What happens during a typical worship service? A typical worship service at a United Methodist church may include:
- a greeting and opening prayer
- a prelude
- a time for the congregation to greet each other
- a responsive reading of a scripture passage where the leader reads a short passage and the congregation responds aloud
- silent prayer time
- a pastoral prayer
- an offering
- the Lord's Prayer prayed aloud by all
- a time for the children to gather for a children's message
- scripture readings
- the sermon
- special music or a choir anthem
- hymns sung by the congregation
- an invitation to the alter
- a benediction at the conclusion
Communion may also be served. An invitation to the Lord's table will be given for all to celebrate communion. You can choose whether or not you wish to participate.
Often churches will print words and respondes in the bulletins to help those who are unfamiliar with United Methodist worship.
There will be some differences in the services from church to church. Some churches have a more formal style, while others may have more casual or contemporary services. Some churches will offer more than one type of service.