Worship Service

Worship is at the heart of our life together.  We believe in Jesus’ extravagant welcome.  Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome in worship!  Worship is a place and time when we come together to give thanks and praise to God and listen for the Spirit who is still speaking! In worship we can bring our whole selves just as we are (laughter, tears, questions, doubt, and hopes all have a place--as do you!)  We know what crazy, busy lives we can lead—worship is a place to connect with the things that matter and God’s Spirit to find what we need for the week ahead.  In the sermon time our minister reflects on the scripture by asking relevant and sometimes challenging questions and sharing often humorous and meaningful stories. In worship we find the Spirit’s inspiration and strength to live with courageous, hope-filled Love in the world. Children and youth are an integral part of our community. In worship there is often a “Time for the Young at Heart” when the minister shares with the kids about the scripture reading for the day. Their ideas are often what folks remember most!  Youth often read scripture or help in other ways. After the “Time for the Young at Heart,” children preschool to 5th grade leave the sanctuary to attend Church School. Nursery is available for the littlest ones but children are also always invited to stay with their families and take part in the worship service. See “Grow” for more information about our vibrant programming for children and youth.

We share a wide and wonderful range of music--from gospel freedom songs, jazz, classical, and music from many cultures as well as traditional and wonderful new hymns, and contemporary songs.  Music so often expresses what words cannot. In the UCC, we celebrate two sacraments, communion and baptism. We often have “worship series” in which we follow a theme and creatively use visuals, wonderful music, and imaginative elements to help us engage heart, body, mind and spirit as we seek to follow Jesus’ path of love in our lives. 

Know there is a place saved here for you.  Check out worship online to get a taste of what it is like and do let us know if we can be of help. 

communion

Communion is the sharing of bread and cup--remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.  We share communion on the first Sunday of the month. Jesus invited all to come and share at the table with him so all are welcome whenever we share communion!  Additionally, as Jesus welcomed all, we welcome children to the celebration of communion.  At parents’ discretion, children may receive bread and cup or receive a blessing from the minister.  Juice and gluten-free wafers are available.  

Baptism

Baptism is a beginning when we celebrate God’s love for the one baptized and their new life in Christ.  It is a joyful time of welcoming that person into the Christian family.  Infants, children, teens, or adults can be baptized into the Way of Jesus.  If you have been baptized before in another tradition, we see your baptism as sacred.  We celebrate baptisms during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the promise by the community (representing the universal Church) to love, support and care for you on your life journey wherever it takes you.