Choir Practice starts 9:30am
We gather around the piano to pray and sing. We practice the songs of the day. This often includes time to practice just our parts and strengthening our voices with a few vocal exercises. We also practice additional holiday music.
Worship starts 10:30am
Worship is at the heart of our life together. Our service blends tradition with innovation to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in positive and relevant ways. We offer communion on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome to join us for a lively and spirit-filled worship experience. (See Order of Worship below)
Children and Worship
We have a great comfort with the sounds of children. We even have rocking chairs in the worship space for nursing mothers and bottle feeding parents. Worship is diverse to help all attention spans to feel engaged. There is traditional and contemporary music. We often have a short video on a subject of interest to kids and adults. Sometimes we do readers theater, puppets, or art. Worship includes special message for the children and coloring activities.
Special Services
Special worship experiences include: Christmas Eve Candlelight on December 24 at 7pm, Ash Wednesday (first Wednesday of Lent) at 7pm, and Maundy Thursday (Thursday before Easter) dinner and Tenebrae at 5:30pm.
Order of Worship
10:30am Worship begins:
Hymn Sing
Announcements for Service and Fellowship Opportunities
*Hymn Here is an example of a contemporary hymn we use
Words of Welcome
*Passing the Peace of Christ (we turn to our neighbor and introduce ourselves)
Community Prayer (anyone who wants to offer a prayer of concern or thanks are welcome to do so) We start with a call to God by whatever name is your name for God: such as Creator God, Divine Spirit, Loving Jesus, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father/Mother… Next is the Request: I give you thanks for/ask for your help with… then close with: Amen… and all reply: Amen
The Lord’s Prayer please, use the translation which is meaningful to you. There are three choices of translations on page 9 of the New Century Hymnal.
A Time of Offering This is a time to Share of our time, talent, or treasure as we are able.
*Dedication Hymn
Dedication Prayer
This prayer is projected on the screen for us to say together. It might be something like: Loving God, fill us and our gifts with your Spirit. May our lives be an expression of gratitude. Amen
Message to Young Hearts Sometimes this is a story from the young and sometimes it is a story to the young. It is as important to most adults as it is to the kids.
Scripture Reading
Words about the Sripture
Silence
- Closing Hymn which might be something like
*Benediction and Halleluja 236 (NCH)
Postlude
*Indicates the invitation to rise as you are able.