The "Shape" of our Sunday Service

As an expression of our place within the universal church, we normally follow the ecumenically-accepted order of service, which could be compared to a drama in four acts.  While the shape remains more or less constant, individual components may vary from week to week as an expression of our place within the "free church" tradition.  We also allow our worship to be guided by the scripture readings provided by the Revised Common Lectionary, the ecumenically-adopted three-year cycle of readings organized around the seasons of the church year, each yearly cycle beginning on the first Sunday of Advent.

Act 1:   Gathering in Community to Praise God

Musical Prelude, Hymns, Call to Worship, Time with Children, Opening Prayers

Act 2:   Listening to God's Word

Scripture Readings, Anthems, Sermon, Contemplative Music and Silence

Act 3:   Responding Thankfully to What We've Heard

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession, Offering of Gifts, Affirmations of Faith, Holy Communion (as scheduled), Baptism (when appropriate)

Act 4:   Going Forth to Bear Witness and Practice Our Faith in the World

Concluding Hymn, Blessing, Musical Postlude

An "Order of Worship" is distributed each week, and it contains, in addition to that week's liturgy, a variety of announcements of upcoming events and programs and opportunities for growth and service.