South Congregational Church, Concord, New Hampshire

SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC
27 Pleasant Street, Concord, New Hampshire, (603)224-2521

Back to Home Page If you're visiting... Directions Worship Beliefs Virtual Tour Opportunities for spiritual growth... Christian Education Senior High Youth Group Junior High Youth Group Worship Music Ministry Opportunities for mission and ministry... Mission Senior Ministry Men's Retreat Resources for all... History Sermons Calendar Contacts Links and Credits *...an Accessible,* *Open and Affirming* *parish of the* *United Church of Christ* 'God is still speaking'	Worship 411 everything you wanted to know about Worship at South Church! On Arriving When you enter the church, our ushers will greet you and offer you the day’s bulletin. If you are worshipping with us for the first time, we would be happy to help you make a nametag. Our Order of Worship The order of worship is in the bulletin. In fact, everything you need for the servce is in the bulletin or in the hymnal in the pew rack (below the pew in front of you)! Let’s walk through a typical service... Preparing for Worship There are many ways to prepare for worship. You may wish to greet those around you, enjoy the music or simply sit in prayerful silence. This is also a great time to sign the maroon pew pads. If you have any comments or questions, include them. One of the Clergy or Deacons will get back to you if you ask to be contacted or visited. Prelude The prelude is the musical piece, often performed on the organ, while we all sette ~n. This is our time to become more centered in our worship experience. When Should I Stand and Sit? A single asterisk (*) next to an item in the bulletin means we invite you to stand with us, if you are able. If you’re not sure, take your cue from others around you. Words of Welcome We usuafly open our service with words of welcome and announcements led by the Deacon of the Month. On occasion, a committee or group will deliver a special message. Call to Worship The service begins with the “call to worship”. This is normally a responsive reading, which means the leader reads part of the text and the congregation reads the bold text. Opening Hymn The call to worship is followed by the first hymn. We invite you to stand. Confession & Prayer Often, at the beginning of our service, we share a prayer of invocation, calling on God to open our hearts to the experience of worship. We then offer a unison prayer of confession to acknowledge the ways in which we have become separated from God’s love, after which the minister offers us the words of assurance. Anthem Please remain seated, and enjoy the musical offering.	Services: 8am in the Chapel 10am in the Sanctuary, childcare provided Children's Message The leader invites the children to gather at the front of the church. Parents may escort them to the front. This message is crafted for our young people. After joining in a prayer, the children go to their Church School classes or to the Chapel for singing. Scripture lessons A leader reads from the Bible: usually passages from the Hebrew Scriptures and from the New Testament. Bibles are located at the ends of the pews. If you’d like to follow along. page numbers for readings are indicated in parentheses in the bulletin. Sermon Usually the Pastor or the Minister of Spiritual Growth delivers the sen non. Listen to see how their words have relevance in your daily life. The message may be challenging. provocative, or comforting. Responsive hymn This hymn typically fits in with the sermon. We almost always stand — look for the asterisks. The Offiring The Pastor invites us to share our financial gifts for the ministries of South Church. The ushers pass collection plates during a time of musical reflection. The congregation stands when the gathering is complete, and sings a grateful response. Prayers of the People One of the ministers encourages the congregation to offer their prayers of joy, celebration, needs, and concerns. This is a time of sharing our faith in the community of South Church. We then join together in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, as printed in the bulletin. Final Hymn & Benediction This concludes our worship together. The music and sacred words throughout the service are meant to enhance your spiritual journey. Postlude Once the postlude begins, feel free to gather your belongings and join us in Fellowship Hall fot convrsation and coffee. Some (induding the choir) remain seated during the Postlude to enjoy the music and reflect on the service. This is optional. Passing of ibc Peace This is a time; in the South Church tradition, when we greet each other in the warmth of our fellowship together. The leader opens wth a prayer and then says, “May the peace of Christ be with you”.