WORSHIP AT 10:30 A.M. Sundays in the Sanctuary
Worship begins with God, for it is God who calls us into being as a community of faith and it is God who gathers us together for worship. Worship is central to the life of Grace Presbyterian Church. Indeed, worship is at our very heart. All that we are and all that we do is rooted in the time we spend together in worship. We come together as a worshipping community to celebrate the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. In praise, prayer, in scriptures read and proclaimed, in hymns and songs, in sharing communion, worship moves us from hearing the Word of God to our rising to do it.
Children are always welcome in worship. Age appropriate materials are prepared for our children to use during worship. During the worship service there is a special Children’s Time to involve and nurture the young among us. Children who are not yet comfortable sitting through the service may leave following the Children’s Time for a special time of organized play. Nursery care is available as well.
Special opportunities for worship are offered during Advent and Lenten seasons. An annual blessing of the pets is held on an afternoon in October.
We invite you to worship with us and experience God’s welcoming presence amid the warmth of Grace Presbyterian Church’s members and friends. All are welcome to join us.
Music
“The singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is a vital and ancient form of prayer. Singing engages the whole person, and helps to unite the body of Christ in common worship. The congregation itself is the church’s primary choir; the purpose of rehearsed choirs and other musicians is to lead and support the congregation in the singing of prayer. Special songs, anthems, and instrumental music may also serve to interpret the Word and enhance the congregation’s prayer. Furthermore, many of the elements of the service of worship may be sung. Music in worship is always to be an offering to God, not merely an artistic display, source of entertainment, or cover for silence.” (from the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Directory for Worship).
Music is an important part of our worship at Grace Presbyterian Church. We have an adult choir and a handbell choir who assist us in worship on most Sundays. Our music director is Matthew Tatus and he directs the choirs as well as providing organ and piano music for all worship services.
Get Involved
Choir practice is at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings and is followed by handbell practice at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to join our choirs.
The Wedding as a Service of Worship
Your Wedding At Grace Presbyterian Church
Childcare Policy
It is the policy of Grace Presbyterian church that parents who entrust their children into our care may do so with the full confidence that they will not be harmed through neglect or intent. To this end we institute the following policies for our youth and child care volunteers.
Unless otherwise approved by the session, no one who has been a member of Grace Presbyterian Church for less then 6 months or is under the age of 18 may be the “lead” adult in any youth or children’s programs. They may serve as an assistant to the child care and youth staff worker or volunteer.
- Any evidence of child abuse, neglect or criminal activity with a child during a church sponsored activity must be reported to local law enforcement.
- No child care or youth worker or volunteer will be alone with a child (except with the child’s parent). The “rule-of-two” should be applied when working with both children and youth. Sunday school classes may have one teacher in the classroom however the classroom door must remain open. The “rule-of two” or the “open door” policy will be followed by volunteers at all times.
Ministry of the Church at the Time of Death What Presbyterians Believe About Death and Resurrection
What We Believe About Death
Presbyterians, as all Christians, believe that death has been conquered by God through Jesus Christ. Death is a solemn and mysterious human experience, bringing painful separation from loved ones and friends. However, we remember the bold claim of the New Testament that in Christ, God is the Victor over death and the grave.
The central doctrine of the Christian faith is the resurrection. “Jesus Christ is risen today” is not only the Easter message, it is the message of every day in the year, and it is the foundation of the life of the church. We believe that, as followers of Christ, we will share in his victory. We, of course, grieve deeply when a loved one has died, but as Christians we also celebrate the resurrection and the life that comes through Christ.
When Death Occurs
It is important that the Minister be notified immediately when there has been a death, so that you may be in touch with the spiritual and practical support the Church can offer. The Minister is available to be with family members as they go through the experience of death, and to assist in decisions as requested, including going with you to the funeral home to aid and support you in the decisions which need to be made. The Minister can counsel you regarding the funeral service and arrangements for it.
The Worship Service
The service should take place in the Sanctuary of Grace Presbyterian Church, where worship is normally held. The minister, in consultation with the family, is in charge of this service. The funeral or memorial service is a witness to God’s love offered to all people, a love that strengthens and supports, even in times of grief and loss. It is a witness to God’s promises in Jesus Christ, affirmed in Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and to the sure and certain hope of our own resurrection.
Hope in Death: Practical Preparation for End of Life
A Guide For You and Your Family When Death Comes
I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. John 11:25
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16