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Worship
We gather each Sunday as a community at 10:00 AM to celebrate the word of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our services are a blend of music, singing, prayer, joys and concern requests from our congregants, gospel readings, and inspirational sermons from our clergy.
As you enter the main doors at the back of the sanctuary you will be welcomed and greeted by a church member. There are adult bulletins, along with children's bulletins and crayons (geared toward two different age groups) available at the back of the sanctuary.
We begin with announcements, to keep us all informed of the opportunities for community in the coming weeks.
Our choirs will move you with beautiful renditions that range from select hymns, spectacular classical choral pieces, old spirituals, and other surprises. Music and singing is one of the central ways we express our spiritual joy and celebrate our love for God.
Some weeks our bell choir will play for us, and we hear God's gift of music flowing through our fellow congregants. We also may hear from the Youth Choir, or the always entertaining Cherub Choir.
Lay leaders rotate with our Director of Christian Education to provide a "Time for the Young", when your youngest participants gather around the alter to hear a special lesson geared toward them, but always engaging for the "older folk". Following the "Time for the Young" our preschool and elementary school aged children leave the sanctuary for church school classrooms. You will probably notice our High School members, sitting together in a section of the church they have designated as their own. Sitting with families is OK too!
Notes about our services:Headsets are available for any who would like assistance hearing. Ask at the back of the sanctuary before the service. Children join their parents for the beginning of the service, and are dismissed to church school after the Time for the Young, about 10 minutes into the service. Young children should be escorted to their classrooms by parents. 6th and 7th graders begin their educational program at 10 AM and should report directly to their classroom instead of the sanctuary. Infants and toddlers are welcome to join us during the service. Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers for those who prefer this option. In addition, little ones and their parents are invited to take advantage of Pooh's Corner, a cozy spot equipped with a rocking chair and quiet toys at the right rear of the sanctuary. Families may also use the Family Room, a comfortable sitting room with an audio link to the sanctuary. The Family Room is located just outside the right front doors of the sanctuary. Please feel free to ask a Deacon to assist you in finding these locations. |
Following the hymn we respond to God's grace through giving thanks and dedicating our offerings of service and financial support to God's work through the church.
Scripture lessons are read by lay volunteers; the variety of voices adds further meaning to our experience of God's word and ministry to each other. One of our ministry team then delivers a thoughtful sermon which is sometime soothing, sometimes challenging, but always a reminder to live faithfully in a loving relationship with God.
The offering of Joys and Concerns is a special time during our service, where joys, concerns, and special prayers are offered out loud for all present to honor and lift up to God together. It is a true time of community prayer and sharing.
We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month, and all who are present, including children, are welcome to participate in the communion ritual.
Following the last hymn all are invited for coffee hour, held each week in Chidley Hall.
Special Ceremonies
Baptisms
Baptisms are usually scheduled on the second Sunday of the month and take place during the regular service of worship. You may schedule a baptism by calling the church office. Special educational opportunities are offered during the year for parents who are planning, or who have recently celebrated their child's baptism.
Rite-13 Ceremonies
Rite-13 is a ceremony to honor our teens as they turn the important age of 13. Students and parents are honored and blessed by the congregation in this special ceremony.
Special Services
Each summer, we provide an inspiring opportunity for our laity to lead a service, and preach on a topic relevant to their life. Volunteers provide the music. It is a very moving experience to hear your neighbor, friend, or fellow congregant present their personal spiritual journeys. The First Congregational Church believes that we are all ministers to one another, and the Holy Spirit can give vision to any of us to preach, guide, and serve one another.
Summer services start at 9:45 AM, and summer hours are in effect from late June until Labor Day. At 9:00 AM, congregants can meet over breakfast for "faith talk" in the choir room. Childcare is provided. If you would like to sign up to preach a summer service, contact one of the clergy.
Other Special Services:
- Ash Wednesday Service
- Cantata Sunday
- Blessing of the Palms- Palm Sunday
- Maundy Thursday Service
- Easter Sunday Services
- 9:00AM Worship
- 10:00AM Pancake Breakfast
- 11:00 AM Worship
- Youth Sunday
- Church School Sunday
- Thanksgiving Eve Service
- Hanging of the Greens
- Advent Lessons and Carols
- Service of Light
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
- 6 PM Family Service
- 11:00 PM Communion service
An Open and Affirming Congregation
21 Church Street, Winchester, MA 01890
(781) 729-9180