OCTOBER 2018

Why does our church bulletin look like it does?

There have been several liturgical books used in American Presbyterian Churches. The main service book in current use is the Book of Common Worship (2018), published by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in cooperation with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

These books are not commonly used in the pews, but are resources for pastors in the preparation for Sunday worship, as well as for devotional use by church members and seminarians. Portions of these books are frequently found in the church bulletins, which become the liturgical booklet in many Presbyterian Churches.

Service books have been in use in the Reformed church since the mid-sixteenth century.

BASIC MOVEMENT OF THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

With its focus upon scripture and sacrament, the main body of the service moves broadly from hearing to doing, from proclamation to thanksgiving, and from Word to table.

GATHERING The people gather in response to God’s call, offering praise in words of scripture, prayer, and song. The people acknowledge their sinfulness and receive the declaration of God’s forgiveness.

THE WORD Scriptures are read and their message is proclaimed. Psalms, hymns, spirituals, or anthems may be sung between the readings. Responses to the proclamation of God’s Word include expressions of faith and commitment, and the offering of prayers for worldwide and local needs.

THE EUCHARIST As hearing becomes doing, the tithes and offerings of the people are gathered, and the table is set with bread and wine. The people are invited to the table of the Lord. Prayer is offered in which God is praised for creation and providence, Christ’s work of redemption is remembered with thanksgiving, and the Holy Spirit is invoked upon and in the church. The bread is broken, and the bread and wine are served to the people.

SENDING The people are sent forth with God’s blessing to serve.

OUTLINE OF THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

GATHERING

Call to Worship

Prayer of the Day or Opening Prayer

Hymn of Praise,

Psalm, or Spiritual Confession and Pardon

The Peace

Psalm, Hymn, or Spiritual

THE WORD

 Prayer for Illumination

First Reading

Psalm

Second Reading

Anthem

 Gospel Reading

Sermon

Invitation

Hymn, Canticle, Psalm, or Spiritual

Affirmation of Faith [Pastoral Rite of the Church]

Prayers of the People

THE EUCHARIST

Offering

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Great Thanksgiving

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Breaking of the Bread Communion of the People

SENDING

Hymn, Spiritual, Canticle, or Psalm

Charge and Blessing

Pcusabookoforder2018