STATEMENT OF FAITH
WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT...
Water Baptism
After coming to faith in Jesus Christ we are called and commanded to be baptised by water as a sign and symbol of the new covenant established through the death and resurrection of Jesus. As an act of obedience we are immersed beneath the water, symbolizing a dying to our sinful nature and rising again in newness of life in Christ.
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...' " Matthew 18-19 ESV
And
"For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:27 NIV
Baptism is an important means by which we symbolically enter into our life with Christ in all its fullness and by which we declare this new beginning in the context of the Church Community.
Infant Dedication
Infants and children are dearly loved by Jesus. He invites and blesses them. He even calls us as believers to become like a little child, in the authenticity of our faith.
" 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' and he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:14-16 NIV
In infant dedication we as parents answer this invitation by bringing forward our babies to be blessed and set apart, promising to raise them in the knowledge and love of Christ. The Church community also answers the call by embracing this child and promising to teach, train and love.
Communion
Communion is the meal we share together as a Church which symbolizes Christ's body and blood broken and shed for us on the cross. As Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples for the final time before his death he broke bread and raised the cup to his lips calling us all to continuously do this in remembrance of him.
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night that he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV
Here at Glad Tidings we serve an open table which means that all who are followers of Christ, regardless of membership or denomination, may join together in the partaking of this meal. If you are still exploring questions of faith and have yet to make a decision for Christ we invite you to simply allow the symbols to pass by while you take that time to pray, question and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart.
Membership
As a church we are called as brothers and sisters to be the body of Christ, to be discerning of each one's gift that each may act in the position suited to their talents, skills and abilities. Though we do not require membership in order to be a vital part of the family, it is encouraged. When a person takes the steps to become a member, not only have they professed faith in Jesus Christ, they also proclaim commitment to the local body. As a member a person has the responsibility to vote in all applicable matters at officially recognized church business meetings.
One can download a membership application here.
Worship
Why do people lift their hands and talk out loud in church services?
We believe that when we worship God, it is very real and personal and it is important to express our affection to Him. We do that by sometimes speaking words of praise and love out loud. When we raise our hands (find it in the Bible, e.g. Psalm 134:2, I Tim. 2:8), there are a number of possible reasons. You can think of it as a sign of surrender, or as a little child reaching for its parent, or as an adoring fan lifting up a banner of worship.
Here are some other biblical forms of worship you may see in one of our meetings:
Clapping hands... Find it in Psalm 47:1
Singing... Find it in Psalm 30:4, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 95:1
Playing musical instruments... Find it in Psalm 33:3, Psalm 150:3-5, 2 Samuel 6:5
Standing... Find it in Psalm 24:3-4, Psalm 130:3-4, Hebrews 4:16
Kneeling... Find it in Psalm 95:6, Luke 22:41
Shouting to the Lord / Making a joyful noise... Find it in Psalm 35:27, Psalm 47:1, Psalm 100:1
Praising the Lord with dancing... Find it in Psalm 149:3, Psalm 150:4
You can download a more detailed version of our beliefs here.
We are a part of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
