Here’s a bit about what to expect when visiting our church:
Christian Worship is a dialogue between God and his people – the different elements in the liturgy reflect that, etc.
Our order of worship has a specific design to it:
The service opens with a call to worship which is the reading of the Scriptures. This mirrors the nature of man’s relationship with God which is always initiated by God speaking first to us.
The call to worship is followed by a weekly opportunity for those in attendance to privately confess their sins to God and receive the forgiveness which is found in Christ. Again, this mirrors the biblical example of men who, upon hearing the voice of God, come into an awareness of their own sinful condition (Isaiah 6).
After confession of sin the pastor declares the biblical good news of pardon of sin to all who truly call upon Christ.
The pardon of sin is followed by two hymns, praising God for His grace and mercy toward us.
After the hymns, the congregation will join in one accord as they profess what they believe. This may be a reading of the Ten Commandments, the Greatest Commandment, the Apostles Creed, questions from the catechism, etc.
The joint profession of faith is followed by the tithes and offerings which we view as part of the worship.
Tithes and offerings are followed by a time of prayer. Various prayer requests which are brought to the attention of the pastor are prayed for by the entire congregation with the pastor or an elder leading.
The time of prayer is followed by the sermon where the pastor reads a specific text and seeks to explain its meaning and significance in the life of a Christian.
The sermon is followed by a hymn.
The hymn is followed by the Lord’s Supper which is administered on a weekly basis. The Lord’s Table is open to all Christians who are baptized and communicant members (old enough to understand the sacrament) in good standing of a Christian church.
The Lord’s Supper is followed by a hymn which is followed by a benediction (good word) encouraging those who believe in Christ to go in peace.
After the service, we have a time of fellowship together:
After about a fifteen minute break, during which many gather to have coffee, pastries and snacks, there is Sunday school for children of all ages.