Links
We worship at 8:30 and 11 a.m. each Sunday during the school year, at 8:30 and 10 a.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and on special occasions throughout the year. We celebrate Communion the first Sunday of each month.
A nursery for infants and toddlers is available during each service. There is also an Activities Room where children through third grade can visit during worship (read the The Word, and Children and Worship, below).
Christmas Eve Service 2009
Worship at FPC has four movements: Gathering, Word, Response, and Sending.
Gathering
Gathering to worship, the Prelude centers us and prepares us to worship God. The Call to Worship, usually biblical, reminds us that it is God, not we ourselves, who calls us to worship. The Processional Hymn celebrates this calling of God and the symbols of our faith, which come into the sanctuary carried by members of the church. The Light of Christ, the Cross of Christ, the Word of God, the waters of Baptism, and the Bread and Cup of Salvation, followed by the processing choir, fill the sanctuary with the sights and sounds of God’s people gathering to worship. Confession draws us ever nearer in humble adoration of God, to seek God's mercy in silent and unison prayer. We then receive and share with one another the Assurance of the forgiveness and the peace of Jesus Christ.
The Word
This section begins with prayer for the Holy Spirit to illumine us through the reading of the Scriptures. The first Scripture message is then read, followed by an anthem to enhance and nurture reflection. Next, Time for Our Young Worshipers invites the children through third grade to come forward for an informal message which concludes with a prayer. These children can either return to their seats or leave the sanctuary for activities in the Activities Room (E206) led by our child care staff. The second Scripture message is then read and the Sermon is given. This section concludes with a silent moment for reflection.
Response
Our Response to The Word begins with an Affirmation of Faith, followed by a hymn. Then Prayers of the People are offered concluding with the congregation praying The Lord's Prayer together. Having prayed for the needs of God’s people, we then Witness to the Work of the Church, a brief look at FPC's ongoing response to opportunities for serving the Lord in the local community and around the world. Then we receive the Offering for the continuing work of the church, accompanied by a musical offering. Our offerings are dedicated with the singing of one stanza from a hymn and unison prayer.
Sending
This final movement is a time of blessing, through the singing of a hymn and a biblical benediction, to send us on our way from worship to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ in creation. The Postlude is a final musical offering to glorify God and bless God’s people on their way.