We continue our worship series, Missio Dei, this Sunday with focus on understanding the parts of worship. We will reflect on why we do what we do in worship this Sunday.
Outline for Missio Dei
- May 18: Worship & The Mission of God (Acts 17.22-31)
- May 25: Meaning & Purpose of Worship (Acts 17.22-31)
- June 1: Understanding the Parts of Worship (Acts 17.22-31)
- June 8: Pentecost Celebration. Worship as Hospitality & Hope. (Acts 2.1-21)
Our basic pattern of worship at The Table echoes the historic pattern of Christian worship. We begin with the Gathering (often music and sometimes prayer). We then move to the Sharing of the Word (reading of Scripture and a message). We then move to Responding to the Word (communion and prayer and offering). Finally, we close with a Sending which calls us out into the world to practice worshipful mission in our daily lives. “This order for proclaiming God’s Word and celebrating the Lord’s Supper expresses the biblical, historical, and theological integrity of Christian worship” (United Methodist Hymnal, 2).
Consider your own experiences with this basic order of worship at The Table or at your own church by answering these questions for yourself: When have we parted from this order? When do we follow this order? What difference does the order make to you?