Worship

The Reformed Faith holds that human beings are created to glorify God. The basis of living righteously and reaching toward others in mission is thanksgiving. Worship is the beginning of all other aspects of our faith. We believe that effective worship is the chief ingredient of an effective faith.

WORSHIP ON SUNDAY

Our 11:00 a.m. service is a traditional service which incorporates contemporary elements. It has a variety of musical styles and includes a fine choir. Although traditional hymns are used, the inclusion of more contemporary music is led by other instruments. The form of the service is liturgical, without being staid or stuffy. We intentionally strive for a "user-friendly" atmosphere.

We care about children. A nursery, staffed with loving caregivers, is offered at all worship services for children through age 4. A pager system keeps parents always in touch. In the sanctuary, worship bags with worship-related materials are available for smaller children. In addition, the service includes a special time for children. The message they are given is related to the general themes of the service itself. Following this time, children through age 4 may go to the nursery, those in kindergarten and first grade may meet a leader to go to Children's Church (a time of instruction about worship). The rest return to sit with their families.

We care about Seniors. Both large print bulletins and hymnals as well as hearing assistance devices are available from an usher.

Our services usually last about an hour, and you will find members and visitors dressed in everything from “business casual” to “Sunday best”. And our facility is designed with accessible restrooms and wheelchair ramp.

Communion is celebrated ordinarily on the first Sunday of the month. Other celebrations in the liturgical year are also occasions for the celebration of communion. As in all Presbyterian Churches, we invite and encourage all baptized Christians to share in the sacrament, regardless of what branch of the Christian faith may be their preference or tradition.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

We provide occasions for worship other than Sunday morning. These vary throughout the year and may be found on the monthly calendar. The following services are always scheduled:

• Ash Wednesday (first day of Lent) - 6:30 p.m.
• Maundy Thursday (institution of the Lord's Supper) - 6:30 p.m.
• Good Friday (the day of the Crucifixion) - 6:30 p.m.
• Christmas Eve - 5:30 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

The Eastminster sanctuary has been found by many to be a glorious setting for WEDDINGS. We are very willing to share our sanctuary for weddings of non-members. Weddings at Eastminster are considered and celebrated as a service of worship. The installed pastor is the primary officiant in all weddings. As we share our church family's "home" with others, we ask that they also share our traditions as to what happens in our "home." Information concerning wedding procedures, building covenant, and related costs may be obtained by calling the church office.

WHAT SEASON IS IT?

The Sunday bulletin always notes the day of the church year, which is being celebrated. The following may help explain the seasons and festivals.

Just as we have Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, so the Church Year calendar has the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Just as we have special celebrations like Labor Day, Presidents' Day, and Independence Day, so the Church has special festivals and feast days like the Transfiguration, Good Friday, Trinity, All Saints, and Christ the King. These special days help us remember events and people in the life of Jesus and the Church. Each season and special day has its own theme, color, and assigned lessons.

• Advent - focuses on getting ready for the coming of Jesus, the color is blue or purple, symbolic of hope.
• Christmas - celebrates the birth of Jesus, the color for the season is white, the symbol of gladness, light and joy.
• Epiphany - celebrates the coming of the magi and the manifestation of Jesus as the Christ. The color for the day is white, the color for the rest of the season is green, symbolizing spiritual growth.
• Lent - a season of penitence and preparation for the celebration of the Resurrection. The color for the season is purple to suggest somberness and meditation.
• Easter - celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord; the color for the season is white.
• Pentecost - celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and it's work in our lives. The color for the day is red, and for the Sundays following green.
• Ordinary Time - time when we are not emphasizing any particular part of the faith story. The color is green which represents God's creation and growth.
• Saints' Day and other festivals - may or may not fall on Sunday. The color for these days is either white or green depending on what or who is being celebrated.