WORSHIP

What is the service like?

The worship service is structured as a kind of dialogue between God and His people. This includes songs, Scripture readings, prayers, a sermon, an offering, celebrating the Lord’s Supper, and at times declaring our faith using summaries from historic Christian creeds and confessions.

Generally the flow of the service moves from being “called to worship” – i.e. summoned and invited by God to worship Him; then praising Him through singing; then “confessing our sins/receiving the assurance of pardon” – an honest moment of reflection and coming to the Lord for His grace and mercy through the announcement of the gospel; then a time of prayer, either a prayer by the pastor, or a congregational “prayers of the people”; then the giving of tithes and offerings, followed by a hymn of thanksgiving offering ourselves to God; then the reading of the Scripture text on which the sermon is based; then the sermon, followed by the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, a closing hymn, and a word of “benediction” (God’s blessing on His people, reminding us of His favor, and commissioning us to go out to love and serve others).

This general flow or shape of the liturgy goes back into the patterns found in Scripture and throughout church history for how God met with His people to renew their covenant relationship with Him. This type of structured liturgy is sometimes seen as too stuffy or traditional, and there is certainly a danger of empty ritual, but we believe the liturgy provides a basic shape to the service, which re-tells the story of the gospel. It is a way of liberating us or safeguarding us from trying to constantly reinvent the wheel, and it has a way of shaping our souls and creating habits of love and trust in our relationship with God and with one another. If you’re not used to a liturgical service, give it some time, and please don’t hesitate to ask questions!

To hear audio of our sermons, click here.

Will I Be Asked to Do or Say Anything During the Service?

No. An invitation to partake of the Lord’s Supper is given to all baptized Christians who profess faith in Jesus Christ. If you do not believe, or are not sure, we ask you not participate in this part of the service. We would not ask you to do anything that would compromise your conscience or authenticity. You won’t be called on, or asked to stand as a visitor, and certainly we would not want you to feel under any pressure to give during the offering. The offering is a way for members and regulars to support the church’s mission and ministry. Our goal if you are visiting with us is to serve you, to provide a place where you can hopefully encounter God’s presence.

How Long Does the Service Last?

The morning service is about 80-90 minutes. The evening service is about one hour.

How Should I Dress?

There is no dress code. People dress in everything from jeans to suits.