MVPC is a congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC). We are reformed, evangelical, and confessional in our convictions. MVPC is governed by a session of elders.
What is your view of the Bible?
The Bible, having been inspired by God, is entirely trustworthy and without error. Therefore, we are to believe and obey its teachings. The Bible is the only source of special revelation for the church today.
We are committed to the Bible, God’s inerrant and infallible word, as the final and authority for faith and life. We view the faithful preaching (and hearing) of God’s Word as essential to growth in the Christian life. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)
What does it mean that you are “Reformed?”
Merrimack Valley Presbyterian Church is committed to historic Christianity as recovered during the time of the Protestant Reformation. We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. We believe that the Bible is the final authority on all questions of faith and life and that no one has the right to bind the conscience beyond what the LORD has revealed in His word. The doctrines of grace of our Confession are beloved to Reformed Christians because they are biblical and emphasize the sovereignty of God in salvation. These truths provide comfort to the Lord’s people while giving all the glory to the Living God. You can explore our Confession of Faith and Catechisms at: opc.org/confessions
What do you mean by “Orthodox Presbyterian”?
The term Orthodox means straight doctrine or right teaching, and is unrelated to the Eastern Orthodox Churches. For us to be orthodox means we strive to be consistent with the truth of the Bible. We confess with the historic Christian church the doctrines expressed in the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Westminster Confession of Faith all of which we believe to be concise summaries of what the Bible teaches.
A Presbyterian church governs its congregation by both teaching elders (the pastors) and ruling elders (mature Christian men in the congregation gifted accordingly). Together they make up the session which provides leadership to the local church. Our session joins with sessions of other local churches in the denomination, forming a presbytery which provides leadership for the regional church. This structure, consistent with Scripture, facilitates cooperation with like minded churches in domestic and foreign missions, in preparing and examining men for ordained ministry, and for helping one another in our desire to see Christ exalted and His people growing in faith and love. We also have deacons, also called ministers of mercy, who are responsible for overseeing ministry to the poor and needy.
Is your congregation active in the Great Commission?
We are enthusiastic about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through foreign missions, through church planting in the United States, and in our daily lives. We are a member congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church which is very committed to the work of both home and foreign missions.
When and where to you meet?
MORNING WORSHIP: We meet for morning worship at Atkinson Elementary School at 111 Phillips Brooks Road in North Andover, Massachusetts. The worship service begins at 9:30 AM with Sunday school for all ages beginning around 11:15 AM and running until 12:00. We have a fellowship meal the third Sunday of each month instead of Sunday school.
EVENING WORSHIP: We meet for evening worship at First Calvary Baptist Church in North Andover, Massachusetts at 586 Massachusetts Avenue in North Andover, Massachusetts. Evening worship begins at 5 PM.
May I Partake of the Lord’s Supper at MVPC when I visit?
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper every Sunday morning and invite all who trust in Christ for salvation and who are baptized communicant members in good and regular standing in a Bible-believing church to participate.
How Should I Dress?
If you are planning a visit you might be wondering if we have an unwritten dress code. Our members and friends arrive in anything from casual to semi-formal and you will not be judged for what you wear.
Nursery
If you have small children and prefer to worship together as a whole family we encourage you to do so. We recognize that small children might find it challenging to sit for a whole service and we provide a nursery during morning worship for children up to three years of age.