Q: What is Worship at the United Church?
The center of our life together. A time to gather for prayer, celebration, giving thanks, learning more about God, caring for God's people, and finding courage for the challenges of life.
Q: When is it?
Sunday Mornings at 8:30 and ll:00.
Other special times, too, throughout the year--like Maundy Thursday or Easter Sunrise.
Q: Why worship?
All kinds of reasons!
- To connect to the mystery and power of God.
- To be inspired with powerful music in a beautiful space.
- To get "re-charged" for the week ahead.
- To find hope in a challenging time.
- To help put life in perspective.
- To grow in your faith and understanding of God--and care for God's world.
- To breathe in God's gifts of peace and faith, hope, and love.
- And to gather with other people who are seeking all the above, too!
Q: What goes into worship at United?
Many diverse elements!
- All kinds of music, from Bach to the Blues, global to gospel.
- The lively, challenging Word of God--as found in the Bible and also in the stories of our lives and this world.
- Prayer--for ourselves, our loved ones, our community, our places of work, our schools, and the whole world.
- Silence--to let God speak to us.
- English is the primary language used in worship, but we also incorporate Spanish and other languages in music, prayer, and liturgy.
Q: Who leads worship?
Lots of people!
The Pastoral Leaders are Senior Minister Talitha Arnold and Associate Minister
Brandon Johnson. Both are fine preachers with engaging and thoughtful ways of
understanding the Christian faith--and with a good sense of humor.
Music leadership is offered by Music Director and Steinway Piano Artist Jacquelyn Helin,
Choral Director Sr. Paula Gallagher, Bell Choir Director Donna Clark, and Children’s & Youth Choir
Director Abby Railsback.
The Early Morning Adult Choir; Sanctuary Adult Choir, Youth Que Choir, Children’s Choir,
and Bell Choir--along with lots of adult and youth soloists and instrumentalists--all
share their gifts, too.
All of us--of all ages--in the congregation also share in leadership of worship--raising
our voices in song, offering our prayers, engaging the lively word of God. In special
services throughout the year, members and friends also share their reflections on
scripture and God's call to ministry and discipleship.
“If the only prayer you ever pray is ‘thank you,’ that would be sufficient.”
Christian Mystic Meister Eckhart
