For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSVUe)

As you may have noticed last week, our summer worship looks a little different. Why?

We use a standardized order of service in the summer, mostly in the name of simplicity! It also cuts down on our weekly printing cost when fewer of us are around. As I started the service this past Sunday, I reminded folks that I was not used to the summer order, and to let me know if I skipped anything.

I can report that our first trip through the summer service went fine, and we hit all the marks we meant to hit. But just doing what’s on the page is of little importance if we don’t know the why behind it. For the next several weeks, I’ll write briefly about each element of the service and why it is where it is. Or why it’s NOT where it is, as the case may be.

So let’s begin at the beginning: The Prelude, the Welcome & Announcements and the Opening Hymn

It’s almost the same as what we’re used to. We use music to prepare us as we gather, and Monica (or special guests) provide music to help us flow out of our week and into worship. This makes sense. Sure, God walks with us all week long, but it’s important to note that we cross the literal threshold of the church door into sacred space. Then we need to cross that line in our hearts, too, and the Prelude is that gateway into our sacred time together.

After that, we have our first “major” change: during the program year, Debbie steps up to bring the Announcements and then we sing a hymn. After that, I provide a short welcome and then lead us into the Call to Worship. Debbie calls others up to share in the announcements, but in the interest of time, we don’t to that in the summer.

In summer, it’s slightly different. After the Prelude, I (or the Deacons or a guest preacher) will offer a Welcome and any brief announcements the congregation “needs to know.” Then we sing the Hymn together. Does anyone notice this is different? Maybe not, but I always do because I’m the one running it most weeks. As much as I like to think I’m spontaneous and can make changes when we need to, I still have the typical order in my bones. Every transition takes a little getting used to.

Theologically, the most important thing for me is that we sing together!

When we raise our voices in praise each week, we are reminded of many things. First, we are not alone on our faith journey. Second, that this journey is not just in our heads; it’s a thing we do together. Singing puts it in our bodies, and we make music together as an expression of our love for God and our love for one another.

The opening hymns are carefully chosen, and many of you have had input by sharing with Monica and I about your favorite hymns. Thank you for that! It feels great to begin in song, and having our two hymnals full of great music is a wonderful resource for our faith journey.

Next week, I’ll spend a little time on the Call to Worship and the Lord’s Prayer. Thanks for reading, and join us for worship at 9:30 am all summer whenever you can!