Here is our "Order of Service" at NewLifeSundayNight:
Worship in Song
Music is one of the oldest worship expressions, and perhaps the most complete in the way it engages and moves our whole being. The Bible is full of injunctions to sing, shout dance, and play skillfully on instruments as we make music to the Lord. It also encourages us to sing a new song. For this reason, we begin our service with Matthew Fallentine and a team of worship leaders and musicians leading us in expressing our worship in song, often newer songs that reflect what God is doing in our midst today.
The Nicene Creed
Officially formulated and adopted at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, the Creed expands and re-articulates beliefs that were taught by the early apostles and used in baptismal rites as early as the mid-2nd century. It is also the only creed accepted across every Christian denomination in both Western and Eastern streams.
Silent Confession
This is quiet space to become aware of the places in our lives and relationships where we have tried to live independently of God. It is a time to confess our sin, acknowledge our need for God, pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s work in us, and surrender every part of our life and heart to Him.
Corporate Confession
By using language from Psalm 51 and the Book of Common Prayer, words that are centuries old (at least!), we are travelling a well-worn path of faith, humility, and surrender to Christ. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey, nor are we the first to embark on it.
Communion and Prayer
From the earliest days of Christian worship, the Eucharist—the celebration of communion—was the centerpiece of the Christian gathering. It is the moment where followers of Christ remember His death, celebrate His resurrection, and anticipate His return.
On Sunday Nights, we invite families and friends to get the communion elements from the communion stations as the band plays, and then to return their seats and pray with one another as they receive the elements together. We also have a prayer team available to minister to those in need of special grace.
The Lord’s Prayer
While it is certainly good to form our own words from our hearts as we talk to the Lord, there is something special about praying the words Jesus taught His disciples. We believe this prayer, with its praise, petitions, and proclamations, can shape the posture of our hearts and teach us to pray “in Jesus’ name”.
JoyTime
This is a time to give to God with glad and joyful hearts. Jesus taught that the way we spend our money is the best indicator of where our loyalties lie. So giving to God is a tangible way to express our worship. Jesus gave sacrificially of His life for “the joy set before Him”. We believe that giving to God should always be a joyful and sacrificial part of our worship.
Scripture Readings
Before the talk begins, there is a public reading of the Scriptures by different members of our community. Passages are selected from both the Old and New Testaments that correspond with the current series.
The Sermon
The talks on Sunday Nights follow the same series and subjects covered on Sunday mornings. As the pastor of the Sunday Night “campus”, I serves as the lead teacher, and try to bring a thoughtful Biblical and historical perspective to the subjects each week. (Subscribe to the Podcast HERE.)
How long is this service, start to finish? Also, do you provide childcare or is it a family-together gathering?
Posted by: Felicity | February 21, 2011 at 04:11 PM
5pm-6:30pm. There is child-care for infant-6th grade.
Posted by: Glenn Packiam | February 21, 2011 at 11:08 PM