Guide to Divine Service
As we come into the presence of the Trinity God, we humbly ask that everyone respects this quiet space and join with us to worship in reverence.
Psalm 89:7 (KJV) “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.”
Hebrews 12:28 (KJV) “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear”
1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV) “Let all things be done decently and in order”
<> 9:50am First toll of the bell calls all to Divine Service
The ten minutes between the tolling of the bells allows for all within the church, a quiet time of reflection and spiritual preparation for worship. (Psalm 10:17/ Ex. 28:34). A freewill offering can be placed in the box provided at the church entrance. (Matt. 6:4)
<> 10:00am Second toll of the bell calls Ministers to the altar
Ministers walk from vestry onto Altar and kneel while they pray for forgiveness and sanctification, before rising to commence the Divine Service (John 17:17-19)
(Congregation stands)
<> Divine Service Commences in the name of the Holy Trinity – “In the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost”. (Psalm 18:3)
<> Hymn from the community hymn book is sung by the congregation (Rev. 5:9)
<> Opening Prayer asking God to accept our thanks for His blessings (PRAISE), and to ask for His Divine presence, His Word, His Peace and His Grace to abound (BLESSING). (Col. 4:2-3)
(Congregation sits down)
<> Choir (if available) sings a hymn of praise. (Psalm 100:2 / 1Tim. 4:4)
<> Preaching God’s Word – a pastoral text is read followed by preaching, supported with Bible texts (all Bible texts are from the Kings James Version Holy Bible). The preaching is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes more than one Minister preaches, and the choir may sing in between. (Matt. 4:4 / Matt. 24:14)
(Congregation stands)
<> Offer thanks to God for His Word, given by the power of His Spirit. (1 Thess. 2:13)
<> The Lord’s Prayer (prayed by all in unity) “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Let not the tempter overwhelm us, but deliver us from all evil for Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever Amen”. (Matt. 6:9)
(If attending service for a Baptism and or sealing this is the time it occurs)
<> Prayer before the time of repentance – petition to God to let the Grace won by Jesus on the cross to cover us as we pray silently for forgiveness. (Acts 3:19 / Luke 24:47)
<> Silent time to repent for our sins – we confess we are sinners, seeking the love and mercy of God (Matt. 6:6)
<> Prayer seeking forgiveness – the Minister prays to the Trinity God to forgive us all for our offences known to God. (Acts 3:19, Matt. 6:14, Psalm 32:5, Psalm 69:5)
<> Proclamation of Forgiveness – God’s love, grace, mercy, compassion and pardon is proclaimed, allowing God’s peace to be declared to all. (2 Cor. 5:18-21, John 14:27)
<> Offer thanks for forgiveness, and for God’s peace and for strengthening of faith. (John 8:36)
<> Hymn is sung by the community. Offering boxes are placed on the altar.
<> Communion is consecrated – bread and wine are consecrated to be partaken as the body and blood of Jesus Christ which is His life and righteousness within us to be part of Him and to be washed in the blood of the lamb. (Matt. 26:26-29, John 6:53-54, Rev. 1:5, 7:14)
<> Blessing the Offerings (Psalm 96:8)
<> Offer thanks for consecration of communion. (1 Cor. 11:26-28)
(Congregation sits down)
<> Communion – Ministers receive communion and then serve the congregation. All who have a desire in their heart are welcome to receive this blessing. (Heb. 9:22). (Community files to the altar in an orderly manner to partake of Holy Communion and upon returning to their seat a private silent thanks is prayed)
(Congregation stands)
<> Offer thanks that all have received the blessing of communion and that this blessing is magnified to strengthen faith, to overcome temptation, and to carry out our part in sharing God’s love to others. (John 6:35)
<> Birthday prayers are typically offered at this point in the service.
<> Mission Offerings On the first Sunday of each month mission offerings are blessed, preceded by a hymn sung by the congregation. (John 14:13-14)
<> Closing Prayer of thanks and petitions for further blessings is offered to God, including special prayer requests (made known to the Minister/s prior to commencement of service). (Phil. 4:6)
<> Hymn is sung by the community.
<> Aaron’s Blessing is dispensed – “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” (Numbers 6:24-26)
<> Apostle Blessing is then sung by the congregation (#262 community hymn book) – “Amen, Amen, Amen. The Grace of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ: and the great love of God: and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost: be with us now and forever more, Amen”. (2 Cor 13:14)
(Congregation sits down)
<> Closing announcements
Thank you for joining us to worship the Lord and receive His Blessings.
Farewell until we meet again.
2 Corinthians 13:11 “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”
Following the Divine Service, the youth and children assemble for Sunday School and Youth School.
A welcome is extended to all children and youth to attend.