Sunday Morning Worship

We start by singing together, usually two hymns. Hymns are prayers and truths set to music, and singing them teaches and encourages the people singing next to us. Words are provided, so just join in or listen.

We greet one another and share news from the life of the church: events, missionaries, prayer needs, and ways to serve. The early church was devoted to "the apostles' doctrine and fellowship," and announcements are part of how a church family looks after its own.

Before the call to worship we keep a short silence. It gives everyone a moment to quiet their hearts and remember who we're about to worship. "Be still, and know that I am God."

A leader reads a passage of Scripture that invites us to worship. God speaks first and calls us, and everything we do after that answers Him. "Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name."

Click to edit yourAdoration means praising God for who He is: His holiness, power, faithfulness, and love. Jesus taught us to begin prayer with God Himself ("Hallowed be Your name") before we bring our own needs. text

When we see how holy God is, we also see our own sin more clearly (John Calvin made this point: knowing God and knowing ourselves go together). So we confess our sins to Him honestly, together. This isn't meant to shame anyone. It is the way to forgiveness: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."

God answers our confession with His promise of forgiveness, read straight from Scripture. Forgiveness is based on what Jesus has done, not on how sorry we feel. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."

At about this point, children ages 5–12 are dismissed and walked to their classroom for a Bible lesson at their level. Parents pick them up after the service. "Let the little children come to Me."

Now that we've been forgiven, we sing again, often songs about Christ's work for us and His care for us. Grateful praise is the natural response to grace: "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities."

A Pastor/Elder/Overseer prays for the needs of our church, our community, our missionaries, and the world, and thanks God for His goodness. "In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." ("Supplication" just means asking humbly.)

Members and regular attenders give back to God to support the church's ministry and missions. Giving is an act of worship and should be glad, not forced, because "God loves a cheerful giver." Guests, please don't feel any obligation. Filling out a Connect Card is the best gift you can give us.

The pastor usually preaches through a Bible passage verse by verse, explaining what it means and how it points to Jesus. The goal is to understand God's Word and live by it, as when Ezra's helpers "read distinctly from the book… and helped them to understand the reading." You can follow along in the pew Bible, which is yours to keep. See our past sermons here

On some Sundays we observe the Lord's Supper (Communion) together to remember Christ's death for us. When we do, it's announced in the bulletin. "As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes." If you have questions about taking part, please talk with the pastor or an elder.

We answer God's Word by singing one more time, often a hymn connected to the sermon. "I will sing to the LORD as long as I live."

After a short closing prayer, the service ends with the benediction. The benediction is not another prayer. It is a word of blessing from God to His people as He sends them out, so you're welcome to keep your eyes open and receive it. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing."

We stay seated for a moment of silence to think over what we've heard and ask God to help us live it out. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD."

When the music begins, the service is over. Feel free to stay and visit, or head out under God's care. "The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore."