What is the worship like?
We believe that God gathers us in worship to renew his covenant promises through word and sacrament and to refresh us with his grace. In response to his mercies, we pray, sing and give thanks. If you are looking for an entertainment oriented worship “experience”, JPC is probably not the place for you. But if you are looking for worship that is reverential, biblically rooted, and Christ-centered, come join us this Sunday!
What do you mean by “Orthodox Presbyterian”?
The term Orthodox means straight doctrine or right teaching, and is unrelated to the Eastern Orthodox Churches. For us to be orthodox means we strive to be consistent with the truth of the Bible. We confess with the historic Christian church the doctrines expressed in the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Westminster Confession of Faith all of which we believe to be concise summaries of what the Bible teaches.
A Presbyterian church governs its congregation by both teaching elders (the pastors) and ruling elders (mature Christian men in the congregation gifted accordingly). Together they make up the session which provides leadership to the local church. Our session joins with sessions of other local churches in the denomination, forming a presbytery which provides leadership for the regional church. This structure, consistent with Scripture, facilitates cooperation with like-minded churches in domestic and foreign missions, in preparing and examining men for ordained ministry, and for helping one another in our desire to see Christ exalted and His people growing in faith and love. Although JPC doesn’t, many larger OPC churches also have deacons who are responsible for overseeing ministry to the poor and needy.
What does it mean that you are “Reformed”
Jaffrey Presbyterian Church is committed to historic Christianity as recovered during the time of the Protestant Reformation. We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. We believe that the Bible is the final authority on all questions of faith and life and that no one has the right to bind the conscience beyond what the LORD has revealed in His word. The doctrines of grace of our Confession are beloved to Reformed Christians because they are biblical and emphasize the sovereignty of God in salvation. These truths provide comfort to the Lord’s people while giving all the glory to the Living God.
Is Communion celebrated every week?
Yes! An essential part of our weekly worship is the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. We believe this is an important part of every believer’s growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the preaching of God’s Word and the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Spirit strengthens his people in their relationship with Christ. All believers who are baptized and are members of a church that preaches the Gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone are invited to participate in this sacred feast. This article by Dr. T. David Gordon summarizes our views on communion well.
May I partake of the Lord’s Supper at JPC when I visit?
We invite all who trust in Christ for salvation and who are baptized communicant members in good and regular standing in a Bible-believing church to participate.
Am I expected to contribute to the collection?
The Bible encourages believers to give with a cheerful heart rather than out of duty or compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7), but the financial support of the ministry here JPC is the privilege and responsibility of our members. So as our guests and visitors, please feel free to give, or not give, as you feel led.
Why don’t you sing any contemporary songs?
At JPC our services contain arrangements of the Psalms and hymns selected for their biblical fidelity, richness, and depth of meaning. While most of our selections are relatively old, we recognize that every generation produces both excellent and poor hymnody and hold no age standard for our music. Our criteria is that each song must be biblical, glorifying to God and edifying to the worshiper.
Where do I park?
JPC is situated right on Main St. in Jaffrey NH just 1/4 of a mile west of the intersection of Rt. 202 and Rt. 124 (right across from the Jaffrey Public Library). There is ample parking along Main Street, and along School Street and Goodnow Street which intersect with Main Street across from the church.
