Traditional Sunday services at First Presbyterian Church of Elko typically follow this order:
Prelude Organ or piano music is played as the congregation gathers.
Welcome and Announcements The pastor opens the service and invites congregation members to come forward to deliver announcements.
Call to Worship Congregation remains standing and faces each other across the center aisle and reads the Call to Worship aloud from the church bulletin.
Hymn Congregation stands to sing from the hymnals.
Call to Confession Congregation reads aloud the prayer of confession printed in the bulletin. This statement varies from week to week. It is followed by an assurance of pardon.
Special Music Usually a Choir Anthem, though during the summer months, members of the congregation may share their musical gifts.
Proclamation of the Word Scriptures from the day’s Lectionary are read.
Sermon The pastor or a guest speaker delivers a sermon lasting approximately 15-20 minutes.
Hymn Congregation rises to sing from the hymnal.
Affirmation of Faith The congregation remains standing to affirm their faith with an ancient or modern Creed.
Communion or other events, such as baptisms or welcoming of new members, are often inserted here in the order of service. If this is a Communion Sunday (the first Sunday of each month and other feast days during the church year), we practice open communion. All who wish to receive the bread and cup may come forward to do so.
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer The pastor incorporates the written prayer requests into a prayer followed by the Lord’s Prayer, which the congregation also prays aloud. On Communion Sundays, the Lord’s Prayer is prayed as part of the Lord’s Supper.
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts to God A member of the congregation may come forward to explain a particular mission project or need. This is followed by offertory music as plates are passed among the congregation for the collection of tithes or offerings. Note that guests are not expected to contribute to the offering, though they are most welcome to do so.
Doxology As the collection plates are brought forward, the congregation stands and sings, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.” The pastor then offers a brief prayer of dedication in thanks for the offering.
Hymn The congregation remains standing and sings a hymn from the hymnal.
Charge and Blessing The Pastor gives a word of encouragement related to the sermon, then blesses all present.
Fellowship The Pastor usually is available at the main church door after the service to speak with congregation members as they leave the church. Thereafter, she joins other service attendees who have chosen to go to the fellowship hall for coffee, punch, and refreshments that are provided and served by various groups within the church. Guests are most welcome to stay for fellowship so they can learn more about our church and meet its pastor and members.