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8:30
Service of Word and Table |
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 The
pattern of worship we follow is called liturgy, which comes from a Greek
word meaning "the work of the people." This says that the people do not
assemble as mere spectators. For participation of all is a vital work of
the people. There are four movements in the basic pattern of worship,
and they are as follows:
Entrance: During the week the congregation is scattered in the
world. As the people assemble they again form the Body of Christ and in
doing so symbolize the Resurrection. So we gather in a spirit of
prayerful reverence for the presence of God's Spirit who makes us one.
We greet one another with the grace of Christ and praise God through the
hymn. We unite in prayer for the purity of heart to worship God rightly,
and we continue our praise of God with the Psalm.
Proclamation of Word and Response: Now assembled the congregation
prepares to receive the Word of God through Scripture, hymn, and spoken
word. We respond to this Word by voicing concerns and prayers, in
confession and pardon, in sharing God's peace, and in offering ourselves
and our means to God.
Thanksgiving and Communion: The Communion is the high point of
the liturgy, which is the act by which the gifts of God are offered the
people of God. The bread and cup are taken and the Great Thanksgiving is
offered by the pastor or liturgist with responses by the people.
Following the Lord's Prayer the bread is broken and thanks is offered
over the cup. The people acknowledge the gifts of God they receive with
"Amen" or "Thanks be to God." This portion of the liturgy is concluded
with the people's thanksgiving and their petition for the strength of
God's Spirit to serve others in the world.
Sending Forth: The people prepare with a hymn to scatter, to bear
witness to God's love in the world, and receive their dismissal with a
blessing.
Information Articles:
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