MISSION STATEMENT AND DEFINITION OF MEMBERSHIP FROM THE CONSTITUTION
It shall be the mission of April Sound Church to contribute to the well being of all the members of the surrounding communities by committing ourselves to create a loving, accepting, giving and forgiving fellowship.
The members of this church shall consist of persons who have accepted Jesus Christ and His teachings and who join by public statement and/or by letter from other churches having similar beliefs. Those who have so petitioned shall be recorded on the membership roll of this church.
What We Believe
The Gospel and Holy
Scripture
We believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for all people and God’s
grace is the only hope for the emptiness and sin of the human heart. We believe
all scripture is inspired by God and is a true guide for worship and morality. 2
Timothy 3:16
The Lord's Supper
The Body and Blood of Christ are celebrated in weekly worship and are open to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Matthew 26:26-28
Freedom of Belief
As Christians, by faith, we believe in the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We worship the Father; accept the Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior; and follow our conscience as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 9:13-14; John 14:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:12
Baptism
Baptism as exemplified and commanded by Christ and as practiced by the apostles is a public symbol of how we receive Christ as Lord. It is a testimony of our death, burial and resurrection with Christ to begin a new life of faith in God. All baptismal traditions are honored. Romans 6:4; Acts 9:36-38
The Unity of the Church
We believe there is but one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. We believe all Christians from any denomination are part of that one body for which Christ died. 1 Corinthians 12:12 Salvation by Grace
With total dependence on Christ, we believe salvation is received by grace through faith and not through works. We further believe a person is transformed to do good works only unto the glory of God. Ephesians 2:8
Our Mission
Our mission is to follow the command of Jesus Christ to make disciples in our families, communities, nation, and throughout the whole world. We are then told to teach these disciples to obey the two greatest of all commandments: love God with all of your heart, mind, and soul and love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 28:19-20; Mark
12:30-31
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide the greater community with the opportunity to know God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit and to experience the abundant life that can be obtained by obeying and practicing the precepts of the Holy Scripture as the Holy Spirit leads. We will share the excitement that comes by knowing Christ and the fellowship of His Church. Mark 16:15-16; James 1:22
The public statement shall include the following questions:
Order For Reception Into April Sound Church
Then the minister. addressing those who are to be received. shall say,
Do you here, in the presence of God, and of this congregation, affirm the promises made, at your Baptism? I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and pledge your allegiance to his kingdom? I do.
Do you believe in the Bible as a basis for life? I do.
Do you promise according to the grace given you to live a Christian life and always remain a faithful member of Christ's holy Church? I do.
Will you be loyal to April Sound Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service? I will.
Then the minister may have those received face the congregation and causing them the people to stand, he shall address them, saying,
I commend to your love and care these persons( this person) whom we receive this day into the membership of this congregation. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
Then the people shall say,
We rejoice to receive you as members of Christ’s Holy Church, and bid you welcome to this congregation. With you we renew our vows to uphold it by our prayers our presence, our gifts and our service.
________________________________________
If you have any questions regarding the Mission or membership process at April Sound Church, please call the office at 936-588-2832. If you wish to speak with one of the Pastors about joining call for an appointment. Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday morning, 8-11:30 am