As you come into the Sanctuary, bulletins are found on the right lectern. Our bulletins have the order of Worship, prayer requests, a calendar of upcoming events. The back of the bulletin shares information about the Global Methodist Church, of which we are part.
There are other materials you can pick up as you like. There is a calendar of events on the lectern with the bulletins and you can take one with you. The calendar also lists birthdays and anniversaries. On the left table there are devotional materials. Please take any of these are you feel led.
You are welcome to sit anywhere in the Sanctuary that you like. Yes, we have people who tend to sit in the same place each Sunday but as a guest, you are welcome to sit anywhere. If you have any questions or concerns, just ask of the ushers who will be at the back of the church when you enter. In the pews we have Hymnals, Bibles and offering envelopes. We do encourage people to open a Bible to read along when the scripture is read.
The service starts with announcements. We share things that are coming up that the congregation needs to be aware of. After that, we stand, as people are able, to give the Greeting. This is published in the bulletin. Pastor Jason says the light print words and we respond with the bold print words. While we are still standing, we sing the first hymn.
The music in our church is varied. We have a baby grand piano and wonderful music leader. There are other times when we have song leaders who play guitar or banjo.
While we are singing the first hymn, ushers bring in the Light and light the candles on the altar. This reminds us that Christ, the Light of the World, is with us in Worship.
After our first hymn, we sit down and then have a Responsive reading from the hymnal. These readings usually come from the Book of Psalms. Again, Pastor Jason reads the light print words and the congregation reads the bold print words.
We respond to the readings with the Gloria Patri, a short musical offering of our praise and glory to God. This found in the hymnal on page 70 if you do not know it.
When you first come in, you may notice that the choir members are sitting in the choir section. That helps them be prepared for the next part of worship. The choir sings a variety of songs, from traditional hymns to upbeat contemporary songs. Sometimes our music leader plays for them and other times they use pre-recorded music. It is their gift to God and us as we continue to worship. Following their anthem, they leave the choir section and join the congregation.
As the choir joins the congregation, Pastor Jason invites us to Pass the Peace. This is a time when people leave their pews to share the Peace of God with others in the church. As a visitor, you will be welcomed enthusiastically. This is a time that can be a little overwhelming for a first visit but please know that we genuinely are happy that you chose to worship with us. One visitor shared, “This passing of the peace is an act of love”. We all believe that.
After Passing the Peace (and a lot of joy!) Pastor Jason leads us in a time of prayer. He asks us to share praises and joys first. You will hear people all over the Sanctuary share the good things that have happened during the past week. After praises, come prayer concerns. Again, you will hear people sharing concerns. Some people ask for prayer for an unspoken need. After each shared concern, Pastor Jason will say “Lord, in your mercy” and we respond with “hear our prayers”. After all praises and concerns are shared, Pastor Jason leads us in prayer. At the end of the prayer, he invites us to join in saying the Lord’s Prayer. That is found on page 74 of the hymnal.
Next in the order of worship, we share our gifts and tithes. The ushers bring the offering plates around. We know that God had blessed us and we want to show Him our thanks by returning a part of His blessings back to His work. When offerings have been received, we stand (as able) and sing the Doxology. This is another short musical offering where we acknowledge God’s blessings. This is found on page XX of the hymnal. Following that, Pastor Jason offers a prayer of thanksgiving. We are invited to sit down after that.
Pastor Jason then leads in Scripture. He primarily uses the New Revised Version of the Bible. Following reading of the scripture, Pastor Jason offers a prayer for opening our hearts to receive the words God wants us to hear. His sermon is Spirit Led.
Worship comes to an end with singing a final hymn. During this time, the users come to take the Light of the candles out of the church, reminding us that we need to take Christ’ light out as we encounter people around us. Pastor Jason then gives a benediction.
Pastor Jason stands at the back of the church to share a last welcome and invite you to come again. And we do hope you will visit again. But more than that, we invite you to join our family and worship with us a member of our church.
If you have any questions about our church, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Pastor Jason’s information:
Jason Dickerson
919-616-4166 (cell)
919-742-1235 (parsonage)
Silkhope1973@hotmail.com