Worship

Amid the exuberant chatter of friends greeting one another, children running to get worship bags with activity sheets and crayons, hugs and handshakes all around, each Sunday this phrase is heard:

“This is the day that the Lord has made.”
“Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

These words from the Psalms that open worship each Sunday at Christ United Methodist Church. They call us to redirect our attention from the many things that concern us and to focus on worship of the God who calls us together in this community.

Worship in our congregation has four main parts:
• We offer our praise to God – in song and prayer
• God offers the word to us – in scripture, preaching and song
• We respond to God’s word – in prayers, opportunities for ministry and offering
• We are sent out to be God’s people in the world – through our daily living

Within these four parts the style and worship acts will vary greatly. A traditional hymn and a praise chorus may be sung in the same service. A newly-written prayer may be spoken and an ancient creed affirmed. The congregation may be invited to the altar for prayers or to the rock walls in the chancel area to leave a prayer between the stones. Each Sunday, we observe a few minutes of silence in order to listen to God’s word to each of us. Although the components which make up worship will vary, they are determined by God’s word to us through the scripture of the week.

In our worship we observe and celebrate the Christian year, as evident in the life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the history of God’s people recorded in the Old Testament and the testimonies of faith in the New Testament.

With the exception of the different musical ensembles that provide music for the two services and the various lay readers and leaders who participate, the 8:30 and 11:00 services are identical. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month. All who desire to lead a Christian life are welcome to receive communion, regardless of age or status of membership in any church.

Active participation in worship is expected. Clergy and lay people share in the leading of the service. Youth and children often lead as scripture readers and choir members. Those interested in leading worship are encouraged to speak with one of the ministers.

The atmosphere is causal – “blue jeans traditional,” it has been called. You are invited to come as you are, but don’t expect to stay that way. The Living Christ is present and will speak to and challenge all who worship at Christ United Methodist Church to leave our sanctuary more fully committed to living as God’s people in the world.

For more about worship at Christ United Methodist Church:
Children and Worship
Celebration Singers
Youth Choir
Children’s Choirs
Rock of Ages
Baptism
Communion
Weddings
Sermons