The bulletin you receive as you enter the sanctuary will tell you what to expect. Some parts of our worship are participatory, and worshippers stand at times. These times are indicated in the bulletin so you may follow along easily. To help you feel more at ease, we have made notes about certain times when the congregation takes part in the service:
Concerns of the Church
At this time we welcome visitors and make announcements about congregational concerns. It is our tradition to pass a friendship roster to note those who are attending worship (members, too). You do not have to sign the roster. We like to extend our welcome to first-time visitors with a brief phone call during the following week and to answer any questions you might have.
Passing the Peace
The congregation shares with one another words of peace, saying together:
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
There is time here for the congregation to greet those around us with appropriate words and gestures.
A Word about Worship
After the Passing of the Peace, the children of the church (typically those ages 3 - 10) are invited to come forward to the front of the church to meet one of the pastors. If your children are hesitant to come forward, feel free to come with them. The Scripture lesson for the day is told to the children in language they are able to understand, and a connection is made for the children between the story and their lives. The pastor will end this gathering with a prayer, and the children in grades K - 2 can go with volunteers to Enrichment for a time of education and play. Other children return to their seats in the sanctuary.
Dedication of Tithes and Offerings
The presentation of offerings in the Presbyterian tradition is seen as an act of grateful response to God. Visitors should not feel obligated to contribute.
Invitation to the Lord's Table
Communion is celebrated at Covenant on the first Sunday of the month and at other worship services during the year. Anyone of any age who has been baptized into the Christian tradition is welcome to share in the bread and wine.
We serve Communion in two different ways at Covenant. The most common way is for the elements to be on trays passed among the congregation by the elders. The first tray that is passed contains bread; break off a piece and pass the tray along the pew. The second tray that is passed contains little glasses of both wine (in the outer ring only) and unfermented grape juice (in all the interior rings of each tray); take a glass and pass the tray along the pew. Put the empty glass into the small wooden rack on the back of the pew ahead of you.
The second way of serving Communion is by intinction. The ushers will guide the communicants up the aisles to the front of the church. (If you prefer not to participate in Communion, please remain seated.) One pastor holds a loaf of bread, and the other holds a cup of unfermented grape juice. Tear off a piece of bread, dip it into the cup, eat it, and then go back to your seat.
If you are unable to move easily to the front of the church for intinction, the pastors will come to you in your seat after the other communicants are finished.
Fellowship
After the service which concludes with the postlude, you are invited to join us downstairs in the fellowship hall for coffee, refreshments, and friendly conversation.