Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 19:25:22 

WORSHIP @ MELTON UNITING CHURCH

Dear friends,

The worship at Melton Uniting Church is very similar to the worship in many other churches. Like them, we sing, pray, and listen to the bible for what God has to say to us in the day’s readings. However like other churches, we also have our own personality, and our own way of doing things. We want you to be relaxed as you join us in worship and if you are new to MUC, or indeed, new to any church, this letter explains some of the things we do. The only “expected” thing is that we focus on God and open our lives to God’s presence. Everything else is simply to help us do that.

 Most of what follows applies to the 10.00am service. There is also a smaller, quieter and more reflective service offered at 8.30am each Sunday morning, and an informal worship gathering on Sunday nights.

• We often stand for songs or prayers but standing is not compulsory. If you are tired, unwell, frail or whatever...please feel free to sit. Other people in the congregation will be sitting too.
• The early Christians always prayed with their hands raised. Some of the people here at MUC do that during times of worship and prayer. This is their way of expressing their response to God. You are not expected to that unless it is right for you.
• About half-way through the 10.00am service there is time of worship when during the singing, people are invited to come forward for prayer or a blessing. Sometimes a number of people will come and sometimes none. Again, you are invited to share in this as it seems right to you.
• In the front left hand corner of the church there is a “prayer space”. If you would like someone to pray for you, or to help you pray for someone else in a more extended way, please come down to the front after the service and someone will meet you there.
• On occasions during the service, one of two people will take one of the banners that are down at the front of the church, and move through the congregation waving the banner. Each of the banners has a name ( e.g. breath of life) and using the banners is a form of prayer and blessing. Again, no one will expect you to “wave a flag”. Simply be open to the blessing.
• An offering of money is received every Sunday which is our way supporting the work of our church. The offering is not compulsory. It is not the “fee” for coming to church. No one will be looking to see if you put money in the bowl. Again, as it is right for you.
• If we are celebrating Holy Communion (sharing the bread and the cup) you are invited to be part of this, or not, as you desire. This is a special place for meeting God, and if you are looking for God, it is appropriate for you to take the bread and the juice as it comes around. If you’d rather not, then simply pass it on. No one will be bothered by that. Children are free to receive communion in our church, but if you’re with children who are very new to church, you might find it helpful to talk with our minister before they take part.
• On most Sundays there is a children’s and youth program as part of the 10.00am service. It will be indicated during the service when they are to go out. Please feel free to go out and settle your children in if they need that support, and ask the leaders to come and get you if your child is anxious or uncomfortable. All the leaders for the children’s and youth programs in our church have the Government’s Working With Children clearance. We are always concerned to make our church a safe, happy and supportive place for children. If you’d like to meet one of the youth or children’s leaders before the service, please speak to one of the stewards in the foyer, or to one of the Elders (blue name-tags).
• Every Sunday we have morning tea after the 10.00am service. This is a great way to meet people and you are invited to stay for that time of sharing. If you need to go straight after the service please feel free to go.
• Coming to a new church (or to church for the first time) can be a scary thing. If you want to make MUC your spiritual home, no one will pressure you to be involved in particular activities. As time goes by, you will get to know people, and you will see opportunities for involvement. We trust God to lead you as it is right for you.
• If you have questions or concerns, please ring Lynden our minister on 97435696.