TYPES OF MUSIC/SERVICES

The 10:30 am worship service features traditional hymn singing accompanied by the pipe organ, as well as anthems performed by the sanctuary choir. You will hear music that ranges from ancient Gregorian Chant through Reformation hymns and works of the great 19^th century hymn writers to standard works of 20^th and 21^st centuries.  All the music is carefully chosen to compliment the Bible reading and sermon topic of the day.  The church follows the common lectionary in use by many mainstream churches. The service is liturgical with a Gathering featuring organ prelude, choral introit, call to worship, processional hymn, confession of sin and declaration of forgiveness. The Word is proclaimed and explained.  We usually read from the New Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible.  The choir performs an anthem and there is a hymn, affirmation of faith, and prayers. The final section of the service is The Eucharist (Thanksgiving) which includes Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month and on church festival days.  The offering is received while the choir sings an offertory anthem and the service concludes with thanksgiving, a blessing, recessional hymn, and organ postlude. All this is generally accomplished within one hour. There is a detailed church bulletin to guide worshippers to full participation in the service.  The church sings from the 1990 Presbyterian Hymnal.

At the 8:30 am worship service you will hear piano music and more contemporary hymns. The informal service begins with announcements and concerns of the church and continues with two hymns lead by the song leader. A Bible reading, sermon, and another hymn follow. The 45 minute service concludes with prayer and a hymn.  Offering plates are available in the rear of the sanctuary for the people’s gifts. The sermon is the same in both services.

The air conditioned sanctuary was dedicated in 1982 and the church is fully handicapped accessible.  The design of the sanctuary is notable for its conforming to the Reformed tradition of worship.  There are also remarkable stained glass windows which depict  symbols of the Church Year celebrating the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  A new public address system in 2006 insures that all the spoken word is readily understandable.  Large print bulletins, Bibles, and Hymnals (words only) are available.