AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR WORSHIP SERVICE
If you're visiting us for the first time, maybe a brief introduction to our Sunday morning worship service would be interesting. We show you each of the three pages of a typical Sunday morning bulletin (in pdf file format - most browsers will have the free software from Adobe to read this file format), followed by what we hope will be helpful hints for visitors.
Here is page one from the bulletin.
- Hymns with three-digit numbers (like #138) are in the thick blue hymn book; hymns with four-digit numbers (like #2282) are in the much thinner blue hymn book of more contemporary hymns.
- The asterisk (*) indicates that the congregation stands up.
- "ALL" and "unison" indicate response from the congregation.
Here is page two from the bulletin:
- The Lord's Prayer uses "debts" and "debtors" and not "trespass" and "trespasses"
- In some cases, we'll sing a hymn that isn't in any of the hymn books. The large projection screen in front of the church will give you the words of the song.
- There are bibles in the pew-racks if you want to follow along with the lesson reader. The page number is shown in the bulletin.
- The third lesson is read by the minister reading one verse, and the congregation reading the next, and so on, alternating through the reading. You can be prepared for this by turning a bible to the appropriate page.
- After the congregation responds in "The Peace" we all greet each other in what can seem like a brief period of chaos.
Here is page three from the bulletin:
- A collection is taken during the offertory. There are envelopes in a rack in each pew in case you want ti be identified in the church records.
- The congregation sings the doxology as the offering is brought forward.
- The closing hymn, "Let there be Peace on Earth" is another opportunity for interaction. The congregation moves out of the pews and forms a circle, holding hands. We think it's a good way to prepare for the week ahead.
The first Sunday of each month is communion Sunday. Communion is given at the end of the worship service and the bulletin will guide you through the process.