The focus of the ministry of Staunton OPC is corporate worship; that is, a worship service of the whole body gathered together in order to offer unto God acceptable sacrifices as he has prescribed. We gather for worship twice each Lord's day, at 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM. The purpose of worship is clearly for the glory of God, not for the entertainment of men. We believe that our worship ought to be simple, reverent, focused upon the word, and thoroughly God-centered. We believe that the elements of worship should be only those which God has specified in Scripture, noting the same principle as was so clearly taught to the people of God in the Old Testament: "You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it."

 

To be specific, our worship begins with a scriptural invitation, a call to worship from God to his people. Then, after an opening prayer to invoke his presence and approval, we sing. The worship service then follows a conversational pattern. God speaks to us in his word, as it is read and preached. We speak to God in the singing of hymns and psalms, prayers, and public professions of faith (creeds or personal professions required for membership). We also offer to God our tithes and offerings. And the whole conversation is ended with God speaking his word of blessing, or benediction. It is our custom, in thankful appreciation for that blessing, to end with the singing of the doxology.

 

Additionally, according to the Lord's command, we observe the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is administered when there are approved candidates, and the Lord's Super is observed regularly. We are presently celebrating the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday morning of each month and on the third Sunday evening of each month.

 

You can see much more detail in the section on worship in the OPC report, "What is the Reformed Faith?" As an encouragement to worship both morning and evening, please read the article published in our denominational magazine several years ago!