Liturgy and Order of Service at Calvary Church, United Methodist
Worship Service: The following is a description of the general order of service during worship at Calvary Church, United Methodist. Our services follow the basic format of liturgy of the United Methodist Church. This description is designed for visitors who want to understand more about the order of service and the elements described in our weekly worship bulletin.
- Entrance: The people come together in the Lord’s name and are seated in the Sanctuary.
A worship bulletin is handed to worshippers as they enter the Sanctuary, and
visitors are invited to sign our guest book. - Welcome and Announcements: The Pastor or leader welcomes the congregation and visitors, followed by brief announcements.
- Opening Meditation: There is typically a meditation printed in the weekly bulletin. While we are silently reading and reflecting on these words, there is typically a musical prelude.
- Call to Worship: The Worship Leader invites those who are able to stand, and all to join in the Call to Worship. Scripture sentences or responsive readings between the leader and the people declare that the Lord is present and empowers our worship.
- Hymn: All who are able remain standing, and all join in singing a Hymn. The Hymn number is printed in the bulletin and is displayed on the Hymn boards at the front of the Sanctuary.
- Unison Prayer: All lift our voices in saying the Unison Prayer printed in the bulletin.
- Moment of Silent Prayer: After the Unison Prayer, there is a moment of silence for individual prayer and reflection.
- Scripture Reading: The Worship Leader reads one or more scriptures.
- Gloria: Following the first Scripture reading, all who are able stand and sing Gloria (#72).
- Response to the Word: Following the final Scripture reading, the Leader proclaims: “This is the Word of the Lord” and the people respond with thanksgiving: “Thanks be to God”.
- Children’s Message: The children are invited to come forward and the Pastor or other leader shares a brief story or message with the children and the congregation. After the children’s message, the children are invited to attend the nursery or Junior Church program. (see the Christian Education section for more information on Junior Church).
- Hymn: While the children are making their way to Junior Church, the next Hymn is sung.
- Sermon: A sermon is delivered, typically where one or more of the Scripture readings is
interpreted. - Presentation of Tithes and Offerings: Offering plates are passed to the congregation, and gifts are received and presented.
- Doxology and Prayers of Dedication: As the gifts are delivered to the alter, those who are able stand, and sing Hymn 94 – Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow. (This is a short hymn, words are usually printed in the bulletin). After the hymn, the Pastor offers a prayer of dedication.
- Celebrations of Joys and Concerns: Worshippers are encouraged to share their joys and concerns with the congregation, and prayer requests are included.
- Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer: The Pastor offers a prayer, followed by the entire congregation joining their voices together in saying the Lord’s Prayer.
- Passing of the Peace: The people greet one another and offer signs of reconciliation and love, and
wishing each other the peace of our Lord. - Hymn: A final Hymn is sung.
- Benediction: The Pastor declares God’s blessing and the service is ended.
- Postlude: Music is played while the worshippers go forth from the Sanctuary.