Worship

Page updated 01 November 2020

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Gathered Together

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

To protect the health of our members and friends we are worshiping virtually during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Sunday worship is streamed live via Zoom. We also gather by Zoom for a brief morning prayer service on Tuesdays. You’re welcome to join us using the links below. You’ll find our latest worship bulletin, here.

We usually follow the familiar 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 the hymns in this and many other hymnals.

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 members of the community of faith can recognize themselves as equally included, addressed, and cherished by God.

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 in Jesus’ name, “we who are many are one body” (1 Cor. 10:17). All who come to the table are offered the bread and cup, regardless of their age or understanding. While we worship virtually during the pandemic, we still share communion, using elements of bread and cup provided at home.

A typical order of worship is outlined below.

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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.

Our Father in heaven, 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

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Lectionary Readings

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.

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Sunday Worship Recordings

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve been worshiping online using Zoom. We’ve uploaded recordings of our Sunday worship services to Vimeo. You can find links to the recordings and and to the scripture readings used in worship here.

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Hymn of the Week

(G2G = Glory to God hymnal number)
There may be ads associated with the hymn videos. We have no control over nor do we endorse any advertisements.

Date	Hymn Video Link	G2G #
09 Nov 2020	God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending: Grosse Pointe Memorial Church	716
02 Nov 2020	For All the Saints: Chet Valley Churches	326
19 Oct 2020	Jesu, Jesu: DeciplesNet Church	203
12 Oct 2020	The Summons: Chet Valley Churches	726
05 Oct 2020	Rejoice the Lord is King: Kaleb Brasee	363
28 Sep 2020	All Who Hunger Gather Gladly: St. Columba Singers	509
21 Sep 2020	Come Now, O Prince of Peace: Lo Sy Lo	103
14 Sep 2020	Lift Every Voice and Sing: Roxbury Latin Glee Club	339