Worship 101

New to Reformed worship? No problem!

Even people who've been worshipping at Memorial for decades ask basic questions about worship. Here's a brief introduction.

The Center of Worship

Worship at Memorial centers around God's Word read and proclaimed. At every worship service whether it's on Sunday, a wedding, a funeral, or a special worship service, you will hear scripture read and proclaimed. Our pastor is specially trained for this important ministry, and occasionally we invite special preachers and ruling elders to proclaim the Word.

The role of music in worship

Music is an important aspect of worship. Whether through hymns or the anthem that the Sanctuary Choir sings, the music is a reflection on the Word read. We use hymnals with music scores printed, which helps people sing to the best of each one's ability. In cases where the congregation does not know a particular hymn, we will spend some time teaching this hymn in worship.

Special music during worship

The mainstay of our worship music are an organ, grand piano, and the Sanctuary Choir. Each month we invite different musicians to accompany or lead us. Some of our members are specially trained in flute, guitar, and percussion and they bless us with the use of their gifts in worship.

When to sit and when to stand

On a Sunday morning you will spend most of your time sitting during worship. In the bulletin people are invited to stand wherever an asterisk appears.

The length of worship

Typically Sunday worship lasts an hour and the sermon and scripture reading lasts 20 minutes. On a communion Sunday the sermon is shortened and we are usually finished by 12:10.