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Jwd
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Username: Jwd

Post Number: 251
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 2:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

In discussing worship services within the PCA community I would like to show an order of service which the small PCA church we have attended for over a year, embraces and promotes.
From the beginning, my wife and I kept hearing the emphasis of striving to follow Biblical guidelines for Divine worship. So what follows is simply one example of how this pastor, Randy Martin and his elder & deacon have interpreted a reverent Divine Worship Service:

All announcements are concluded prior to the worship service. The transition is made clear that we are NOW entering the time for Divine Worship. The Scriptures are read and usually commented upon briefly. Most of the members follow along with their open Bibles on their laps.

The Confession time was a "new and different" experience for my wife and I. But we both appreciate it and look forward to it. It is a very meaningful part of the service for me personally. A moment or so of silence is given during which those in attendance are encouraged to acknowledge their true state as sinners before God, and to confess any sins which may be laying heavy upon their hearts at that time. I now consider this to be one of the most essential and important portions of their weekly worship serivce. It really does draw your consciousness to realize you are in the presence of God Almighty and need to come into His presence with a right attitude, a clean heart and right spirit.

The Benediction, pronounced by the pastor with his hand upraised in a position of blessing upon the congregation is read from the Scripture and is always a Scriptural benedition; not just his words.

Supplication - the main prayer; sometimes offered by the pastor, sometimes by the elder is real prayer. It is private, personal prayer for the congregation. One elderly member, Florence, comes as often as she can come, being picked up at the Nursing Home by the elder, in her wheel chair, is almost always prayed specifically for in this main prayer, as is another member whom has recently been admitted to an Alzheimer's facility, and for his wife. Florence is 96 years of age, and a real sweetheart, a long time member of this congregation. Members are specifically prayed for; students are prayed for, missionaries, the pastor, the nation, world and local events, political events; the pastor to be upheld and prompted by the Holy Spirit. It is real prayer, earnest prayer...FOR this congregation specifically and individually as needed or requested. People whose names have been announced during the announcement period for birthdays or anniversaries, etc. are also prayed for. I am always impressed that this main prayer is real prayer taking place.

And often new hymns are introduced by an explaination or background or emphasis upon the force of this or that stanza. Emphasis is upon correct theology in choosing the hymns. (A new thing for us!)
________________________ So here is the outline:

Prelude
ADORATION - Romans 12:1,2
God's Word Calls Us To Worship
We Adore Him In Our Prayers and Praise
Hymn #565 "All For Jesus" (Congregation stands)

CONFESSION - 1 John 1:8
God's Word Reveals Our Need for Grace
We Privately Confess Our Sin
We Receive His pardon - 1 John 1:9
Hymn # 616 "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"

THANKSGIVING - Psalm 136:1-3
God's Word and Grace Prompt Our Stewardship and Giving
We Dedicate Our Tithes and Offerings with Prayer
Offertory - "My Jesus I Love Thee" (648)

SUPPLICATION - Hebrews 4:14-16
God's Word Calls Us to Trust and Pray
We Pray For God's People and Kingdom
Hymn #731 "Doxology" (congregation stands)

INSTRUCTION - Romans 13:8-14
God's Word Is Opened To Us
"Living By God's Code and Clock" - Rev. Randy Martin
We Pray for Consecration and Obedience
We Respond to God's Word in Praise
Hymn #598 "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"

BENEDICTION - Jude 24,25
God's Word Sends Us Forth
Postlude






Riverfonz
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Username: Riverfonz

Post Number: 2160
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 3:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you Jess for that oustanding summary of that worship experience. Our PCA is very similar and is truly a blessing.

Stan

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