Gathering together for public worship is the primary activity of the Christian church and a distinct privilege granted by our Savior God (Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:25, Psalm 122:1). “God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts…” that phrase often begins our worship services. These four descriptions describe our view of worship.

 

Christ-Centered

There is no activity on earth as important as the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In worship we focus on the work of Christ—his holy life, his sacrificial death, his resurrection from the grave, and his gracious calling to follow him.  From liturgies and hymns, to Bible readings, to prayers and praises—everything points to Jesus Christ!

 

Message-Focused

The main message of our church has been called the gospel (good news), and we believe it has the power to transform hearts, minds, and lives.  At our worship times we focus on the message that the Bible calls “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16) .  We read it; we preach it; and we apply it in visible forms (Holy Baptism and Holy Communion).

 

Joyfully Dignified

Meeting with God is no casual occasion.  We consider it an awesome privilege to stand before our Savior-God as a congregation, seek his mercy, and praise his name.  We try to reflect that with a decorum that might be called joyful dignity.  By the liturgies we follow with their scripted responses, by the un-casual vestments of our ministers, by the times for listening in silence as well as exuberant singing of meaningful, Bible-based hymns and songs, we wish to tell God, “We are incredibly thankful for the mercies you show us, we’re honored to be in your presence!”

 

People-Caring

Worship is also a social occasion, as God’s people raise their hearts and voices together before him.  They "speak" to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as well as with bold confessions of faith.  We care about the people who come to worship our Lord and warmly welcome newcomers into the sanctuary of God—all dearly loved by their Savior, all dearly paid for by his blood.  Children of all ages, too, are welcomed in our worship time.