In the Sunday bulletin (also called the "Order of Worship") you'll see terms such as "Gloria Patri," "Sursum Corda," "Prelude" and "Introit." If you're not sure what they mean, or if you're new to First Congregational Church, this quick reference to "The Language of the Worship Service" may be helpful.
Worship Service
Prelude
Introductory music that sets the mood for worship.
Introit
Choral introductory music that sets the mood for worship.
Call to Worship
Declares what God has done and is doing and who we are in God’s presence. An invitation to join in the worship service.
Prayer of Invocation
We ask God to join us in the worship time and thank him for his presence.
Gloria Patri
"Gloria Patri" is Latin for "Glory to God." It is a hymn of praise. "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."
Lectionary
The Lectionary is a weekly selection of Bible readings from the Hebrew Scriptures, Psalms, Gospels, and Epistles, which when followed through the entire three-year cycle, enables readers to explore the entire Bible.
Passing The Peace of Christ
This is the point in the service where we shake hands or exchange hugs to "pass the the love of Christ" to one another. We say "The Peace of Christ be with you." It’s okay to get up and move around.
Prayer of Confession
We confess our sins to God and pray for His forgiveness and guidance.
Silent Confession
A time for listening or talking to God by yourself and asking God’s forgiveness.
Assurance of God’s Forgiveness and Grace
The liturgist assures us of God’s great love for us. God will guide us and we shall be forgiven.
Old Testament Lesson
A reading from the Bible. Sometimes used as the background for the sermon.
New Testament Lesson
A reading from the Bible. Used as the background for the sermon.
Anthem
Selected to coordinate with the church year and the theme of the scriptures and sung by the choir or soloists.
Children’s Time
The minister may bring the children, preschool through third grade, to the front of the church, for a special message then invite them to the Children’s Library for a story and activity time. Sometimes the children are invited to go directly to the Children’s Library.
Sermon
The minister tells us how the teachings from the Bible can be understood and become a part of our everyday life.
Pastoral Prayers
The minister prays on behalf of all the people gathered for worship. The prayer usually includes some thanks for blessings we enjoy and asks help for others and ourselves as we try to live faithful lives.
The Lord’s Prayer
A prayer Jesus taught his disciples, spoken aloud by the congregation. "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 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 lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."
Offertory Invitation
Money used to do God’s work in our church and in the world around us. The Mission of the Month is listed in the Order of Worship each week.
Offertory
Music performed by the choir or organist during the collection.
Doxology
A hymn of praise and thanksgiving. "Praise God, from who all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye heavenly hosts; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen."
Prayer of Dedication
A prayer to dedicate our offering to God and God’s work in the world.
Commission and Benediction
A spoken blessing at the end of the worship service.
Postlude
A final Alleluia to the service. It is the custom at First Church to remain seated and to listen.
Communion Service
Invitation
The minister invites us to participate in the Lord’s Supper.
Sursum Corda
The minister speaks or chants and the organ and congregation respond.
Communion Prayer
Special blessing is asked for the bread, the wine, and the people who will take part in the communion.
Sanctus
Congregation sings in response to the prayer.
Sharing the Elements
The Deacons pass the tray of bread first. Take one piece and hold it in your hand. After everyone is served, the minister will tell everyone to eat. Next the Deacons will pass around the wine or grape juice. Take one cup and place it in the special cup holder in front of you. Wait until everyone is served and drink when the minister directs you.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Thanking God for Communion.