"And let us consider how to stir up one one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."             
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
What does worship entail at the portico?

The reading of the Scriptures, preaching and hearing of the Word of God, the teaching and admonishing of one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord; as well as the administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper, are all parts of the worship of God. These are to be performed in obedience to Him, with understanding, faith, reverence and godly fear.

For more, see "Expository Preaching" under "Beliefs"

Current Message Series: "Hebrews: Jesus Name Above All Names"



Portico's Sunday morning worship service is held at the
Grand Street Center, 146 N. Grand St, Orange  CA 92866,
just northeast of the plaza downtown. (directions)
Parking is available in the Wells Fargo lot
adjacement to the Grand Street Center.

Doors open at 10:30 am and worship starts at 11:00 am.

 
Our blessed Savior Jesus Christ, when He was about to finish the work of our redemption by making Himself a sacrifice for our sins upon the cross, solemnly instituted the Holy Sacrament of His own body and blood; that it might, together with the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit, become a means through which Christ could feed His sheep during their earthly sojourn. He was crucified only once (not each time we take the meal), but the effects of that atoning death are ever-new and through this Holy Sacrament we receive that which is promised in the Word, if we receive it with true faith.

It has not been without reason that the celebration of the Lord's Supper has ever been regarded by the Church as the inmost sanctuary of the whole Christian worship. We have to do here, not with outward signs only, nor with mere symbols. For in this sacred meal, the purpose is not to merely remember but to receive the effects of Christ's sacrifice for us. “The cup of blessing that we bless” says Paul, “is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16) Therefore, says the apostle, we must examine ourselves so that we do not eat and drink judgment. If you are in open rebellion against God and have not exercised saving faith and repentance, we ask you to refrain from exposing yourself to divine wrath. But for all who have been baptized into Jesus Christ and own Him as Prophet, Priest and King, this table is spread for you. Do not think that your sins, which you have confessed, and your failings that so disturb your conscience must keep you from this feast. For it is given to us because our faith is weak and our growth in godliness is often frustrated by our disobedience. Eat and drink, to your eternal comfort in Christ Jesus and to the glory of our Father in heaven who, “For our sake, made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

We participate in this meal every Lord's Day following the preaching of the Word and after an exhortation from the elders to personal repentance and a time of self-examination. We receive this means of grace through the method known as intinction where communicants come forward and take the bread offered and dip it into the chalice containing the wine. We use Matzo, flat bread that has no leaven in it, to remind us that Jesus is the Lamb of God without spot or blemish. We also use wine, as this is what is served at the Passover meal, which our Lord shared with His disciples on the night when He was betrayed when He instituted this sacrament for the Church. It is clear from the Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 11:21 that the early Church also used wine in the administration of this sacrament.

 
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!”
(Psalm 127:3-5)

At the portico, we believe that the worship of God is a corporate experience. We believe that the Scriptures do not prohibit or discourage the practice of children worshiping together with their parents and older brothers and sisters. Rather than segregating little ones from the adults who came to hear our Lord preach, Jesus rebuked His disciples for trying to keep the children from Him. “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

  The preaching of the Word is for all kinds of different people irrespective of nationality, social status, vocation or age.  The gospel is the means by which the Holy Spirit calls sinners to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Why would we not want our children to be exposed to the ministry of the word under
qualified elders in the local church?

We know that many people today are used to dividing the church into children's ministry, youth group, college/career and adult worship, but we believe that it is best when the church worships together as one unified body. When we hear little ones cry during the service or we see our grade-schoolers stirring in their seats it reminds us that the church is the family of God. While we do believe that this is the best way to worship together in the local church, we do not believe that those who do not hold to our opinions are in sin. This is not a moral issue.

A huge benefit from this style of worship is that fathers and mothers and their children have heard the exact same message preached which means that parents can follow up with their kids to make sure that they understand all that is being taught. It also allows the adults in the congregation to be more
involved in the lives of the children.

If you have children and are considering worshiping with us at the portico, we want to assure you that your restless little ones are not a burden to us. We understand that this might be different than what you have experienced in the past, but we have found this style of worship to be a tremendous blessing to all of us. Our office is attached to the room where we gather for corporate worship. It is furnished with couches, a children's table and chairs along with various arts and crafts that all can be useful to sooth a child that is overwhelmed by being in a new environment. This space is available to anyone who simply needs to take a breather.

If you have questions, comments or would just like to hear more about why we are convinced that this is the best for the church, please feel free to contact the pastors.