IDA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THE BASIC PATTERN OF WORSHIP
The basic pattern of worship is rooted in Scripture and in our Methodist heritage and experience. It seeks to express the biblical, historical, and theological origins of our worship and serves as the basis for any service within the Church. The pattern acknowledges our encounter with the living God through the risen Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe when the people of God gather the Spirit of God is free to move in us and through us in new and exciting ways. There are four elements to worship, these being; the Entrance, the Proclamation & Response, the Thanksgiving & Communion, and the Sending Forth. This pattern originates in the Jewish tradition of the Synagogue as well as in the direction of Jesus and the Apostles of the early Church.
THE GATHERING AND OPPORTUNITIES
This serves as a time for us to come together in the Lord’s name. The worship service begins as we gather together for worship; it’s a time for conversation, announcements, quiet meditation, centering, or even music. The focus is on our coming together as a family within the presence of God.
THE CONGREGATIONAL INTROIT
Once the announcements are made the service begins with the congregation joining together in an opening song. This is most commonly a short hymn, one that serves as an invitation to the Spirit or a centering of the congregation. Whatever it is, it serves as a clear sign that worship has begun. It is suggested (though not required) that you stand for this portion.
CALL TO WORSHIP AND PASTORAL OPENING PRAYER
Opening prayers establish that our worship is communion with God as well as with one another. This time includes a recognition of who we are before God by centering on the nature and gifts of God. There are commonly two prayers offered here, one a piece of responsive liturgy that everyone joins in on and the other a pastoral prayer during which the pastor prays. Prayer is a personal time between you and God, and though we invite you to stand, you are welcome to take whatever posture is most comfortable for you.
HYMN OF PRAISE
Immediately following the time for prayer we enter into a hymn of praise. Your voice is perhaps one of the greatest gifts you can share with us and offer up to God and so we invite you to sing to or to reflect on the gifts of God’s love and God’s grace.
PSALM OR OLD TESTAMENT READING
We normally use two Scripture readings over the course of worship with the first usually coming from the Old Testament. These books are made up of the Hebrew Bible, the Jewish canon that was established before the time of Christ. This passage will either come straight from the Bible or else it will be an adapted version of a Psalm, known as a Psalter. The Psalters are a collection of responsive readings found in the back of the Red Hymnal and are accompanied by a sung response marked by an R.
A Guide to the Order of Worship
and some additional information about our liturgies, hymns, and worship style.
THE BASIC PATTERN OF WORSHIP
The basic pattern of worship is rooted in Scripture and in our Methodist heritage and experience. It seeks to express the biblical, historical, and theological origins of our worship and serves as the basis for any service within the Church. The pattern acknowledges our encounter with the living God through the risen Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe when the people of God gather, the Spirit of God is free to move in us and through us in new and exciting ways. There are four elements to worship, these being; the Entrance, the Proclamation & Response, the Thanksgiving & Communion, and the Sending Forth. This pattern originates in the Jewish tradition of the Synagogue as well as in the direction of Jesus and the Apostles of the early Church.
GIVING
Everyone’s favorite moment in worship and the creator of the most stereotypes about churches, the offering is a time to give back to God. Though we pass an offering plate around, we do not require you (or even pressure you) to give. Though some regularly offer a tithe of 10% of their income, you are welcome to give as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. These offerings go into our general fund and serve the day-to-day functions of the church, although there may be other times when we take up special offerings for specific missions or causes, such as when a disaster happens or when we are collecting to aid people in our community or elsewhere.