What to Expect When You Come to Messiah

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• We’re friendly:   You will be greeted at the door with a warm welcome (along with a handshake or a hug!).  
   

• The Sanctuary:  Our church is God’s house, so you will see that the sanctuary is oriented to feature the altar and the cross to help us focus on Christ’s redeeming sacrifice.  Candles remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world" (John 8:12), and altar flowers refer to the liturgical season and represent the resurrection of Jesus.
   

• The Act of Worship:  We begin with praise and worship led by our dynamic praise team. Music includes contemporary praise songs, traditional hymns, and devotional worship pieces. After the singing, we generally have a time when we listen for the Lord's guidance. Sometimes people will read a scripture, pray, or give a prophetic word. Music lyrics, liturgy, and prayers are projected in the front of the church so that all may join in worship.
   

• The Word of God:  Scripture readings generally follow the Lectionary, a list of scripture passages organized around the church year.  A member of our Reader Ministry reads passages from the Old Testament and New Testament, followed by the Gospel reading by a clergy member. 
   

• Weekly Communion:  After the readings, we celebrate the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. All who love the Lord Jesus and are baptized are welcome to receive communion with us. The priest or Eucharist minister intincts the wafer (dips it into the wine) and then places it into your open hands. Children who love the Lord and have been baptized are also welcome to receive.
   

• Fellowship:  Our post-service coffee hour is a favorite tradition at Church of the Messiah!  Help yourself to a cup of coffee and a snack, and come mingle with our friendly congregation as we enjoy this time of fellowship.