Why is the Worship Service in the Order That It is?

I recently attended a S.A.M. (Synod Appointed Ministers) training to learn more about Christian education for small churches. While this was a Lutheran gathering, the similarities in the order of our worship service setting made me think that I could share parts with you as well. We often times do not think about the different headings for each part of the service, as it just flows along from welcome to benediction.

 Welcome  - the time when people are first coming in, greeting one another, and preparing for worship.

 We Adore God – the time to be called to be in a worship filled space. To let go of the troubles of the outside world, if only for a little while. There is a call to worship, which is usually a Bible verse broken down into a responsive reading between the leader and the people. This is sometimes followed by a prayer, but is always followed by an Opening Hymn that expresses the joy to be gathering with God in this place.

We Ask for God’s Forgiveness – the time that all agree that God has the right to condemn us for our actions or non-actions. Through the assurance of forgiveness, all can know that Jesus gave his life for our sins and that we are forgiven. Not to go out and continue to be sinful, but knowing that human mistakes and frailties are forgiven when we realize what was done, and ask for forgiveness.

We Listen to the Word of God  - God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song. Faith comes by hearing, because Christ is as present in “The Word” as he is in the sacraments of communion. Christ is “The Word.”

We Respond as God’s Children  - the Hymn of Dedication or Communion is the people’s response to what they have heard in the readings and the sermon. The Offering acknowledges that all things belong to God. They are not offered as a sacrifice to earn grace, they are gifts of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice for us.

If it is a Communion Sunday, a creed is read by all to align us with churches around the world and through time. Reminding us of what has been believed to be true for over 2000 years. The words of communion are used to remind us that Jesus is present in the bread (or wafer) and the wine (or grape juice.) and as a reminder that He is always with us.

Prayers of the people for the joys and concerns mentioned by those there, and for the prayers for the wider church and world. This prepares us to go out into the world better prepared for the joys and concerns that will be encountered when we are not together.

The Lord’s Prayer is there because it is how Jesus taught his disciples to pray and there is still a  need to repeat what has been passed down through the ages.

We Depart to Serve in God’s Name – the closing hymn is a reminder of all that was learned in the service. A benediction or blessing is given to guide our paths for the week. Finally a charge is given as a reminder of the mission statement that “we are the hands and feet of Christ in the community. Our faith and the way we live shall reflect the teachings of Christ and be a witness to all.”

Your Sister in Christ,

Teresa Cooksey