This document provides information about Congregation Benim Avraham, a Christian church located in La Porte, TX. It describes the church's beliefs, liturgical practices, leadership, mission, and contact information. The church believes in the one holy catholic and apostolic church, follows both western and eastern liturgical traditions, is charismatic, and aims to heal the sick, raise the dead, and challenge complacent Christians through building up the congregation.

1. Congregation Benim Avraham 204 Sylvan St. 281-867-9081 Christian Church, Synod of St. Timothy Serving La Porte, TX & Southeast Harris County

2. One We are part of the one Church, founded by Jesus Christ, who is the head of the Church

3. HOLY We are not holy because our members are holy, but because the Holy Spirit indwells the church and its members.

4. Catholic We are catholic*, because we preach the Universal story of Salvation, which is for all people in all times and all places. *Catholic means universal

5. Apostolic We are apostolic, because we follow the traditions of the Apostles, and because every member of the church is an Ambassador representing & proclaiming Christ.

6. Messianic Jesus or Yeshua came to fulfill the Jewish feasts. Only in understanding those feasts do we truly understand Yeshua’s mission, therefore we celebrate them to know Yeshua.

7. Liturgical We follow a set written order of service. The first part of our service, the liturgy of the word is based on several liturgies, including the western liturgy of St. James. We discuss the five lessons. The liturgy of Eucharist is based on the Eastern rite of St. James. Our liturgy for Easter is based on Passover and our alternate liturgy is based on the Apostolic Constitutions.

8. Charismatic We are charismatic because all Christians receive gifts from the Holy Spirit, gifts which are meant to build up the body of believers, gifts which include healing, and may include speaking in tongues.

9. Sunday Worship We celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday at 10:00 except for Easter Sunday. All are welcome to take part in the liturgy of the word, to discuss and understand the Bible. We divide the Bible into five sections and read a lesson from each section. (Torah, Prophets, Writings, Epistle & Gospel.)

10. Worship At the end of the liturgy of the word, there is silence, and the unbaptised are dismissed. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated according to the ancient rite of St. James.

11. Communion We believe that Jesus Christ is present in the bread and the wine, that they become his body and blood, in a way that is inexplicalble, and that we receive them to receive power to conquer sin and death and to witness to Jesus.

12. After Church After church we have lunch together. Any members of the congregation who are ill will have communion brought to their homes.

13. Healing Services Are held each Thursday. In addition to anointing the sick with oil, we discuss Jesus’s healing miracles and see how they relate to our lives.

14. Small Groups As we grow, we will form small groups to build one another up.

15. Easter Sunday On Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the Great Vigil of Easter, starting with a bonfire in the Evening the day before Easter. At this service we celebrate the resurrection and baptise new members. These baptisms follow a special period of preparation during Lent.

16. Our Church Our church currently meets in the Chapel in the Bishop’s home. An icon of Jesus is over the altar to remember that he reins over us. A crucifix is above it to remind us of the terrible price Christ had to pay for us. Icons of various saints are on the walls of the chapel to remind us that we are among the saints as well. Two candles representing the two natures of Christ at the ends of the alter. A menorah is on the altar, it is lit for the liturgy of the sacrament. A small tabernacle also adorns the altar, where consecrated bread and wine are kept for the sick.

17. Our Bishop Mar Michael Abportus, aka Michael Joe Thannisch is a graduate of Rice University, a fourteen year missionary to Honduras, and has studied at the Colllege of Pastoral Education and el Seminario de Sta. Maria de Honduras.

18. Our clergy The chief pastor is the Bishop As we develop, he will be assisted by presbyters, deacons and deaconesses. Presbyters can lead services, and are responsible for leading the congregation spiritually. Deacons and deaconesses are to assist the Bishop and Presbyters in ministering to the sick and helpless, and in meeting the physical needs of the congregation.

19. Our Mission To heal the sick, raise the dead and proclaim the Gospel to all nations. To build a congregation where we ALL build one another up. To challenge complacent Christians. Theosis, the process in which we all become more Christ-like

20. Christian Church, Synod of St. Timothy We are pleased to be members of the Christian Church, Synod of St. Timothy, which is an association of ministers and churches, based on the Ignatian model of ministry.

21. Contact us Our Website: www. freewebs.com /childrenofabraham Phone: 281-867-9081 (nights please as Bishop’s wife doesn’t speak English well) Bishop’s email: mjthannisch@sbcglobal.net Christian Church, Synod of St. Timothy: http://www.christiansynod.org/

22. Service Times Sunday: Holy Eucharist 10:00 AM Thursday: Healing Service 7:00 PM Easter Vigil: Saturday before Easter 8:00 PM Christmas Eve: 8:00 PM Special Services announced on web Come and Worship