Worship Together with Us
The Oakland United Methodist Church has less than 50 members. The average attendance at Worship was 30 for 2011. We sing traditional Hymns, and also the chorus of some more modern songs. A piano player plays during singing. This is a "come as you are" Church with persons wearing clothes such as suits/ties, dresses, jeans, bib overalls, skirts/blouses, shorts, or slacks. The age range is from babies to those more than 80 years old. There is a short wheel-chair ramp into the Church.
- 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School
- 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service
The Adult Sunday School Teacher uses Union Gospel Press Books with Bible verses. The youth Teacher uses One Room Sunday School material. This includes Bible scripture, songs, craft, and a snack.
FIRST TIME VISITERS
A Worship Leader starts Worship while waiting on Pastor Jackson to arrive from the Zion UM Church.
Here is an outline of the Church bulletin, along with some explanation.
PRELUDE (Piano solo and one of the youth lights the two candles in front.
The Worship Leader tells the Hymn number of the first song. (Use brown book).
Then the Worship Leader reads the Announcements in the bulletin and any others as needed.
Next, the Worship Leader announces the chorus number of each song that we sing together. We usually sing the chorus of three songs. (Use the Chorus booklet).
If the Pastor arrives, he prays the Invocation. (The Worship Leader will continue leading the Worship Service until the Pastor arrives.)
Then the Pastor invites us to recite the Apostles Creed together. (It's in the front cover of the brown Hymn book).
YOUNG DISCIPLES: The Pastor calls the kids to come to the front, and he tells them a story about scripture in the Bible. After this, they can stay with parents or go to the side-room for Junior Church. This has scripture, games, music, crafts and snack.
HYMN: The Pastor tells the number of another Hymn to sing. It is usually in the brown hymn book.
PRAISES AND PRAYER CONCERNS: People say thanks to God for something that happened, or they tell how Jesus helped them. Then people tell their prayer needs. After the Pastor Prays, everyone is invited to recite the Lords Prayer together: 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 each day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thou art the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory Forever. Amen.
GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Visiters are NOT expected to give money. Your being in Church is a gift for Jesus, and also a gift for us. The ushers bring the offering plates through the aisles for anyone who wants to give money. Then the Pastor moves his arms up for everyone to stand and sing The Doxology (# 554 in Brown Book) The gift plates are given to the Pastor for a prayer.
SCRIPTURE AND SERMON - The Pastor preaches until about 12 p.m.
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP - This is an invitation for anyone wanting to make Jesus their Lord and Savior, and to ask Him to forgive their sins. Also at this time, people may ask the Pastor to anoint them and pray about their healing needs.
CLOSING HYMN (If time permits)
BENEDICTION (Pastor closes with a Prayer)
POSTLUDE - (Piano solo)
The Pastor is available in the Church for any questions or discussion after the service.