Worship Together with Us
The Oakland United Methodist Church has less than 50 members. The average attendance at Worship in the first quarter of 2011 was 32. We sing traditional Hymns, and also the chorus of some more modern songs. A piano player plays during singing. This is a "come as you are" Church with persons wearing clothes such as suits/ties, dresses, jeans, bib overalls, skirts/blouses, shorts, or slacks. The age range is from babies to those more than 80 years old. There is a short wheel-chair ramp into the Church.
- 9:00 am - Sunday School
- 10:00 am - Worship Service
The Adult Sunday School Teacher uses Union Gospel Press Books with Bible verses. The youth Teacher uses One Room Sunday School material. This includes Bible scripture, songs, craft, and a snack.
FIRST TIME VISITERS
Between the Sunday School closing and the 10 a.m Worship start, people greet each other and talk.
Here is an outline of the Church bulletin, along with some explanation.
PRELUDE (Piano solo and one of the youth lights the two candles in front.
INVOCATION (Pastor opens Worship with Prayer.
SONGS: The Worship Leader tells the Hymn number. (Use brown book). Then we sing the chorus of about three songs. (Use the Chorus booklet). Then the Worship Leader invites us to recite the Apostles Creed together. (It's in the front cover of the brown Hymn book).
YOUNG DISCIPLES: The Pastor calls the kids to come to the front, and he tells them a story about scripture in the Bible. After this, they can stay with parents or go to the side-room for Junior Church. This has scripture, games, music, crafts and snack.
HYMN: The Worship Leader tells the number of another Hymn to sing.
PRAISES AND PRAYER CONCERNS: People say thanks to God for something that happened, or they tell how Jesus helped them. Then the tell their prayer needs. After the Worship Leader Prays, everyone is invited to recite the Lords Prayer together: Our Father Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thou art the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory Forever. Amen. Then the Worship Leader tells us of scheduled Church events.
GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Visiters are NOT expected to give money. Your being in Church is a gift for Jesus, and also a gift for us. The ushers bring the offering plates through the aisles for anyone who wants to give money. Then the Pastor moves his arms up for everyone to stand and sing The Doxology (# 554 in Brown Book) The gift plates are given to the Pastor for a prayer.
SCRIPTURE AND SERMON - The Pastor preaches until about 11 a.m.
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP - This is an invitation for anyone wanting to make Jesus their Lord and Savior, and to ask Him to forgive their sins. You don't have to speak your sins -God knows and will forgive all sins. Also at this time, people may ask the Pastor to anoint them and pray about their needs.
CLOSING HYMN
BENEDICTION (Pastor closes with a Prayer)
POSTLUDE - (Piano solo)
The Pastor is available in the Church for any questions or discussion after the service.