GUIDE TO WORSHIP
Goshen United Methodist Church’s (GUMC), praise and worship is a place for all who seek a relationship with the living Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ. We welcome you to come grow with us in your spiritual journey. This guide is designed to assist you with fully participating in GUMC praise and worship.
Our Purpose - As believers in Jesus Christ - the Son of God, and the Bible - the word of God, we:
The lighted candles during worship remind us of Christ's promise to be present with us when we meet to worship. Acolytes recess carrying the flame and the cross reminding us to carry God's light into the world.
Holy Communion is the Eucharist celebrating the Lord's Last Supper. Holy Communion is a reminder of the ritual Jesus began with his closest followers the night before he was crucified. It is a time in which we remind ourselves of his sacrifice for us. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month and is open to everyone seeking to serve Christ. We commune with unfermented grape juice and a wafer representing the body and blood of Christ. Those unable to receive communion at the altar are served in their seats. A special communion offering (unrelated to tithes) is collected as worshipers process to the altar. These funds are used to assist individuals who call on GUMC seeking help and are sent directly to the source to which the caller is obligated.
Tithing is an important part of every Christian’s life and our personal vow to support the Church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Whatever our status in life, God has richly blessed us and returning a portion of our blessing expresses our gratitude and desire to help advance the work of God's kingdom on earth. Members are asked to prayerfully make their commitment to tithe and consistently follow through in support of the Church’s expenses and many ministries.
Special offerings are requested during the year for special days in the Church’s life, such as Homecoming, Women’s, Men’s, and Family & Friends’ Days. These offerings are over and above our tithes and benefits the Church’s many ministries.
Children are welcome to participate in praise and worship services with their parents and/or guardians.
Creeds are statements of our most basic beliefs, the earliest of which is the Apostle's Creed. Saying traditional and contemporary creeds illustrates our basic beliefs and a renewed commitment.
Paraments are the decorative colored cloths used at the altar and have special significance.
Goshen United Methodist Church’s (GUMC), praise and worship is a place for all who seek a relationship with the living Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ. We welcome you to come grow with us in your spiritual journey. This guide is designed to assist you with fully participating in GUMC praise and worship.
Our Purpose - As believers in Jesus Christ - the Son of God, and the Bible - the word of God, we:
- Glorify God through worship
- Build productive relationships in the church family
- Grow in the knowledge of the truth as revealed through Jesus Christ
- Serve people as a reflection of the love of Jesus Christ, and Spread the Good News of the Gospel so that others may come to salvation through grace
The lighted candles during worship remind us of Christ's promise to be present with us when we meet to worship. Acolytes recess carrying the flame and the cross reminding us to carry God's light into the world.
Holy Communion is the Eucharist celebrating the Lord's Last Supper. Holy Communion is a reminder of the ritual Jesus began with his closest followers the night before he was crucified. It is a time in which we remind ourselves of his sacrifice for us. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month and is open to everyone seeking to serve Christ. We commune with unfermented grape juice and a wafer representing the body and blood of Christ. Those unable to receive communion at the altar are served in their seats. A special communion offering (unrelated to tithes) is collected as worshipers process to the altar. These funds are used to assist individuals who call on GUMC seeking help and are sent directly to the source to which the caller is obligated.
Tithing is an important part of every Christian’s life and our personal vow to support the Church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Whatever our status in life, God has richly blessed us and returning a portion of our blessing expresses our gratitude and desire to help advance the work of God's kingdom on earth. Members are asked to prayerfully make their commitment to tithe and consistently follow through in support of the Church’s expenses and many ministries.
Special offerings are requested during the year for special days in the Church’s life, such as Homecoming, Women’s, Men’s, and Family & Friends’ Days. These offerings are over and above our tithes and benefits the Church’s many ministries.
Children are welcome to participate in praise and worship services with their parents and/or guardians.
Creeds are statements of our most basic beliefs, the earliest of which is the Apostle's Creed. Saying traditional and contemporary creeds illustrates our basic beliefs and a renewed commitment.
Paraments are the decorative colored cloths used at the altar and have special significance.
- Purple - color of both penitence and royalty is used during the preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent.
- White and gold - joyous colors used during the Christmas and Easter seasons and special days.
- Red - symbolizes fire in the Holy Spirit and is used on the Day of Pentecost (the eighth Sunday after Easter).
- Green - color of growth is used after the Epiphany (twelve days after Christmas) and after Pentecost.