Most of all, our worship is directed to God and not to man. Each Sunday we assemble together to present ourselves to God and to worship Him. Our songs, our prayers, and our actions are, for the most part, directed to Him. He is the audience, not us. Every act of worship and every symbol has meaning, is intentional…and has its foundation in the worship of the Tabernacle, the Temple, the early Church and/or the worship in Heaven.
The service begins with a Processional led by the Cross. This announces to all that the King…Jesus, is here!
The incense, while being a commanded act of worship in itself (Mal. 1:11), reminds us that our prayers ascend to and are heard in Heaven (Rev. 5:8) and that God’s presence is indeed here. The two candles on either side of the Alter represent Christ, fully God and fully man, as the light of the world. The Cross reminds us that we have access to God only through the shed blood of Jesus. You will see people bow their heads reverently as the Cross passes and at the mention of the name of Jesus, remembering the scripture that says, “at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” The white robes (called Albs) worn by the ministers and servers (Rev. 7:9) remind us that our own “righteousness is as filthy rags,” but that we may come to God clothed in “the righteousness of Christ.”
An announcement of the Kingdom of God will be made, we will confess our individual and corporate sins, receive His forgiveness, celebrate His love, read and hear His Word, the Bible, receive the preaching of the Word and declare together the historic creeds of the Church. We will offer prayers, share the peace of Christ with our fellow worshippers, bring our tithes and offerings (Mal. 3:8-12) to God, join together in joyful praise and worship songs (Rev. 5:7; Psalm 150) and gather at the Table of the Lord where we receive the mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ (John 6:31-58). During the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, special prayers will be offered for the sick and others (James 5:13-16) and during the service gifts of the Spirit may operate (I Cor. 12:14).
Our services conclude with the blessing of the people, a Recessional song of commitment, sung in both English and Latin (the language of the Early Church) and the carrying of the Cross out of the church into the world to demonstrate that we must share Christ with others and proclaim His Gospel.
Our worship is Biblical, historic, charismatic, sacramental, liturgical and evangelical…”The Ancient Church For A New Generation.” Why not accept our sincere invitation to join with us this coming Sunday and experience our worship for yourself.
Church of the Holy Cross 