ARRIVAL
Pick up a Sunday Bulletin from one of the Greeters at the door. Feel free to sign the guest book and get a nametag. And then get comfortable in the pew of your choice. In the rack in front of you, you will find The New Century Hymnal (black cover) and our Pew Bible (blue cover).
WE GATHER
As the congregation arrives, we exchange greetings and prepare for worship. A quotation in the bulletin, the musical Prelude and the Welcome from the Minister help us to focus our attention on God and the theme for the day.
WE BEGIN
The Lighting of the Candles signifies the beginning of the service. “*” printed in your bulletin invites you to stand (if you are able) for a specific part of the service. When the lay reader or Liturgist comes forward, we stand for the Opening Prayer and Hymn.
Most prayers are printed in the bulletin so you can follow along easily. Some prayers will be in the back of the Hymnal – so far back there are no longer page numbers, just numbers for the prayers. The liturgist will let you know if this is the case.
WE ENCOURAGE OUR CHILDREN
Things are not always in the same order, but usually the opening prayer and hymn are followed by Children’s Time. All young people are welcome to come forward to share their thoughts on a given topic and/or to hear a story. This is a time FOR the children. Adults intentionally give this time during worship as a gift - in return for God’s gift of children. As the children leave us for a special Worship and Wonder program—we bless them with a song.
WE EXPERIENCE THE WORD
We then have a Reading from the Sacred Texts of the Jewish and/or Christian traditions. It is a time of listening to and remembering our Tradition. These reflect certain themes that will be touched on in the Sermon - which follows a Choral Anthem or Special Music.
In the Sermon, the minister – or lay preacher – presents their thoughts for the week on faith, life, God and the Universe. Remember:
** Preaching seeks to combine the Jewish and Christian stories with our own story. The scriptures should touch our lives today.
** Many other traditions speak to us and our condition. Listen for connections.
** The preacher is preached to just as much as the congregation. Sometimes a sermon must be prophetic; the minister is equally touched by the message.
** Sermons are different every Sunday: some are inspirational, some humorous, some downright gloomy. Expect variety!
** Preaching is a two-way street, an intellectual, emotional and spiritual conversation between speaker and listener. Be honest with the preacher during or after the service. Respond to what is said. Dialogue is healthy!
WE RESPOND WITH OUR PRAYERS
In response to the sermon, God’s invitation and to the inclinations of our hearts, we offer Prayers of intercession, celebration, gratitude, requests for help and encouragement. We like to sing a lot here, so we begin our prayer time with a Prayer Hymn. It will be in your Hymnal or printed in the bulletin. We then share out loud Prayers of the People. The minister lifts up a prayer or has a moment of silence. And then we either sing again from the Hymnal or listen to our musicians during Music for Reflection.
WE RESPOND WITH OUR GIFTS
After the music, we Offer Our Gifts so that our lives may be our prayer. This is a time to make a gift from the heart to further the mission of this church. (See the bottom of this page for our Mission Statement.) As a United Church of Christ we not only support the work of our local church, we join with all U.C.C. persons world-wide to alleviate suffering within all of Creation. * The musicians for the day will play an Offertory as offering plates are passed to each row in turn. We sing (of course) and then Dedicate ourselves and our gifts of money time, energy and talent – with prayer.
OUR COMMON LIFE
The liturgist will offer a few announcements and invite visitors (that means you!) to join this motley bunch in the fellowship hall after worship. We sing a Sending Hymn and say a blessing or Benediction encouraging each other to do God’s work in the world once we have left this place. The liturgist will Change the Candle Light - which is the way we explain to the children that the light is not doused - but moved into our hearts and taken out to be shared with the world. During the Postlude - played our talented (but humble) musicians - you are welcome to meet the minister at the back of the room and to join the throng for coffee, juice, snacks and conversation. Remember to stop by the Visitors’ Center for information and sign the guest book on your way out (if you didn’t on the way in).
OCCASIONALLY
Each month we have Communion. You will be invited to come forward to the Communion Table. Take a piece of bread from the loaf offered by the minister or deacon and dip it into the chalice filled with grape juice. This is called intinction. * If you need to be served in the pew, just let the usher know and a deacon will come to you with pieces of bread and a tiny cup of grape juice. Place the bread in your mouth, then drink the juice along with it. Remember: ALL are welcome to the table here. So, no matter what you believe or what religion you practice, feel free to share Communion if you are so moved!
Sometimes there are special events: New Members, Baptisms, Confirmations and such. These will be printed in your bulletin and you can muddle along with the rest of us!
WORSHIP NOTES
Notes in your bulletin will tell you the sources for prayers and special music. If there is no note about a prayer, it is likely that it was written by the minister.
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Our Mission
In response to God’s all-encompassing presence and unconditional love, we at San Marino Congregational United Church of Christ, a worship-centered community, are spreading the good news of God’s love to all, working to heal human divisions, and striving for peace and justice. |
