Inclusive Worship Service
Every Sunday 10:30 am Blandburg UMC
What to Expect
New Experiences Can Be Scary
Here is what to expect when you come to worship with us.
Services last between 45 minutes to an hour depending on how much fun we are having.
Getting Here
You can park either in the top or bottom lot. There is a ramp leading up to the entrance from the bottom and an incline from the top.
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You can get instructions with how to get to us here:
When you first enter
You will enter through the single door. At that point, if you are new there will be clipboards to your left that you can fill out basic info about yourself. Someone will be around for any further instructions. To your right are snacks and drinks, including hot and cold beverages and gluten free snack options.
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In the left corner is a sensory room if you need it. After the snacks take a right and you are in the worship space!
Countdown to Worship
Should I stand or sit?
Stay seated, you'll be up on your feet in no time!
Whenever you first enter there is a set of messages telling you important general information about the service. Then at 5 minutes, the countdown begins. Go grab a snack or drink before we start if you want!
Opening Worship Song
Should I stand or sit?
If you are able to stand up and make a joyous noise to the Lord!
As soon as the countdown ends, we immediately begin the opening song. More times than not it will be accompanied by another musical instrument.
Greeting, Annoucements, Opening Prayer
Should I stand or sit?
Grab a seat for this one, you'll want to save your energy. The songs are coming soon, and it'll be a blast!
The preacher greets everyone, gives any announcements needed such as where to do giving if you want, restroom location, etc. Then finishes with an opening prayer.
Bringing In the Light
Should I stand or sit?
You can remain seated for this one
One of our volunteers brings in the light of Christ to Jesus Loves the Little Children.
3 Worship Songs
Should I stand or sit?
If you can, stand! This is where we really get really excited and kick off a great service!
We do 3 contemporary songs. One is usually very upbeat, one is a little slower, one depends, and all are exciting! During this time, you can really see people get into the spirit!
Children's Worship
Should I stand or sit?
Stay standing, the kids love to lead this one
We are definitely not in the children should be seen and not heard crowd. After our three worship songs we let whatever children want to lead another song with hand motions. Look around, the adults really get into it almost as much as the kids do!
Reading of First
Bible Verse
Should I stand or sit?
Remain up, you can give yourself a rest in just a minute.
The second verse is handled by the preacher, but for this one we either have a volunteer read it alone or the congregation read it together. We try to keep it to a single, impactful verse, to not be too daunting to any reader.
Giving Our Prayers to God
Should I stand or sit?
Stay seated. This is a calm time where we talk to God.
This is our time to thank God for how He has helped us in life and ask him for how we need help from Him. We get some really great praises from Curve games to deer, to praying for sickness and being thankful for healing. No request is too big, too small, or too different.
Reciting the
Lord's Prayer
Should I stand or sit?
You can remain seated.
After the preacher prays all the requests and celebrates all the victories,
we close out our prayer time with reciting the Lord's prayer. We put the words on the screen in case anyone is not familiar.
Optional
Kids can come out to play with Bible centered toys, do a craft, or watch a ancillary lesson during the Prayer Hymn & Sermon
We welcome kids to stay during the whole service. They are never a disturbance. But we also know some may find things like the sermon boring so after prayer requests we have an area set up they can do their own thing. This area can be viewed easily from the sanctuary, and we have people with clearances who oversee all activities during this time.
Prayer Hymn
Should I stand or sit?
You can stay in your seat. We are quietly preparing to hear the message.
This song is usually a traditional hymn in a service of otherwise contemporary music. It is a chance to get ourselves in the right mind set before hearing the message.
10-15 Minute Sermon, Scripture Reading & Prayer
Should I stand or sit?
Stay in your seat. Unless you want to grab a quick bottle of water before starting!
The average attention span is only 8 minutes, yet people try to get you to pay attention from almost 40 minutes for some sermons. We try to keep it in small pieces so it's easy to understand. We have 4-5 week sermon series we follow that make it a lot of fun!
First Sunday of every month only
Communion
Should I stand or sit?
There will be a line if you are comfortable. After you are done, you can return and sit.
You only have to take Communion as you feel comfortable. It is not required. It is a time that we celebrate Jesus giving his body and blood for our sins. This is represented by bread and grape juice. If you wish to participate, just line up, take from the person giving Communion, and return to your seat when you are done.
Closing
Should I stand or sit?
Definitely stand if you can, this is a really fun worship time!
The closing includes singing the first two verses to "Go Light Your World" by Chris Rice, the benediction by the preacher, before having the service closed out with the acolyte putting out the candles and carrying out Christ's light into the world.
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After the service people usually hang out and talk a little while enjoying a snack and a drink of some kind before getting on the road.