A Typical Worship Service at St. Paul's

St. Paul's is is open to all who wish to worship the triune God--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion the first, third, fifth, and other holy days, and we welcome all to God's table of grace.

Our typical service will change a bit from season to season, but will usually follow the order discussed here. It is divided into four main parts: Preparing, Proclaiming the Word and Sharing the Lord's Supper, Going out into the world to share the Good News of Jesus Christ..

PREPARING: The pastor will walk to the front of the church to welcome everyone to worship and will also deliver any announcements that are to be made. After the announcements, all will be invited to "Prepare our hearts for worship." The congregation then sings the Processional Hymn.

PROCLAIMING GOD'S WORD: The pastor and the congregation reflect upon our sins and confess together our sinfulness, afterward hearing God's words of absolution (forgiveness). The Kyrie (Lord, have mercy) and a Hymn of Praise are then sung by the congregation. The Prayer of the Day follows. Folks are then invited to share the Lord's Peace with their fellow worshippers. The congregation will turn to one another, shake hands, hug or simply smile while wishing peace for each other. All are then seated and God's Word is read. The First Lesson (Old Testament, except during the season of Easter when it comes from the New Testament), the Psalm (which sometimes may be omitted), the Second Lesson (from the New Testament Epistles (letters), and the Gospel. Next, the pastor or lay person will give the Children's Sermon, inviting all of the children in the congregation down to the altar for their own, special lesson. It is often a highlight of the service. After this, the Word of God comes to us through special music, either the choir, hand bells, soloist or other musician/s. Then the pastor speaks the Word of God, or preaches. The Sermon is followed by the congregational singing of the Hymn of the Day. The Apostle's or Nicene Creed is then recited by the congregation, and there is time for congregational prayer.

RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION: As we prepare to share the Lord's Supper and partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, the offering is taken up. After it is collected, the Offertory Response is sung by the congregation., and then the Offertory Prayer is recited. The Great Thanksgiving and Words of Institution follow, whereby the pastor consecrates the sacred elements of bread and wine. The words Jesus used in creating the Lord's Supper remind us of God's wonderful promises, proclaim His mercy and forgiveness, and invite us to receive the elements (the bread and wine), as the Holy Spirit blesses us. The Lord's Prayer follows, after which all are seated as Holy Communion begins. St. Paul's is a house of prayer and all are welcome to the Lord's Table. Those who prefer not to receive the wine may choose grape juice. Wine is received either by common cup (all drink from one chalice) or intinction (dipping the bread into a cup of wine). The congregation sings the Communion Hymn as communicants proceed to the front of the church to receive the Sacraments. Following Holy Communion, the congregation stands for the Blessing and Benediction, after which the Recessional Hymn is sung. The service ends with the pastor sending the congregation out into the world to serve the Lord until we gather together again next week.