Worship@Columbia Presbyterian

Our Sunday worship incorporates elements of a traditional Presbyterian service for the Lord’s Day.

ASSEMBLING FOR WORSHIP
As people gather and greet one another in the Sanctuary, prelude music signals the time to begin preparing our hearts and minds for worship through silent prayer or meditation.

CALL TO WORSHIP
The people are called to worship God. Words from scripture are spoken or sung to proclaim who God is and what God has done. We are thus reminded that our worship centers in God and not in ourselves. "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Psalms 124:8).

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 
The prayer is intended to encourage people to lay down any burden of guilt or regret or any sense of failure and inadequacy, and to reaffirm their trust in Christ's unfailing love and forgiveness. We respond by rising and singing a brief song of praise.

THE PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST
We become the embodiment of the "peace of Christ" that is offered to us with the forgiveness of sins. We are invited to greet our neighbors with the ancient greeting, “May the peace of Christ be with you,” and the response, “And also with you.”

PASTORAL PRAYER
In response to the Word, prayers are offered. In these prayers, we acknowledge God's presence in the world and in daily life.

READING FROM THE SCRIPTURES
The liturgist prays for illumination and reads the first scripture text, typically from the Old Testament. The Chancel Choir sings the anthem. The pastor then reads the second lesson, usually from the New Testament.

SERMON
When the Bible has been read, its message is proclaimed in a sermon or other form of exposition of God's Word. The God who speaks in scripture speaks to us now. The God who acted in biblical history acts today. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present in the sermon, offering grace and calling for obedience.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The affirmation is the response of the congregation to the proclamation and hearing of God's Word in Scripture and sermon and to affirm its faith in God and God's actions in Jesus Christ.

THE OFFERING
The offering is also a significant part of our response to the Gospel. As we present the money that represents our commitment to the work of the church, we resolve to maintain this community of worship, fellowship and service.

THE DOXOLOGY
The Doxology is sung, ascribing glory to God. It usually reflects the Trinity—praising Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

THE CHARGE
A charge to the people to go into the world in the name of Christ is included. The charge renews God's call to us to engage in obedient and grateful ministry as God's agents to heal life's brokenness. By the power of the Spirit, we are to be in life and ministry what Christ has redeemed us to be be. God calls the church to join the mission of Christ in service to the world. As the church engages in that mission, it bears witness to God's reign over all of life.