WHAT TO EXPECT
When you decide to attend our Worship service for the first time we want you to know "what to expect". We want to be honest and upfront with you because as a visitor you are important to us. So here is what you need to know.
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What we do not have: We do not have a children's ministry, youth ministry or a Sunday School.
You will be warmly welcomed, as we are a very friendly and welcoming church family. You will not be pressured. You determine your own level of involvement.
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We have a traditional worship style. The organ and piano keyboard are our usual musical instruments.
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The Sunday Service is our weekly opportunity for the congregation to worship God together. In the worship service we affirm the priority of God in every aspect of life. So let's walk through a typical Order of Worship.
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PRELUDE
When you arrive you will be welcomed and given a hymnal and bulletin for the Sundays service. You can be seated wherever you wish. Just before the service begins music will be played that prepares us for worship.
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WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our pastor opens the service by welcoming everyone and key announcements are shared.
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CALL TO WORSHIP
This is a responsive invitation to begin worshiping God and the words chosen will often set the theme for the service.
THE INVOCATION
This opening prayer is offered by the congregation in unison.
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HYMN
Our first hymn is generally a hymn of praise!
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GREETING OUR FAMILY
Everyone is encouraged to welcome those sitting around you. As a friendly church, people move around the sanctuary making everyone feel welcomed.
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SCRIPTURE READING
Generally, there are two readings in a typical service, but always one. Pew Bibles are provided along with the page number for the reading so you can follow along.
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PRAYER
Our pastor leads this part of the service which has several components.
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CALL TO CONFESSION & SILENT PRAYER
For a brief moment we are called to consider our own faults and failures because we are all human and fail at times.
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PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We share this prayer in unison.
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PASTORAL PRAYER
Our pastor lifts to God the needs of the congregation and beyond.
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THE LORD'S PRAYER
As a congregation we all pray the Lord's Prayer as printed in the bulletin.
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HYMN
Our second hymn closes our time of prayer and is often our prayer response.
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SPECIAL MUSIC
This music is normally provided by a musician from within the church or a special guest.
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SCRIPTURE READING
This passage from the Bible is normally the basis for the message.
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MESSAGE
Our pastor presents the message of the morning. Generally the pastor follows a passage found in the Revised Common Lectionary. However, we are not tied to the lectionary and our pastor can preach on any Bible passage that is most appropriate for the service.
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HYMN
Our third hymn is generally selected as a response to the message.
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INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
When the offering is brought forward by the ushers the congregation joins in a brief prayer of thanks for what has been given for the work of the church and outreach.
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CLOSING WORDS
Our pastor will share any important reminders and welcome everyone to stay if they wish, for a time of refreshments and fellowship in Dech Hall. Our fellowship time is a cherished part of our church life!
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DOXOLOGY
Our pastor leads this with voices only in singing the doxology which is printed in the bulletin. We sing this as a reminder that our service is about God and to the glory of God. As we begin the service with praise we conclude it with the same.
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BENEDICTION
Our pastor pronounces the benediction and following the Amen looks forward to greeting you as you leave the service.
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POSTLUDE
Music is played as we depart our worship service.
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