Weekly Worship at First

Every week this community gathers in a variety of settings and styles of worship. Worship, at its most basic, is prayer, praise and thanksgiving of the world’s Creator. Whether at morning or evening prayer, or gathered around Word and Sacrament, this community opens its arms to all who desire to “come into God’s presence with thanksgiving, and into God’s courts with praise (Psalm 100:4).”

Particularly in the Holy Communion services, we participate in the most ancient shape of Christian worship and life: “And the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to community, to the breaking of the Bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42).”

Saturdays

5:30pm -- Crossroads Communion

This intimate service of Water, Word and Table combines contemporary music and proclamation in a smaller group setting. We gather in a circle around the Bread of Life in Holy Communion, receiving and sharing the bread and cup as saints and servants. Baptisms are frequent at these services, and it’s not uncommon to find special parish events and musical offerings at these services as well.

8:30am – Classic Communion

The Lord’s Day begins with this traditional service of repentance, word, table and discipleship. Musical accompaniment is provided by the church’s magnificent pipe organ, and supported by an adult choir. Often times there are special offerings by our bell choirs, children’s ensembles or school classes. Communion is always celebrated, and people of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed to the Table of Christ’s presence and grace. A festive coffee hour follows the service, offering hospitality, food and friendship.

10:45am – Praise Communion

Worship and praise is pretty diverse at First, and our late morning service is a good example of this diversity. A praise band leads this service, with voices, piano, synthesizer, guitars and percussion. Proclamation and teaching are presented with sensitivity to the ages and backgrounds of the community, and a spirit of joy and thanksgiving pervades these services year round. Our high quality Sunday School program is held during the service, and children of all ages rejoin us for Communion and final blessing. Caring child care is provided at both Sunday services.

NEW! 7:00pm - ""Holy Ground" Communion - beginning January 9, 2011
A new year brings with it a new service of worship here at FLCS. Holy Ground takes its name from the Exodus 3 story of Moses and the Burning Bush - "take off your shoes; you are on holy ground." Holy Ground is a service geared for folks who are looking for an informal, conversational and spiritually deep experience of the faith. As the evening dawns we gather for beautiful music, hearing of the Word, prayers and encouragement for each other, and  sharing the presence of Christ and his saints in the bread and wine of communion. If you've been searching for a deep, abiding "God-moment" in your life each week, try Holy Ground.

Tuesdays

9:00am – Morning Prayer
“Oh come let us sing to the Lord! (Psalm 95:1)” This word of scripture frames this weekly 20 minute service of word, song and prayer. What a great way to start the day, and to open ourselves to the strength and comfort of God at the beginning of our daily walk.

Wednesdays

8:30am – School Chapel services

The 400+ members of our day school community gather each week for two energetic services of praise and teaching, at 8:30 and 9:05am. Our pastoral staff leads these times of prayer and praise, and a student praise band adds contemporary voice and song.

7:00pm – Evening Prayer (September - June)

Close of day provides a wonderful opportunity to welcome the Light of Christ into our lives, gather our prayers and praises, and offer each other the Lord’s Peace in the midst of a variety of Learning groups for youth and adults.