Worship at First Congregational could be described as basic mainline, American Protestant.  Most Sundays you will hear a prelude--music for gathering, then a time of announcements and welcome.  There may be a short piece of music to "center" us for worship. This is followed by a responsive "Call to Worship" and a hymn, usually of praise to God.  A prayer of invocation or confession which acknowledges human brokenness and need for forgiveness and pardon between God and our neighbors is spoken by the entire congregation.  Prayers of confession are followed by an "assurance of pardon" and, in joyful response, we sing a "gloria" or "glory to God" or other verse of praise.

This moves us into openness to receive whatever Word God might have for us, shared through scripture, a choir anthem or special music, a time with our children, a hymn and a sermon (or meditation or homily), usually offered by the pastor, reflecting on themes in the day's scripture.

After sharing "the word," we respond.  This can be done in an affirmation of faith--which is not a test of faith or binding, but a statement of belief.  We respond in prayer that could be offered by the pastor,  done with responses or a prayer allowing those gathered to share, if they wish, concerns and joys.  This leads into recitation of "The Lord's Prayer."  We respond from gratitude by presenting our gifts, usually an offering of financial nature, but often including items the congregation has collected to give to charitable groups.  On Communion Sundays we also present the bread and cup as gifts.

On the first Sunday of each month, we share Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper or Eucharist).  In general, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving, remembering God's acts of creation and salvation and recall Jesus' last supper with his disciples.  The pastor prays that the Spirit be present in our sharing the meal and the moment, that we be spiritually fed and remember God's presence in our own lives and the lives of all people and that we recognize that presence as a congregation, "Christ's body."  We then share bread and cup--at First Congregational we use grape juice (many churches use wine) by tradition and out of respect for those who may be in recovery.  While there may be exceptions from time to time, those in the congregation wishing to receive communion come forward and take a piece of bread, dip it into the chalice (cup), eat and return to their seats.  There may be singing of hymns, playing of music, reading of poetry or silence for reflection and meditation.  Servers will take the bread and cup to those who, for physical reasons, may find it difficult to come forward but wish to commune.  Communion always concludes with a prayer of thanksgiving spoken by all.

Who may receive communion at First Church?  We have long practiced an "open" communion.  We believe that Christ created the sacrament of communion for all people.  The table is Christ's and not our own-- our invitation is to all-- from the youngest to the oldest, people of all walks of life, every race, creed, gender, orientation, class, faith understanding, church membership.  No one is ever forced and there is no guilt for not communing.  Each comes as she or he understands their need, their thankfulness, their relationship with God and others.  In general, there is a solemn joy and, at its best, a feeling of connection and nourishment with one another in the sharing of communion. 

The service concludes, with or without communion, with the singing of a hymn to send us into our world to live as Christ's faithful disciples, a benediction ("good word") from the pastor, and a choral benediction.  There is usually a postlude-- music to send us on our way.

That is a general description of worship.  It can vary depending on special occasions, holidays, times of the church year and so on.  We will frequently use special music, worshipful dance and movement, fabric hangings, visual elements and more to underscore special themes.  We come from many backgrounds and are aware that not every piece of worship will be of universal appeal.  Good worship has, as its goal, that the challenged will find comfort and those who are comfortable will be challenged--not made uncomfortable!--to feel God as present and at work among us.

We hope you will join us at 10:15 am some Sunday (9:30 Memorial-Labor Day) and let us welcome you into worship that is often described as warm, non-threatening and nourishing for life's journey.