If you visit…
Our worship services are friendly, informal and participatory. A variety of people plan and lead worship, so no two services are quite alike. Typically, though, we’ll start with singing a few songs as people arrive. There will be a welcome, announcements, introductions and sometimes “passing the peace” – handshakes with people sitting nearby.
A “call to worship” and the day’s scriptures, along with other prayers or readings that may follow, are online.
The service is interspersed with music – both traditional hymns and contemporary songs. Sometimes instrumentalists take a turn. Occasionally we employ other arts: short bits of drama, video, visuals, puppetry and other unique elements.
Children up to age 10 are invited to the front to hear a story just for them.
We call our offerings ‘Giving with Gratitude,’ in recognition that all our gifts, whether of our time, talents or money, are worthy and come from God. As a visitor, please don’t feel any obligation to give.
A pastor or someone from the “preaching team” – a group of members chosen to preach occasionally – will offer a 15- to 20-minute sermon based on the day’s scripture passages, applying them to faith and life.
There’s also usually a time during the service when people can briefly share joys and concerns. A mic is brought around so people can say what’s on their hearts from wherever they’re sitting. The leader then prays for these and other concerns, and invites the congregation to continue those prayers all week.
The service lasts roughly an hour and a quarter and ends with a “benediction” – a prayer of blessing as we head back into our daily lives. After that, there’s coffee, tea and conversation. On special occasions, lunch is served after the service.
Note: If you’d like to check out Christian Education at TUMC, come an hour earlier (at 10 a.m.). Children and teens meet for Sunday School and adults for Faith Formation. Ask an usher to help you find the right location.
Oh, one more thing: We’re not all serious- we have a sense of humour, honest! Here’s a little how-to video from the gang at 22 Minutes, just for fun.