Then and Now

Church of Christ: A church of restoration

Terry D'Amato Turnbull
Posted 7/9/14

Those fortunate folk who travel on Greenwich Ave. (Rte. 5) between Apponaug and Main Ave. in Warwick receive a special gift in the spiritual messages on the display cases at the Church of Christ at …

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Then and Now

Church of Christ: A church of restoration

Posted

Those fortunate folk who travel on Greenwich Ave. (Rte. 5) between Apponaug and Main Ave. in Warwick receive a special gift in the spiritual messages on the display cases at the Church of Christ at 934 Greenwich Ave. Thanks to the minister of the church, the sayings at this location often give us the uplift we need to help make our day more happy and meaningful.

The Church of Christ, which makes these signs available, is part of the basic religious groups that are prevalent in the South’s Bible Belt and have been spreading out, not only to New England but to Africa and India as well. The appeal of the Churches of Christ comes from its basic beliefs. The fact that, unlike many denominations that arose as part of the Reformation of the 16th century in Europe, the Church of Christ is part of a restoration movement that began in the mid-1700s. This occurred when many Baptists and Presbyterians didn’t want to be locked into a reformation of a Christian church but wanted to get back to the Scriptures. This feeling has led to the Churches of Christ being one of the branches of the Restoration. This church does not have a denominational structure, and each Church of Christ is autonomous, answering only to the New Testament in the Bible.

The church has a Council of Elders that leads the church in spiritual as well as temporal matters. The Council of Elders are the “pastors” while the minister is a servant of the congregation.

Until recently, the congregation of the Greenwich Ave. church numbered 50, but a few years ago the church “planted” other churches in various areas of Rhode Island so that now attendance on Sunday is between 35-40. Despite the fact that the new locations would be easier to travel to, many of those who have attended congregations in Greenwood come back to enjoy the feelings of “belonging and family” that the church provides. Usually, no one rushes off after Sunday worship and Bible study. They stay around to talk and enjoy the fellowship of the congregation.

Rivers and men get crooked by following the path of least resistance…Sayings such as this one have been appearing on the signboard of the Church of Christ at 934 Greenwich Ave. in Warwick ever since Norman Seiders became its minister in 1988. Today, the Church of Christ continues to provided inspirational messages that range from “The most promising people do more than they promise” to a strong profession of faith such as “Happiness depends on happenings; Joy depends on Jesus.”

The lovely building that houses the Church of Christ was built in 1963. The movement had started earlier in the 1950s. This was a period when there was a serious migration of people from the city to the suburbs. It was also a time of turmoil and upheaval in the country and a strong questioning of the faith many had grown up with. As they were few in number prior to 1963, the members of the church met in the Hotel Biltmore for a while and then in a number of private homes.

Members of the congregation feel that there is a danger that many sects have fallen into the idea of allowing the world to set the standards of faith. Pastor Seiders said that in doing this, some churches have modified the Christian faith and that the world should not set the standards for Christianity. He emphatically states that “man is created in the image of God and the church should keep calling people to that remembrance.” The church is heavily involved with the members of the congregation in all aspects of their lives. The church answers the need from the cradle on up and care is taken for the well being of all. The close ties are obvious in the spirit of giving from their food bank to the camaraderie that exists after Sunday services.

The concept of basic adherence to scriptures is very strong, and the Church of Christ feels that is the important aspect rather than beautiful statues or furnishings. While it is the minister and the Elders who set the pace of worship, the congregation is free to comment or to argue if they feel it is necessary. All has to be authorized by the New Testament to be valid. While the church is autonomous it stays united with other Churches of Christ on basic concepts.

Women and men play different roles in the church with men exercising the leadership role. The women take on the teaching of the youngsters and play a most important role in the social life of the congregation. The church also plays a role in reaching out to the community. For many years members of the congregation have been singing at the Kent Regency Center at 660 Commonwealth Ave. Singing is an important part of the worship and all is done a capella, as they have no musical instruments. This type of singing, relying on human voice rather than on instruments, is another manner in which simplicity is stressed.

The Church of Christ continues to serve its congregations needs and also to reach out with its messages on the sign at the church. People from all walks send Norman sayings on a regular basis. He now has a database of over 500. He has to find those that are short enough for the display sign and still have a meaningful message.

Some of the ones that have become popular are:

I love you...and you...and you...God

Prayer gives you a calm-plex

An atheist is a man who has no invisible means of support

For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe

God so loved the world that He did not send a committee

This day brought to you by Jesus.

Come to ch ch. What is missing?

The Church of Christ continues to provide for the necessary spiritual needs of its congregation and to take its role in the community.

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