WPC - Call to Worship

Wilton Presbyterian Church
Worship Participant Duties
The Call to Worship Purpose – To enable us to “shift gears” completely from the typical, busy, everyday life we lead during the week to communion with God. We move into sacred time through the Call. Content – You are encouraged to express a relaxed feeling and to share personal reflections. You might wish to include any of the following: - A greeting. e.g. “Good morning.” - How you make this transition to sacred time. - How worship supports you in your everyday life. - Why you are here. - What this church means to you. - Use more formal language (i.e. quotation from scripture) if desired, toward end of Call. Tone – The Call to Worship should be respectful… You are not asked to be amusing…or clever; simply sincere. The purpose of the Call is meant to change the mood…to say, “Let’s get ourselves into a receptive spirit to hear the Word of God. Inclusive Language – Please keep in mind Christians are called to affirm the dignity of all people without regard to sex, marital status, age, race or ethnic origin, and to rejoice in the diversity of our heritage, our cultures, and our people. Length – The Call is not a sermonette…..it is the beginning of worship. As such, it must be short; in general not over 2 minutes long! Please time your Call in advance of giving it. Mechanics – Sit near the front and on an aisle. As soon as the organ prelude is complete, walk to the front of the church, preferably at either side of the communion table, or in back of the lectern that holds the bible. In this position you can address the congregation and the choir. It is best to have what you say well in mind so that you can hold your head up and look directly at your audience; perhaps addressing first one person, then another in the back row, then someone in the choir. If you wish, you might want to rest notes (or exactly what you are going to say) on the lectern. Speak slowly, clearly, and project; you must be heard by both the congregation and the choir behind you. Conclusion – Conclude with: “It is in this spirit that I call this congregation to order. Praise the Lord.” The people will respond, “The Lord’s name be praised.” Return to your seat and prepare yourself for worship,

Wilton Presbyterian Church

Worship Participant Duties

The Call to Worship

Purpose – To enable us to “shift gears” completely from the typical, busy, everyday life we lead during the week to communion with God. We move into sacred time through the Call.

Content – You are encouraged to express a relaxed feeling and to share personal reflections. You might wish to include any of the following:
- A greeting. e.g. “Good morning.”
- How you make this transition to sacred time.
- How worship supports you in your everyday life.
- Why you are here.
- What this church means to you.
- Use more formal language (i.e. quotation from scripture) if desired, toward end of Call.

Tone – The Call to Worship should be respectful… You are not asked to be amusing…or clever; simply sincere. The purpose of the Call is meant to change the mood…to say, “Let’s get ourselves into a receptive spirit to hear the Word of God.

Inclusive Language – Please keep in mind Christians are called to affirm the dignity of all people without regard to sex, marital status, age, race or ethnic origin, and to rejoice in the diversity of our heritage, our cultures, and our people.

Length – The Call is not a sermonette…..it is the beginning of worship. As such, it must be short; in general not over 2 minutes long! Please time your Call in advance of giving it.

Mechanics – Sit near the front and on an aisle. As soon as the organ prelude is complete, walk to the front of the church, preferably at either side of the communion table, or in back of the lectern that holds the bible. In this position you can address the congregation and the choir. It is best to have what you say well in mind so that you can hold your head up and look directly at your audience; perhaps addressing first one person, then another in the back row, then someone in the choir. If you wish, you might want to rest notes (or exactly what you are going to say) on the lectern. Speak slowly, clearly, and project; you must be heard by both the congregation and the choir behind you.

Conclusion – Conclude with: “It is in this spirit that I call this congregation to order. Praise the Lord.” The people will respond, “The Lord’s name be praised.” Return to your seat and prepare yourself for worship,