WORSHIP SERVICES
Invitation
“To all who are lonely and need a friend;
to all who are weak and need strength;
to all who are adrift and need a purpose;
to all who are searching and need to discover;
to all who have richly receive and need to give thanks;
this church opens wide its doors and bids you welcome.”
This statement appears on our weekly worship program and reflects our congregation’s eagerness to open its doors to all of God’s people. No matter who you are, no matter where you are along life’s journey, you are invited to join us in worship and fellowship.
Weekly Services
Weekly services are held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Many within our congregation have commented that they like the fact that our service is neither too formal, nor too informal, but a nice balance between the two.
Although our pastor regularly changes the order of the service depending on the theme of the day, the service almost always includes: congregational hymns, prayers of intercession and thanksgiving, a children’s message, a choral anthem, scripture readings, a sermon, and an offering.
Music
Music is an integral part of our church life here at First Reformed UCC and we have been blessed with many wonderful musicians.
Lay Participation
Our pastor feels very strongly about offering different members the opportunity to help share in worship leadership.
One way in which a person may assist is by serving as a Liturgist. This person is generally responsible for leading the following portions of the service: Announcements, Call to Worship, Moment of Mission, Invitation to the Offering, and the Prayer of Dedication.
Some members who don’t feel comfortable serving as the liturgist enjoy providing an occasional Children’s Sermon. Themes are generally coordinated with the pastor’s message.
Visitors receive their first impression of the church from those who serve as Greeters and Ushers. Far from being insignificant, the contribution our greeters and ushers make to the worship service is vital and far-reaching. They have the first opportunity to convey to our visitors a favorable impression and to help each newcomer feel accepted in a spirit of kindness and friendliness. Please call the church office at 226-7346 if you would like to serve in any of these capacities.
Sacraments
When the Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated (about six times a year), everyone present is invited to share in the meal. Believing that children learn through participation, they are included in this invitation as well. This is to the discretion of the parents.
In our tradition, the Sacrament of Baptism is typically conferred upon infants as an outward sign of God’s love and grace for everyone, whether they are consciously aware of that grace or not. Some parents, however, choose not to have their children baptized, but allow the child to make that decision for herself as she matures. Therefore, we also baptize youth and parents at their request.
Special Services
Our congregation finds great meaning in observing and celebrating the Liturgical Calendar of the church. We mark the season of Advent by lighting candles each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we celebrate a Contemplative Communion Service in which participates may sit in the pews and listen to music for any length of time and approach the altar to receive communion from the pastor. Beginning January 6th, we recognize the season of Epiphany which concludes with communion on Transfiguration Sunday.
The Lenten Season commences with a Healing Service on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Good Friday when we remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Two days later we remember our Savior’s resurrection with a celebratory Easter Service.
The next event within the liturgical calendar is Pentecost Sunday, which occurs fifty days after Easter. It was on Pentecost that the Holy Spirit inspired the disciples to preach in the streets of Jerusalem and on which the church was given birth.
The season of Pentecost is the longest of any other, lasting 26 weeks. Two special services we observed during this period is World Communion Sunday (the first Sunday of October), our church’s Anniversary Sunday (the first Sunday of November) and Thanksgiving Sunday (the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day).
Artwork
You may want to visit our church’s sanctuary just to admire the artwork contained within.
On the east wall of the sanctuary you will find five stained glass windows depicting events in the life of Jesus. These include: Jesus’ birth, the boy Jesus in the temple, Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Resurrection, the Ascension.
The stained glass windows on the west wall include: the Good Shepherd, the Rich Young Ruler, Jesus blessing the children, the Prodigal Son, and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.
(Click on the images to view a larger image in a new window.)
Within the sanctuary, Jesus and the twelve disciples are depicted in two very different art forms. The Rose Window, a large circular stained glass window, dominates the balcony. At the center of the window is a lamb, symbolizing Jesus. And surrounding the lamb are the symbols for each of the disciples.
Turn around and look high above the chancel to view a 3-D plaster relief of The Lord’s Supper. During a recent cleaning and restoration of this piece, several close-up pictures were taken. The intricate details are remarkable!
Flowers
Anyone wishing to place flowers in the chancel for any of our worship services should contact Margie Gurganious (228-9084). She will tell you what dates are open and enter your name in the schedule for the date you choose. Susie will also mail you a postcard before your scheduled date to remind you of your commitment.
After placing your order with the florist of your choice, you will need to let the church office know how you wish to word the flower dedication in the bulletin. This information is due by Wednesday prior to the Sunday you will provide the flowers.
