On August 15, 2021, Middletown Christian Church will return to its pre-Covid schedule of worship services and all other ministries. As we prepare for our congregation to fully re-open, now is a great time to begin thinking about what it really means to be the church and how we can best live into that calling.

Join us for a special series of worship services beginning on July 4th that will help prepare us for the life- and world-changing ministries God is calling us provide in the post-Covid world.

Worship Online or In-Person Here

Series Outline

July 4, 2021 // What is the Church?

Scripture – Matthew 16:18-19

In the movie, The Princess Bride, a character named Vizzini keeps using the word, “inconceivable.” He uses it so often that another character, Inigo Montoya, eventually replies, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

The same reply could be used more often than not when it comes to the word “church”. In fact, getting at its true meaning was once so controversial that someone was put to death for their translation of it. And Montoya had it right! If we are going to live into the call of being the church God has in mind, the journey must begin with understanding what being the church even means.

July 11, 2021 // Radical Commitment

Scriptures – Acts 2:43-45, 4:32-35, 5:1-11

While we sometimes take being part of a church pretty casually, being part of the early church required radical commitment. So radical, in fact, that most modern Christians would never do it. The question is, what does that mean for the modern church?

July 18, 2021 // Life Together

Scripture – Acts 2:42-47

Preaching – Rachel Freeny

In a large church, it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd. So how do you find your community within the church? This week we’re talking about small groups and their role in helping us find connection, grow in faith, and serve our neighbors.

July 25, 2021 // What is Worship?

Scriptures – Acts 4:1-31

From its very beginning, worship has been central to our faith. And yet, while it is one of the most commonly practiced elements of our faith it is often misunderstood. In this message we will seek to answer the question of what worship is and what it is supposed to look like. The answer might surprise you.

August 1, 2021 // Living Outward

Scripture – Luke 5:18-25

Preaching – Corey Miller

August 8, 2021 // Ambassadors for Christ

Scripture – 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

In the final message of this series, we will explore one of the most important and often understated aspects of being the church. Unfortunately, this is where far too many churches and those who attend them are falling short of God’s calling. The Good News is that when we get it right, it can change both the perception and the reality of what it means to be Christian.