"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: The Epistles of John



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 officers 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)

The worship of God in the local church is a corporate experience. We believe that the Scriptures do not prohibit or discourage the practice of young children worshiping together with their parents and older brothers and sisters. Rather than separating 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.”

Parents who are actively training their little ones to sit quietly in the service are welcome to make use of the back three rows of our sanctuary. For those children who are not quite ready to be with the rest of the congregation, we provide a staffed nursery for children between 0-4 in our office adjacent to our sanctuary. We also have a private room where mothers can nurse their infants while continuing to listen to the sermon, which is broadcast into the space.