes allow members to dig deeply into Bible study.

In the studies we endeavor to encounter God working in the lives of others and to seek transformation for ourselves.

Thanks for checking us out. Come and visit any time. We love visitors.

1. Colossians 5:16

2. Acts 2:42; 14:23;  Romans 12:12

3. Luke 22-14-20;  1Corinthians 11:23-26

4. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

5. Matthew 4:4;  1Peter 2:2-3