Introduction

Each Sunday morning at 11am, the members of the Bedford ecclesia meet together for "the breaking of bread" or memorial meeting. This is a service in which, after an exhortational talk, baptised Christadelphians share bread and wine in remembrance of our Lord's sacrifice and in anticipation of his return. By doing this we are obeying the instruction of Jesus, through the Apostle Paul, given in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Every ecclesia around the world conducts the Memorial service in a slightly different format. All will contain the same essential elements. These include praise to God through hymn, prayer, reading of God's Word, a exhortation (a talk that is an introduction to the emblems of bread and wine, and an aid to remembrance and self-examination) and a voluntary collection to support the running of the local ecclesia and various aspects of the world wide ecclesial world.

Order of Service

At Bedford, the Memorial meeting is structured in the following manner:

• Hymn of praise to God
  • Reading of two passages from God's Word
  • Prayer of praise to God
• Hymn of praise to God
  • Announcements of arrangements for the coming week, God Willing
  • Exhortation by a local or visiting brother
• Hymn of praise to God
  • Reading of a passage of scripture eg. I Corinthians 11:23-33
  • Prayer for thanks for the bread (representing the body of Christ)
  • The baptised members eat of portion of the bread and reflect on: their knowledge of God's way, and their life. Recommitting themselves to walk in God's ways
  • Prayer for thanks for the wine (representing Christ's blood)
  • The baptised members drink of the wine and reflect on their life, asking for forgiveness of sins
• Hymn of praise to God
  • Collection (baptised members only)
• Closing prayer of thanks and praise to God

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

Taking part of the bread and wine is restricted to baptised brethren and sisters who agree with the accepted Christadelphian Statement of Faith. Young people and adults that are interested in learning more about God and wish to observe the Memorial meeting proceedings are always welcome. Public talks or lectures are held every Sunday evening at 6.30pm, God Willing. These are more suited to those who are interested in knowing more about God's Word and God's purpose with the world.

When Away From Home

At time believers are away from their home and home ecclesia on a Sunday. This provides an opportunity to meet with other Christadelphians in different parts of the country or world and remember Christ's sacrifice in a memorial meeting. As brothers and sisters baptised into Christ we have a common hope and goal even though we may have never met each other before.

What's On Jan - Apr 2024