As soon as the Prelude/Introit have concluded (NOT while the last notes are still sounding), the Elder should stand (preaching minister also stands), and may need to give an upward hand gesture to encourage people to stand simultaneously. Proceed with the Call to Worship as printed once people are ready, reading the “Leader” portions only. (Don’t say ‘good morning’ at this point; don’t give the scripture reference; it is not necessary to say ‘please stand’ — so that the first words spoken in the service are the inspiring and inspired words of Scripture.)

It is important to use a strong voice, as the congregation’s participation will mirror the tone you set. Project your voice to the back, as though you are speaking without a microphone. The sound board operator will make any necessary adjustment as you begin. Do not touch the mic.

Invocation+Confession (90 seconds) and Lord’s Prayer

Wait 3 seconds after the opening hymn concludes, then begin to pray the Invocation and Confession (do not say “let us pray.” The hymn and the prayer are one joint act of worship.) This prayer should not duplicate the content of the congregational prayer in which we ask God to meet our needs. The Invocation and Confession should accomplish three things:

1. Praise God (with a strong voice) perhaps echoing an idea from the hymn that was just sung (it’s better not to quote the hymn verbatim). Express our love for him and adoration of his majesty, giving glory to God for who he is. Lead us into a biblical posture of worship: the principal word for “worship” in both old and new testaments means literally to “fall on your face” and even to kiss the ground, in awe of the King’s presence.

2. Invite God’s blessing on the service (you may choose to individually mention the music, preacher, prayers etc) BUT remember the principal movement of worship is that WE are coming into the presence of GOD – cf. Ps. 95 “Come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our God…” Avoid language that summons God into our presence. A vintage PSC sermon quote: “God does not stand before man; man stands before God.”

3. On non-Communion Sundays, lead us in confessing the sin we have committed against God in thought, word, and deed. (On Communion Sundays, the confession occurs later in the service).

This prayer should be short and crisp, around 90 seconds total or roughly 150-200 words. Make sure to write out what you are going to say. You may choose to incorporate language from the traditions of the Church (such as the Book of Common Prayer). In evaluating such material, consider how well it echoes the ideas, style, and aesthetic of scripture, which is a good measure of its fit for the service.

Close your Invocation with the Lord’s Prayer, introducing it with language like:

 “…and hear us as we pray the prayer your Son has taught us: [PAUSE] ‘Our Father…”

 or “…and in anticipation of Christ’s return, we pray the prayer that Jesus taught us: [PAUSE] Our Father…”

(30 seconds total)

On non-Communion Sundays, introduce the Peace of the Church: after The Lord’s Prayer, look up at the congregation and say something like, “Knowing that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love, we stand here confident that we have peace with him through Christ. We are also called to be at peace with our brothers and sisters. The Peace of the Lord be always with you.” The People will respond “and with your spirit.” As people have adapted to this pattern, it is likely not necessary to continue with “now greet one another in the peace of Christ.” At this point you should go down to the lower platform microphone for the announcements, unless they are given by someone else.

On Communion Sundays, immediately say, “The Peace of the Lord be always with you,” omitting the introduction. Since the Confession occurs later in the service, the Peace doesn’t have the same role as an assurance of forgiveness, and this adaptation helps keep the service flowing.

During the passing of the peace, proceed to the wireless mic on the lower platform as the congregation takes their seats. 2 minutes is allotted for your welcome and announcements.

Warmly welcome worshipers using language like that provided in the weekly announcements document.

After your welcome, you will make key announcements about the life of our church, which are determined by the ministerial staff. It is preferable to use the language largely as provided, which has be written carefully to convey what is intended by the ministry whose work you are announcing; freestyle delivery invariably takes much longer, giving undue emphasis to what is effectively an interruption to the worship service. Please do not add your own announcements to those provided.

If there is no additional “Life of the Church” element following the announcements, you should say, “Now let us continue to worship God,” at the end of your announcements. You can then go to a pew for the remainder of the service.

Detailed instructions for scripture readers

Reading assignments:
First reading: Lay Reader
Second reading: Assisting Minister

OR:
First reading: Assisting Minister
Second reading: Preaching Minister

First reader goes up to a side chair as the “Life of the Church” ends, sits through the anthem and/or hymn (if any). Once the anthem or hymn concludes, go up to read, then back to a pew when done. If no anthem/hymn, go up directly to the pulpit after Life of the Church and read immediately.

Second reader goes up to side chair location during the hymn that precedes 2nd reading; once the hymn has concluded, go up to the pulpit and read, and go down to a pew during the Gloria Patri.

N.B. when Children’s Church is in session, a Minister (either the Preacher or the Assisting Minister) offers a brief prayer for the Children of the church immediately following the first reading, before the hymn. The children then depart during the hymn that follows.

At the end of the hymn that follows the sermon, walk up onto the lower platform. When the hymn ends, wait 3 seconds, then say, “Let us now confess our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in God…” (The people will remain standing during the Creed.) Then invite people to kneel or sit, and continue with the Prayers as below.

At the end of the hymn that follows the sermon, walk up onto the lower platform to pray. When the hymn ends, wait 3 seconds before you speak. Invite people to kneel or sit. As you lead the prayer, you may stand, or kneel facing the cross (on the platform, or on the floor in front of the platform). The prayer should be primarily supplication and thanksgiving for the world, the church, the sick, and the suffering (rather than sermon application). Writing out the prayer ahead of time will facilitate covering everything in the allotted 3 minutes.

COMMUNION Sundays only – continue with CONFESSION:

On a communion Sunday, as you conclude the Prayers, say “Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God,” and after pausing for people to find their place, lead the prayer of confession as printed in the bulletin. At its conclusion, declare God’s forgiveness to the People, using words like “Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Then remind the People of the comfort God gives us in his Word, using a passage (or passages) like:

Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (matt 11:28)

God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (jn 3:16)

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. (1 tim 1:15)

If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 jn 2:1-2)

After the Prayers, introduce the offering with language like, “Ascribe unto the LORD the honor due unto his Name; bring offerings and come into his courts” or similar. Then return to a pew. At the conclusion of the Offertory, the People will sing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” When this begins, go up to the lower platform, to receive the plates from the ushers. At this point, it is preferable to turn toward the cross as you hold the plates. At the conclusion of the singing, wait 3 seconds before you speak. Give a brief prayer dedicating the offering to the Lord’s use, using language like, “All things come from you O LORD, and of your own have we given you. Use these gifts to glorify your Name, and to bless those in need, for Jesus’ sake, Amen.” Then place the plates on the communion table, and return to a pew for the remainder of the service.