What's happening in Rejoice's worship life?

Rejoice offers two very different Sunday worship experiences... a Traditional service at 8:30 a.m., and a Celebration service at 11:00 a.m.

The Traditional service is traditional in every way--something Lutherans from all over the United States will recognize. We employ liturgy from the Lutheran Book of Worship (also found now in the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book), with all the accoutrements and elements of liturgical Lutheran worship, including choir, candles, robes, paraments, banners, and hymnody.

The Celebration service, on the other hand, is designed to be especially hospitable to first-time worshippers-many of whom may not be familiar with traditional Lutheran worship. With a relaxed, "come-as-you-are" atmosphere, the service begins with energetic music led by our Celebration Choir, and the accompaniment has a very contemporary feel. Following a Kids' Message, children ages 3 through early elementary may depart for "Kids' Church."  After the sermon, these children will return to join their families for the remainder of the service.

Worshipers who know what to look for will recognize the parts of a Lutheran liturgy throughout the Celebration service. However, in this service, we look to connect with worshipers of all ages and backgrounds...with folks who have little or no experience with a liturgical church, as well as with lifelong Lutherans, Methodists, Episcopalians, Catholics and others familiar with Christian liturgy. Holy Communion and other familiar aspects of liturgical worship are features of the second half of the Celebration service.

Liturgy simply means "work of the people. We find that, as we participate actively, by engaging various parts of a worship service, we encounter our gracious God who is at work for us.

The Celebration service is still under development--and we expect it will remain that way. Over time, we expect that the gifts of worshippers themselves--existing worshippers and hopefully many new ones as well, will help shape how this service continues to unfold.

The Traditional service, we'll seek to make traditional in every way--something Lutherans from all over will recognize.  It will feature liturgy from the Lutheran Book of Worship (also found now in the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book), with all the accoutrements and elements of liturgical Lutheran worship, including choir, candles, paraments, banners, and hymnody.

We are looking for Choir members for the 8:30 Traditional Service and Music Team members (vocalists and instrumental accompanists) for the 11:00 Celebration service-along with lots of faithful worshippers. So, spread the word: our worship life at Rejoice is growing...and everyone's invited!