Order of a Divine Service

Sunday experience

The divine services consist of worship, music, prayer, a sermon, absolution, and the dispensation of sacraments according to a prescribed liturgy. Here's a breakdown of each element of the experience.

Worship

With a congregational hymn, everyone is able to participate in communal worship.

In addition to a congregational worship hymn, there is also choir / solo singing and instrumentals. Worship is meant to be a time of prayer and reflection before the sermon begins. When we connect during worship, we can discover just how much God loves us and helps us in our everyday lives.

Opening Hymn

The whole congregation stands and joins together in singing an opening hymn.

Prayer and bible verse

Immediately after the opening hymn is complete, the officiant will open the Divine Service with a prayer. In the context of a church Divine Service, an officiant is the individual who leads or presides over the sermon.

After the prayer is concluded, the officiant reads the sermon bible verse.

Sermon

After the Bible verse is read, the congregation sits and the sermon begins.

After the Bible verse is read, the congregation sits and the sermon begins.

We believe that the divine service experience is fellowship with Jesus Christ through His word and sacrament. The sermon brings awareness through the Holy Spirit and prepares us for forgiveness and the sacrament of Christ.

Repentance Hymn

The congregation is invited to use these moments to worship, contemplate, or pray, focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Lord’s Prayer

We stand together to pray the prayer that Jesus taught us ...

Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom

And the power

And the glory forever.

Amen.

Absolution & Eucharistic prayer

After the proclamation of forgiveness, the congregation joins together in saying ...

'Amen'

This is followed by the Eucharistic prayer, where the officiant thanks God for His grace.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion is the central part of our divine service, and is celebrated each week. We believe the sacrifice and the body and blood of Jesus Christ are present in the sacrament of Holy Communion and is necessary for salvation.

Communion can be taken by those who are baptized and believe in Jesus Christ and it is dispensed in the form of a consecrated bread and wine wafer. Gluten-free is available.

To participate, just follow the usher who will stand by your row when it is time to come to the altar. There is no obligation to participate and you are welcome to remain in your seat during this celebration and offer prayers for peace and unity.

Closing prayer & Benediction (blessing)

The closing prayer is led by the officiant and is followed by the benediction. This is the blessing pronounced ...

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all!"

This blessing, based on 2 Corinthians 13:14, sends the congregation out with God's blessing, ensuring God's grace, love, and guidance as they live their daily lives.

Three-fold Amen

The '3-fold Amen' refers to the sung threefold response of ...

'Amen – Amen – Amen'

The congregation sings this after the benediction is pronounced. It is a declaration of reconciliation with God and with one another, while referencing the Trinity of God.

Thanksgiving Hymn

To conclude the Divine Service, there is a final 'Thanksgiving hymn' sung either by the congregation or the choir.