Worship
We gather to worship Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Visitors are welcome!
We strive to make the Worship Service reverent and respectful as we come into God’s presence to receive his gifts and to return thanks for his blessings. As with any new church, it may take a couple Sundays for you to feel accustomed to the service. We’re here to help you along the way.
Our services are liturgical, which means that it follows a set order each week (making it easier to follow the more you attend). The service focuses on God’s Word and Sacraments because they are the only means by which God has promised to offer us the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. We pray that through the Divine Service God will awaken and strengthen your trust in him and his forgiveness.
What is a liturgy?
The liturgy is our order of service. It includes the following:
The Confession of Sins: We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his Law, and we plead for his mercy.
The Announcement of Forgiveness (Absolution): The pastor announces the forgiveness of sins won for us by the perfect life and innocent sufferings and death of Jesus, our Savior.
A Song of Praise: These songs of praise remind us of the wonderful things God has done for us, not the least of which is the salvation he gives through Christ.
Prayer of the Day: The Church brings her concerns and prayers to a loving Father in Heaven, who has shown great mercy and promised to hear our cries for help.
Scripture Readings: Pastor reads three selections from the Bible. They usually include one selection from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament epistles (letters), and one from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John).
Sermon: Pastor offers instruction and encouragement in a sermon, usually based on one of the three readings. Expect to hear God’s guidance for dealing with the problems of life, along with the promises of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven through Jesus.
Response to the Word: We respond with offerings and prayers for the things God has promised us and for strength to do what he has asked.
Holy Communion: God comes to us in his Holy Body and Blood which was sacrificed for our sins on the cross at Calvary and was raised three days later on Easter morning. In eating and drinking this precious Sacrament, we receive the forgiveness won for us on the cross as well as the new life given to us in the resurrection.
Final Blessing: We hear one last assurance of God’s guidance and love.
What is Close Communion?
At Holy Scripture we practice Close Communion, this means only our members receive Communion. We do this to make sure that those who receive the Lord’s Supper are close to God and close to each other in the Christian faith. We do not judge a person’s faith and do not want to exclude you, we simply ask that all people who join us share the same faith and understanding. Please talk with Pastor Max if you have questions.
