Some of the specific examples of work the Worship Committee has done or are considering are the following: considering greater lay participation in the service from reading scripture, praying, preaching; experimenting with service format to maximize the power of communal worships; retreats; special services (Martin Luther King Jr., Service, Mothers-In-Charge Mother’s Day Concert ; special themes or ideas upon which to focus; enriching important church calendar events of Easter and Christmas; considering the partnership between the inward journey (prayer, worship) to the outward journey (mission and social justice actions).  Join a congregation and a committee that believes in the power of participation that enhances intimacy and connection to God and Jesus Christ.

The Worship Committee meets regularly on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 P.M. in either the Community Room or the Pastor’s Office.  There is a standing group of members, the Pastor, three elders and one congregation member who attends regularly.  However, the invitation is open for any member of the congregation to attend at any time.  This open invitation is meant to be a statement that the Session, Pastor and Worship Committee wish to communicate to the congregation.  That message is one that suggests a strong desire for open communication about the worship experience at GPC.  The Session, Pastor and Worship Committee are interested in receiving direct feedback about the worship experience at GPC.

The worship experience revolves around the primary Worship Service on Sunday but also includes special services or activities that will enhance the worship of God and enrich the spiritual life of the members of the congregation.  The Worship Committee meeting provides a rich time for considering what we have done, what we are doing, as well as planning for future.  If the worship experience at GPC is to be dynamic and moving it is important that we work to hear and be responsive to the voice of God and the call of the Spirit as articulated not only by Elders and pastor but also by the congregation as a whole

Some of the specific examples of work the Worship Committee has done or are considering are the following: considering greater lay participation in the service from reading scripture, praying, preaching; experimenting with service format to maximize the power of communal worships; retreats; special services (Martin Luther King Jr., Service, Mothers-In-Charge Mother’s Day Concert ; special themes or ideas upon which to focus; enriching important church calendar events of Easter and Christmas; considering the partnership between the inward journey (prayer, worship) to the outward journey (mission and social justice actions).  Join a congregation and a committee that believes in the power of participation that enhances intimacy and connection to God and Jesus Christ.

What is our worship service like?  Here’s a description:

Our worship service starts with a welcoming and informal atmosphere as you enter the simplicity of the sanctuary.  Don’t worry about dressing up, we are casual.  We center ourselves with reflective music just prior to worship and then present the light and the scriptures as symbols of the foundation of our faith. 

Although we follow a Presbyterian format for worship, it is always fluid and includes participation by the congregation.  During the passing of the peace, we leave the pews and actually spend time greeting each other.  We have our favorite hymns and during the summer we even start with a hymn sing to be sure we get the chance to sing them all. During the summer we also worship out doors once a month.   We follow the common Lectionary for Scripture readings and the basis for the sermon, given by Rev. Todd Stavrokos.  Communion is monthly on the first Sunday and all are welcome to participate. 

Please join us on Sunday at 11:00 (10:00 during the summer) for a spiritual experience that will start your week with a memorable message and a challenge to use what you’ve heard in your life during the week.