The order of our Sunday services follows a four-part liturgical structure which Christians have used for centuries: Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending.We prepare for worship with a Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness. The "Gathering" portion of the liturgy, which draws us together as a community of faith and invites us to open our hearts and minds to the presence of God in our midst, includes a hymn and opening prayers.
The "Word" includes readings from Holy Scripture, a children's message and sermon. Often, one of our choirs offers an anthem at this time as well. Following the singing of a hymn, we profess our faith using the words of the Apostles' or Nicene Creed. Next, we join together in the intercessory Prayers of the People.
The third and climactic portion of the liturgy, the "Meal", begins as we greet one another to share the Peace of Christ. After an offering is collected, the celebration of Holy Communion begins as the presiding minister prays with the Great Thanksgiving or Eucharistic Prayer. The congregation joins in praying the Lord's Prayer and Holy Communion is distributed to all baptized Christians who desire to come to the Lord's Table.
The "Sending" is the briefest portion of the liturgy. Assured of God's love and forgiveness, and nourished by the gifts given to us in the sacrament, we are dismissed with a blessing and sing a closing hymn before we are sent into the world to share God's love with all.
Whether you attend one of our services with a spoken liturgy, a service which includes sung liturgy from our rich Lutheran tradition, or an informal service which includes praise and worship music in the contemporary Christiain idiom, the shape of our liturgy remains faithful to the way in which Christians have worshipped for centuries. Watch for information about festival services during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Holy Week as well as our Lutheran Jazz Service. There is always something exciting happening at Emanuel Lutheran Church. We invite you to join us for Sunday worship. All are welcome!
