Worship

Page updated 23 February 2023; Burlington Presbyterian Church

Stylized "cartoon" of people worshiping

Gathered Together

In the Presbyterian tradition, our chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever. Gathering together for worship is one way we glorify and enjoy the God who is present and active among us.

After the “omicron” surge, we we have returned to worship in the sanctuary. Worship is also streamed online via Zoom. You’re welcome to join us in person or online using the link below. You’ll find our latest worship bulletin on our News & Events page.

Sunday Morning Worship
10:30 – 11:40 am

Our worship service is based on the Presbyterian “Service for the Lord’s Day.” Our style is traditional but not stuffy, with a mix of time-honored and contemporary music. We use the Glory to God hymnal. Hymnary.org has information on this and other hymnals.

Inclusive Language

In worship, we use language about God that is as diverse and varied as in the Bible and our theological traditions. Language about people is also inclusive. We hope all m”embers of our community of faith can recognize themselves as equally included, addressed, and cherished by God. Words Matter is a 2-page resource on inclusive language; you can download Words Matter here.

Communion – the Lord’s Supper

We celebrate Communion (the Lord’s Supper) on the first Sunday of the month and on other special occasions. When we share the bread and cup, “we who are many are one body” (1 Cor. 10:17). All who come to the table are welcome, regardless of age or understanding. Those who worship with us online are welcome to share communion, using elements of bread and cup provided at home.

Service Outline

This is a typical worship service outline; particular worship services may vary.

  • Welcome & Announcements
  • Responsive Call to Worship
  • Song
  • Prayer of Confession
  • Assurance of Forgiveness
  • Prayer for Illumination
  • Scripture Readings
  • Sermon
  • Song
  • Prayers of the People
  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Communion (monthly)
  • Prayer of Dedication
  • Song
  • Blessing and Sending
People sitting in pews in worship
Pastor Trina in the middle of the sanctuary among pews with worshipers
Stylized "cartoon" of people worshiping

The Lord’s Prayer

Christian communities use various translations of the Lord’s Prayer. We use the contemporary English version below. When you pray with us feel welcome to use the version most familiar to you.

Loving Creator, holy is your name
Your kin-dom* come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kin-dom*, the power, and the glory are yours,
Now and forever. Amen

* We use “kin-dom” rather than “kingdom” to emphasize that God’s holy realm is not a hierarchy, based on wealth, status, and domination but an inclusive community where everyone is a beloved child of God. You can learn more about this idea here:

The Kin-dom of Christ
Kin-dom versus Kingdom
From Kingdom to Kin-dom—and Beyond

Stylized "cartoon" of people worshiping

Lectionary Readings

Open Bible
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Scripture readings we use in worship often come from the Revised Common Lectionary, a 3-year cycle of readings, used by many Christian churches. The readings are organized around the Christian calendar; a new cycle begins every Advent. Several readings are suggested for each Sunday. We may read one or two selections and use parts of others in prayers & liturgies. Many worship materials are keyed to the lectionary. You might enjoy Sing for Joy, a weekly broadcast of choral music based on the lectionary passages.

Stylized "cartoon" of people worshiping

Sunday Worship Recordings

Our in-person worship services are also streamed online, using Zoom. Recordings of recent Sunday worship services are embedded on our Home Page; previous recordings can be accessed on Vimeo.