What to Expect During a Worship Service

The worship service begins with a welcome and a time for everyone to greet others. Do not worry: we do not make visitors stand by themselves, but people will informally welcome you. The announcements will be mentioned. While the organist plays the prelude (introductory music), acolytes (candlelighters) will enter the sanctuary and light the candles to symbolize that we are in the presence of Christ, the light of the world. You will find hymnal page numbers and instructions for standing printed in the bulletin and mentioned from the pulpit.

The morning worship service includes a time when children may walk to the front of the sanctuary and sit on the steps for a message designed for them. Various church members and staff enjoy leading this time with the children. After the children’s sermon at the morning worship service, children ages 4 years through grade 4 may attend children’s church. They will continue worshipping with a service designed especially for children. Children younger than 4 years may go to the nursery or return to their pews. Older children in grades 5 and 6 may return to their pews.  After the worship service ends you may pick up your children in the media room in the Education Building.

Because we believe that we respond financially to God with our tithes and other offerings, the ushers will pass offering plates. First-time visitors are asked to fill out a visitor’s card in the pew rack and place it rather than money into the offering plate.

The service will close with a pastor saying a benediction (closing words) and with the pastors walking out with the acolytes  as everyone sings the choral response in the bulletin. When the music stops, people exit their pews. Please introduce yourself to the pastor and others when you leave.