What you can expect when you visit Church of the Messiah:

 

You'll Be Welcomed:   Our team of friendly greeters will meet you at the door with a warm welcome (along with a handshake or a hug!).   As you head toward the sanctuary, ushers will greet you, hand you a bulletin, and may escort you to a chair, if you like.  They can also answer questions about the service, location of restrooms, children's Sunday School, and the nursery.

 

The Place of Worship:  The central items in our sanctuary are the altar and the cross. This helps turn our focus to Christ and to God, whose house the church is. On or near the altar there are candles to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world" (John 8:12). Flowers behind the altar beautify God's house and recall the resurrection of Jesus.

 

The Act of Worship:  We begin with praise and worship, led by our praise team. Songs include up-tempo praise songs, traditional hymns, and devotional worship. Words for all the music are projected in the front of the church. 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. In the seats you will find liturgical booklets, which enable the congregation to share fully in every service.

 

Communion:  We celebrate the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, at each service. All who love the Lord Jesus and are baptized are welcome to receive communion with us. Currently, the priest or Eucharist minister intincts (dips into the wine) the wafer and then places it into your open hands.  (Traditionally, the wafer is placed into your hands, and you may then dip it in the cup of wine, or you may eat the wafer immediately and then drink from the common cup. Either way is acceptable.) Children who love the Lord and have been baptized are also welcome to receive.

 

The Church Year:  Our church observes the traditional Christian calendar. The season of Advent, during which we prepare for Christmas, begins on the Sunday closest to November 30. Lent, the forty days of preparation for Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday. Easter season lasts fifty days, concluding on the feast of Pentecost. During these times the Bible readings are chosen for their appropriateness to the season.

 

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.