Sunday Worship Services

Every Sunday, from the first Sunday in September after Labor Day until mid-June of the following year, we hold Sunday Services at 10:30 AM in our Sanctuary. These services last about an hour (slightly longer on occasion) and follow a general structure, although services often vary a bit week-to-week from both a flow and content standpoint, and every service is ultimately a unique experience. We know it is often a little daunting to participate in a service that you might not be familiar with, so here's a brief introduction to some of the things you might expect, although not all items are included in every service, and the order may change:

• Instrumental Musical Prelude and Choral Introit -- By the Music Director and invited instrumentalists, often joined by the Choir
• Opening Words -- A few thoughtful words, generally from the Minister or leader for the day, sometimes original, sometimes a reading.
• Welcome and Announcements of General Interest -- Words of Welcome from the minister, followed by announcements and updates of general interest by a member of our Standing Committee
• Chalice Lighting and Unison Response -- the beginning of the formal portion of the service, and a signal to enter into a state of respectful listening and participation, followed by singing of The Old Hundredth.
• Hymns sung by the congregation -- generally there are at least two hymns sung by the congregation, accompanied by the Choir if they are present
• Anthem by the Choir, and sometimes additionally by the Youth Choir -- a musical offering from the Choir to the congregation, often part of a larger piece which may be used for the Prelude, Offertory, and Benediction Response and Postlude
• Responsive Reading -- A short written piece read in unison by the congregation, usually alternating lines with the Minister or another leader.
• The Offering -- weekly offering by congregation for the work of the Society, accompanied by music
• Sharing of Joys & Concerns -- a time in the service for congregants to share important issues going on in their lives, accompanied by candle-lighting on the first and third Sundays of each month
• Prayer -- a time for prayer and reflection, often both silent and spoken, and usually positioned after Joys & Concerns
• Reading -- A reading, chosen and read by the Minister, which often provides context or thought for the sermon
• The Sermon -- a significant presentation of thoughts by the Minister or a guest speaker, generally lasting from 15 to 20 minutes, intended to help the congregation think about life from a different perspective
• Closing Hymn -- a closing hymn, traditionally sung by the congregation facing the rear of the Sanctuary and the Choir
• Benediction -- Final words of closing from the Minister
• Benediction Response -- a short musical response sung by the choir
• Postlude -- a final musical offering, usually instrumental, by the organist or guest musicians. Many people begin to leave the sanctuary during this piece, but others stay to appreciate the music.

After the service, many people exit by the center doors of the Sanctuary and greet the minister and other participants in the service just concluded. Please feel free to say Hello on your way out, or exit via one of the rear side doors if your schedule does not permit the extra time.

Common additions or changes to the Sunday Service

Here are a few additional things that might change the normal order of service:

• Intergenerational Openings -- At least once a month, we open the service with adults and children together in the sanctuary. On these occasions, the Minister will often invite the children to come forward to hear a Story (for all ages), and we will often have music presented by the Youth Choir.
• Dedication of Children -- Several Sundays in every year we have brief ceremonies to dedicate children, welcoming them, symbolically naming them, and pledging to support them. Generally we do this with newborns or very young children, but occasionally have a service where we dedicate older children.
• Special Music -- We have a long tradition of inviting gifted musicians to join our Sunday services; many of them repeatedly over the years. You might hear anything from single instruments accompanying the choir to a small orchestra performing a long, serious piece, or vocal offerings by guest soloists, acapella groups, or gospel choirs.

A note about winter weather

On rare occasions Sunday services will be cancelled when severe winter weather makes traveling unsafe. If you have questions about whether services are being held, please call the Church office at 781.235.7423 and listen to the voice message there.