Worship

​We gather to worship God as one community of faith each Sunday at 9:30 am, using a hybrid format of in-person and Zoom online worship. In whatever way you attend, all are invited to actively participate! To attend on Zoom by device or phone, please contact the church office for information. A video recording of our weekly worship service is posted on our YouTube channel every Sunday following worship.

We welcome children of all ages in worship at all times! One of the best ways to engage children in faith practices and become familiar with the experience of worship is to attend with their families. Even when they don’t appear to be listening, children are absorbing the presence of the holy spirit, and the unique inter-generational gathering of the church. Children are free to squirm, sing, and make a joyful noise! A children’s time is offered with Pastor Laura each week to help children connect the theme of worship to their own lives in ways they can understand. A nursery area is also available, as well as quiet activities for younger ones to enjoy throughout the service.

Worship is “the work of the people”. Children, Youth, Families, and Adults of all ages actively participate in worship leadership as liturgists, scripture readers, musicians, and more. We are growing into new ways of worshiping together including the occasional use of videos, dramatic arts, and spiritual practices. We are always exploring ways to praise, pray, and share the Good News of God’s story with one another and the world.

Celebrating the Sacraments
We celebrate two sacraments in the United Church of Christ: Holy Communion and Baptism. These are acts of faith that Jesus initiated and which he calls us to practice in his name.

Holy Communion is celebrated in worship on the first Sunday of the month and on other special days. All people of all ages are welcome to the fellowship of Christ’s table, and to receive the gifts of God through the Bread and Cup. ​

Baptism is an outward symbol that affirms the grace and love of God that lives within each one of us. In baptism, you are welcomed into the family of Christ. In turn, the congregation promises to love, support and care for you as companions on the faith journey.

​ In the United Church of Christ the sacrament of baptism is offered to whomever and wherever you are on life’s journey. Infants and children are baptized at the request of their parents or guardians who wish to raise their children in the practices of the Christian faith and in the fellowship of our church. When they are older, children “confirm” their faith, making the promises of their baptism their own. At this time, they become full members of the church, with all its privileges and responsibilities. In our church, confirmation classes are offered to youth in 9th grade or older. Youth who have not yet been baptized may participate in the confirmation program as preparation for their baptism. ​

Adults wishing to be baptized are also warmly welcomed to contact the pastor.

​Music

​Our Bell Choir welcomes anyone interested in making a joyful noise.  We are more than happy to help new choir members learn.  We have three octaves of bells, providing plenty of opportunity for anyone who would like to join.  Barb Babler is our Director.  The choir performs periodically at church, and we meet Thursday nights.  We have enjoyed performing at the local Cookie Walk and Tree Lighting event in Library Park.

Even though we do not have an organized Vocal Choir, special music is always welcome. We have had vocal solos and duets, instrumental performances, and virtual choirs for online worship. Our singers participate in community choirs for ecumenical worship and at village events. We are always looking for ways to enhance our worship with music.

​Arts

​A small group prepares the sanctuary with visual arts reflecting seasonal and worship themes.

​ Our sanctuary screens guide our worship service with the addition of art and PowerPoints, seamlessly providing a shared worship experience for people in the sanctuary and online, as well as for later viewing on YouTube.