What is at the heart and center of Lutheran worship?
Lutheran worship puts the focus squarely on Jesus Christ, who is present for us and with us through His Word and Sacraments.Lutheran worship is, therefore,Christ-centered, not man-centered.When we are gathered for worship,we are not contemplating some far-off Christ or meditating on abstract concepts,or pondering various principles for living. Neither are we in church to be amused or entertained. Christ is living and active among us, right where He has promised to be in His Word and Sacraments. Jesus said,“Lo, I am with you always, to the very end of the age”(Matt. 28:20). When He gathers us around His Word and Sacraments, He fulfills this promise to us once again.
What is the basic pattern of Lutheran worship?
Here is how one hymnal describes Lutheran Worship:
Our Lord speaks and we listen. His Word bestows what it says.Faith that is born from what is heard acknowledges the gifts received with eager thankfulness and praise. ...Saying back to Him what He has said to us,we repeat what is most true and sure. ...The rhythm of our worship is from Him to us, and then from us back to Him. He gives His gifts, and together we receive and extol them. We build one another up as we speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
What does Lutheran worship look and sound like?
Lutherans use orders of service common throughout the history of the Western church. The two main parts of the Divine Service are (1) the proclamation of the Word of God, and (2) the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.Other orders of service used in the Lutheran church feature a more extended service of the Word as well as times of prayer,such as the services of Matins and Vespers, Morning and Evening Prayer, Compline, and the Litany.
In Lutheran services, pastors and congregations sing or speak the liturgy back and forth or together. Congregational singing of hymns has always been a hallmark of Lutheran worship. The best of musical traditions,both ancient and modern, are embraced by the Lutheran church in its worship, with an emphasis on congregational singing, reinforced by the choir. Our pastors wear special clothing called vestments.These garments cover the individuality of the man and emphasize the sacred duties of the office he has been given to carry out. Throughout the course of the church year, an appointed order of readings and prayers helps the congregation focus on the major events in the life of Christ and how those events affect us today. Preaching, usually based on the appointed lessons, is a hallmark of Lutheran worship,distinguished by a clear presentation of God’s Law and Gospel.
At St Andrew, our worship can be divided in four sections:
The Gathering - We take our seats in the sanctuary and enter a brief meditation period followed by an Invocation, Confession, and Forgiveness. After which we greet our neighbors by "Sharing The Peace" of Our Lord with those attending our service. Then an opening hymn is sung and followed by a liturgical dialogue between minister and members of the congregation known as the Kyrie and another canticle of praise. After which the minister offers the prayer of the day.
The Word - At the beginning of this part of worship, Pastor Willard will invite the young people in the congregation (those between 3 and 93) to come forward and he will share a special message of the day with them. Then one of our members will read Old and New Testament readings for the day. Followed by the singing of the Gospel Acclamation. Pastor Willard will read the Gospel which is printed in our bulletin. Pastor Willard then gives insight into the day's scripture reading in the Sermon. After the sermon, another hymn is sung and we share our common Christian beliefs by saying either the Nicene or Apostles Creed. The Offering is collected and a prayer is offered.
The Meal - The Great Thanksgiving is offered in dialogue between the minister and the congregation. Pastor will institute the eucharist and the bread and wine will be served around the altar. All who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior are invited to participate. After communion a prayer of thanksgiving is offered.
The Sending - The congregation will rise for the blessing and the benediction will be offered. A sending hymn will be sung after which the congregation will be dismissed with the words "Go in Peace and Serve the Lord" to which the congregation responds "Thanks be to God"
Our traditional service at 10:30 a.m. follows the litugical worship as described above.
Our 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Service offers more praise music and less formality but follows much the same outline as described above.