Who We Are

What To Expect

During the typical Sunday worship service:
  • The congregation shares aloud a corporate prayer of confession, printed in the bulletin, followed by a silent prayer of confession.
  • One of the pastors asks, during a period called "Joys and Concerns," whether individuals have births or anniversaries to celebrate, illnesses or deaths to mourn, or anything else they would like the congregation to say prayers for. The pastor then weaves all these joys and concerns into one prayer of intercession for individuals, the church, and the world.
  • The congregation concludes these morning prayers by collectively praying out loud "The Lord's Prayer."
  • As the congregation's tithes and offerings are brought forward, all dedicate these gifts in a prayer for their faithful use in the world, and all then sing a doxology, thanks to God, beginning usually "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below..."
  • The pastor begins the sermon with a small prayer of illumination and ends it with another.
  • The conclusion of the service consists of the benediction, a responsive exchange between the pastor and the people in which they pray to go forward with confidence into the world.
  • The Presbyterian Book of Order states that "Song is a response which engages the whole self in prayer." The choir and soloists sing a variety of music arranged by the Director of Music, and the congregation usually sings three hymns at intervals in the service. Sometimes the choir and the congregation sing together. The last event of the service is a choral "amen" shared by all.
Special Worship Services

Throughout the year, Western has a number of special worship services. For example, the first Sunday in October is World Communion Sunday. On World Communion Sunday, we use music from around the world and multiple languages are spoken during the liturgy. Other special services feature large musical presentations, prominent guest preachers or dramatic readings. In addition, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are extremely popular services for our members and the community. Please check our calendar to see if any special services are planned this month.