The Sabbath
Seventh-day Adventists keep the Sabbath from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, following the fourth commandment. Saturday is a day of worship, rest and family time, so the main service is on Saturday morning, not Sunday.
Sabbath School
The morning starts with Sabbath School, about an hour of Bible study. After a short opening program, adults split into small discussion classes using a worldwide study guide, and children go to their own age-group classes. Visitors are welcome to join a class or come only for the worship service.
The worship service
- Hymns, a children's story and prayer, often with the congregation kneeling.
- Tithes and offerings.
- A Bible-centered sermon of 30 to 40 minutes.
- A closing hymn and benediction.
Lunch together
Many Adventist churches hold a fellowship lunch or potluck after the service, and visitors are usually invited. Adventists encourage a healthy lifestyle, so the food is often vegetarian, and alcohol and tobacco are avoided.
Communion
Communion is celebrated about once a quarter. It begins with the Ordinance of Humility, in which members wash one another's feet in separate rooms, following Jesus' example in John 13. Then unleavened bread and grape juice are shared. Communion is open to all believers in Christ; you are welcome to watch or take part.