The United Church of Fayetteville Nurture Ministries

Worship

The worship of God is central to the life of our congregation. Through worship in Word and Sacrament we celebrate the faith that unites us. Our worship life-diverse in style and guided by the Biblical story-seeks to be dynamic and vibrant. The congregation affirms the importance of biblical preaching, and we have a strong tradition of excellence in preaching. Our worship is formally structured, but seasonal variation and extensive use of music and the arts give full expression to our freedom in Christ. Members share in worship leadership. Children are encouraged to join in worship; every service seeks to involve children and youth as both participants and leaders of worship.

The Worship and Spiritual Life Committee works with the staff to enrich our services of worship. A Visual Arts Committee also helps with ways to enhance our services of worship artistically.

	The Sacraments
	We celebrate The Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of each month and on other occasions in the Church year. Our tradition for serving communion includes Sundays when the congregation comes forward to receive communion by intinction from the pastor and an elder, and Sundays when members of the congregation serve each other, seated in the pews. The pastor and elders provide home communion for ill and homebound members.
	As a dual-denominational congregation, we practice both infant and believer's Baptism, by sprinkling or immersion. For a more extensive discussion of Baptism, please see the booklet: "Baptism at United Church," available in the church office.
	Taizé Evening Services 7:00 PM first Sundays of the month (October, November, February, March) Taizé worship, modeled after the Taizé Community in France, is a form of contemplative prayer woven of group singing, silence and scripture in a simple candlelit setting. Check the newsletter or call the church office to confirm times and other dates for services.
Children in Our Worshiping Community
	As you look around the sanctuary, you will see that children are part of our worshiping community. Children are members of the covenant community; their presence grows out of the Biblical tradition. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." (Matt. 19:14) Through a "Word to the Children" during worship on most Sundays, a member or the pastor engages children in a variety of ways to help them understand the Biblical message of the day. Children and youth in the choirs sing (and ring) songs in worship; Children and youth serve as acolytes, greeters, ushers, and liturgists. Each year we plan "Intergenerational Sundays" when an educational event and the service of worship involve all ages together, in place of regular Church School classes and Adult Forums. Children in grades 3 and up stay for the full worship service; those younger may go to an Enrichment Time during the second half of worship. On Communion Sundays (first Sundays of the month) all children are encouraged to stay in worship to receive communion with the whole family of God. Children's Leaflets with activities and stories (usually relating to the Bible readings for the day) are available at the entrance to the sanctuary or from an usher. Worship services are interpreted in American Sign Language. (Please sit at the front of the sanctuary on the left side and make yourself known to our interpreter.)