Services

Gathering

As you come into the church building, remind yourself you’re entering God’s House. You are welcome, not on the basis of who you are (your own merit), but on the basis of WHO CHRIST IS (grace). Be thankful! Greet others with warmth. This brief fellowship time is important and is a part of worship (Acts 2:42).

Prelude

As the music begins, our talking should cease. We take a moment to center our thoughts and direct our hearts toward God. This time of silent meditation may be an opportunity to speak to God, to give thanks, or to ask God to help, to speak a Word to you today in worship.

As the acolyte comes in and lights the candles, remind yourself of the goodness of light. Fire is elemental, God’s creative gift which symbolizes God’s light & life, communicating both warmth and awe.

Greeting/Call to Worship

The words “the Lord be with you” are powerful. This statement affirms our belief, proclaims God’s presence among us. Other time we read responsively from the Psalms.

Hymns
Singing God’s praises is Scriptural. It’s an opportunity for you to actively participate in the worship of Almighty God. Singing also unites us, spiritually, as well as in audible, physical ways. Share a hymnal with the person next to you; draw closer to God and each other during these melodic moments in the service. In addition, you are participating in the earliest forms of Christian worship, since the apostles and the New Testament churches also (Mt 26:30; Acts 16:25; 1 Cor 15:3-4; Phil 2:6-11).

Sharing

Making announcements, celebrating the life and ministry of our congregation, sharing joys & concerns together are a part of our worship of God. This is not simply a “to do list” or commercial break J Sharing the news of what’s happening in our lives and in the life of our church is integral to our connection with one another. We’re encouraged to understand events, activities and (yes!) even committee meetings as opportunities for ministry.

Praying

Prayer is holy communication. The pastor or worship leader will lead a brief congregational prayer. Your prayers may be lifted up silently at anytime. Take a moment simply to be yourself before God: let God hear your thoughts, concerns, pains and problems. Pray the Lord’s Prayer aloud, in unison. This is another opportunity for you to participate in corporate worship – as the body of Christ, together in unison. This prayer is no rote ritual, it has been taught to us by our Lord himself (Luke 6). Children are encouraged to learn it at home as well as in church so that they may fully participate in Sunday worship.

Our Response to Grace

Offering Gifts

When the offering plate is passed among us, we receive the opportunity to return to the Lord a portion of what God has graciously given to us. This act is less about “paying the bills” as it is about fulfilling God’s call to be faithful stewards. Blessings abound from each dollar given – from our local missions to helping people around the globe.

Doxology

This literally means “praise God.” All blessings flow from God, so we offer our thanks and praise. A prayer is often offered to bless the gifts and offer God our highest praise, the gift of a grateful heart.

Proclamation

Children’s Message

Time with our children is a priority in worship. We teach children in school on levels which are appropriate to their ages, so the same goes for church. The adult shares a story or object lesson that aims to teach a spiritual truth about God, the Bible and our lives. Prayer is also taught in a simple yet significant manner, so that the children may participate and learn to communicate with God more.

Hearing the Word

Worship is built upon the Word of God. Every time we gather to worship, Scripture should be read. We call “Hearing the Word” because the emphasis is on people “hearing” rather than the reading itself. “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.”(Romans 10:17)

Bearing Witness to the Word

Proclaiming and testifying to the Word of God at work in the world has been an integral part of Christian worship since Jesus’ ministry. The word “sermon” has accrued some negative connotations in our modern society. At root, and in its earliest form, this act of worship simply “bears witness” to the living reality of God’s Word, work and will being fulfilled among us. During this portion of worship, our hearts should be tuned toward grace, our minds open to new understanding. The Word often offers us both comfort and challenge. It is good to take notes and to refer to your Bible.

Response to the Word

Holy Communion

One of two sacraments recognized by Protestants, Holy Communion(also called, The Lord’s Supper, the Last Supper, or Eucharist, which means ‘thanksgiving’) is our holy meal we share together with Christ. The bread and the cup (Methodists have used grape juice ever since Mr. Welch, a devout Methodist, invented it in the late 1800s) represent for us the body and blood of Christ. The meal focuses on remembering Christ’s sacrifice; it communicates forgiveness.

Baptism

Through Holy Baptism Christ initiates us into God’s family, the body of Christ, the church. We are cleansed of sin by God’s grace. As Methodists, we recognize all forms and modes of baptism for all people of all ages. Believers’ baptism (or adult baptism) is the scriptural model. Infant baptism is the traditional model. God’s Grace works the same in all.

Responsive Readings, Affirmations of Faith, Creeds, Unison Prayers

Many Sundays we incorporate written responses. These words are of Scripture or Apostolic tradition (such as creeds) – carefully chosen words help us to learn, to articulate and to participate in the fullness of the faith as we respond to God’s Call.

Closing Hymn

Traditionally during a Methodist worship service, the closing hymn is an invitational hymn, a hymn of discipleship. You are always welcome to come forward to the altar rail for prayer. Also, you may be in prayer right where you are, committing or re-committing yourself to Christ and God’s call in your life. Please speak to a pastor or lay leader after the service if you need personal prayer or encouragement in your walk with the Lord.

Sending Forth

Benediction

The closing words of the service are a “sending forth” more than a prayer. Most often these are words of blessing, based upon scripture, spoken to you rather than a prayer to God. We often hear the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) invoked, as is our apostolic connection and conviction. You are, therefore, sent forth to SERVE in the name of the Triune God, just as the resurrected Jesus commissioned the disciples in Matthew 28:19-20.

Taking the Light of Christ into the World

At the beginning of worship, the acolyte brings in the light of Christ, symbolizing God’s presence with us.

As the acolyte takes the light of Christ out of the sanctuary, we are reminded that we carry the light of God out into the world.

The exit doors of the church are literally the servants entranceways to the community and the world. Go forth to serve; go with God.