Most services have a similar order, though each service varies in music style, sermon content, sharing time, special components and theme. We like to use the gifts and talents of many different people in our church community in the planning and leading of worship, creating a variety of styles.
Each service begins with an invitation to gather in worship. This is usually followed by a time of singing and praising God. Next, we focus on hearing God’s Word, through scripture readings, stories or dramas and a sermon. Our response to God’s Word includes singing, congregational prayers, sometimes a response activity, including offering our gifts of money. We end our time of worship with a blessing and a sending.
Our musical styles are varied. You may hear folk, four-part á cappella hymns, instrumental, jazz, chorale, gospel, contemporary, spirituals, international and music from Taizé. Perhaps most familiar to the congregation as a whole is the four-part hymn. We sing from Hymnal: a Worship Book and Sing the Journey, both published by the Mennonite Publishing Network.
Our time of teaching, or sermon, is usually delivered by one of the four pastors. Sometimes other members of the congregation or people from outside the congregation preach.
