What to Expect at Worship
What you can expect at Wailuku Union Church? A recent group of congregants interested in becoming members were asked, “Why do you want to make Wailuku Union Church your spiritual home?” They answered:
- They liked the people gathered here. We are a nice cross section of the people who live in Wailuku.
- They felt comfortable here. We are not pretentious, but real as we live our faith and we like to laugh.
- They appreciated the space we gave them as the explored their faith and who we are. We are welcoming, friendly and hospitable.
- They liked how we take the Bible and wrestle with its truth to find practical ways to live it. This is reflected in how we do our business, our decision-making, the outward witness of the church and in the sermons.
- They felt at home with us. After each service we get to know each other a little better around coffee and snacks in Dodge Hall.
Then the Liturgist will welcome and greet visitors and pass the peace. A WUC member will call the children forward for Keiki Special (Children’s Moment) where kids up through elementary school are invited to hear about and reflect on the morning’s Scripture passage/theme. The children are excused for Sunday School.The Liturgists will read the morning’s Scripture passage(s), and the Pastor then preaches a 15-20 minute Sermon, engaging the Bible lesson as well as topics relevant to our lives—through story-telling, intellectual and open-minded interpretation
|
Our weekly worship service takes place every Sunday at 9:00 am. It’s a “come-as-you-are affair,” with some folks happily sporting aloha wear and slippers and others more comfortable in a dress or shoes. Please come visit some Sunday morning, grab a bulletin from one of our Greeters on the way in the doors of the sanctuary, and find a seat!
We begin with ten beats of a bell, followed by an instrumental Prelude played by our Music Director. Then we take a deep breath and prepare our hearts to worship God with Gathering Music. It’s usually upbeat, and often includes an invitation to sing along, if you feel so moved. Our Worship Leader welcomes us and leads us into Announcements. A volunteer Liturgist leads us in the Call to Worship and Invocation Prayer (printed in the order of service in the bulletin). We will sing together our Opening Hymn, usually from the UCC New Century Hymnal. |
of Scripture, and sometimes participatory activities. Often, a Mission Moment related to an outreach activity we are engaged will be mentioned.
Then the Liturgist brings us into the time for the offering with an Invitation to Share, and the Organist plays the Offertory music as the Ushers pass the offering plates through the pews. (First-time visitors are reminded that no financial gift is expected. The best offering to make to the church would be to fill out the card on the registration clipboard so we can stay in touch!) Then we all sing the printed Doxology song of praise and recite the printed Prayer of Dedication. We then move into a time of sharing our Joys and Concerns. Invited to “speak the silent longings of our hearts,” microphones are passed around for congregants to briefly raise up occasions for prayer. The Pastor weaves what was shared into a Pastoral Prayer and we join in the Lord’s Prayer together (printed in bulletin). Finally, we sing together a Closing Hymn, the Pastor offers a final blessing with the Benediction, and the Organist offers the Postlude to close worship. The Pastor will greet you at the door on your way out. We hope you will join in fellowship time in Dodge Hall, the Multi-Purpose building, across the walkway for lunch and conversation, and come again soon!
Then the Liturgist brings us into the time for the offering with an Invitation to Share, and the Organist plays the Offertory music as the Ushers pass the offering plates through the pews. (First-time visitors are reminded that no financial gift is expected. The best offering to make to the church would be to fill out the card on the registration clipboard so we can stay in touch!) Then we all sing the printed Doxology song of praise and recite the printed Prayer of Dedication. We then move into a time of sharing our Joys and Concerns. Invited to “speak the silent longings of our hearts,” microphones are passed around for congregants to briefly raise up occasions for prayer. The Pastor weaves what was shared into a Pastoral Prayer and we join in the Lord’s Prayer together (printed in bulletin). Finally, we sing together a Closing Hymn, the Pastor offers a final blessing with the Benediction, and the Organist offers the Postlude to close worship. The Pastor will greet you at the door on your way out. We hope you will join in fellowship time in Dodge Hall, the Multi-Purpose building, across the walkway for lunch and conversation, and come again soon!