Our Worship Service

Typical parts of our service may include some or all of the following. The order may vary from what is listed below.

Opening:

We begin our service with a welcome and   the announcements for the upcoming week.  A brief message or reading from the Bible is likely to be included to help focus our attention on worship.

Song Time:

Another form of worship is singing. The song worship leaders select a variety of songs to draw us into worship.  Members may worship God in a variety of ways, such as by raising hands (Psalm 63:4), clapping (Psalm 47:1), and singing in the Spirit
(1 Corinthians 14:15).  Visitors and guests may participate in whatever way they feel comfortable.  During the song time we worship God for who He is and what He has done for us.  It is a time of getting closer to the presence of God and worshipping Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23).

Prayer Time:

Congregational prayer is one of the most unique parts of our service.  During this time a prayer worship leader will take prayer requests and praises from the congregation and then begin the prayer session.  Members of the congregation are encouraged to participate in praying for one another.  Visitors and guests are welcome, but not expected, to participate.  Praying together as a church provides the opportunity to seek God as a group and is a direct form of worship. 

Sermon:

Most Sundays a sermon is given by an elder or someone under the direction of the elders. The elders are responsible for preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17).  We believe as the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Tithes and Offerings:

We do not pass an offering plate during the worship service. Members place their tithes and offerings in an offering box at the back of the church. Visitors and guests are not expected to participate. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 16:2a, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.” See also Malachi 3:8.

Communion:

We share communion (the Lord’s Supper) on a monthly basis. Taking communion reminds us that Jesus’ body was broken and His blood shed for our salvation.  All visitors and guests who share our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are welcome to take communion. Parents are responsible for determining if their children will participate. Our guidelines are that they have a personal relationship with Jesus and a basic understanding of the meaning of communion.  Communion was started by Jesus and is recorded in Matthew 26:26-29: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’  Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom.’"

Copyright © 2009 Harvest Community Church
Last modified:24 October 2009