You Are Invited to

Join us for worship every Sunday at 10:30 am

Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives. As they respond to God’s claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world.
Our church features:

• A meditative sanctuary in the round, comfortable seating, and a modern sound system. 
• A nursery, staffed by caring and experienced attendants is available for children five years and younger during services. 
• We invite children of all ages to participate in a Children's Message, every Sunday during worship services. 
• We celebrate Communion, the Lord's Supper, the first Sunday of every month.  All who have been baptized and believe in Christ are invited to participate.
• Age appropriate Bible study for children and youth, preschool through middle school meets from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Sundays, September through May. 
• Adults are invited to attend a lesson and discussion group, Sundays, September through May, prior to worship services from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

 
Your First Visit. 
1.     Southern Heights welcomes people of all ages and walks of life.  As you walk toward the building from the parking lot, you will find a sign welcoming you.   It will direct to walk straight ahead to enter the sanctuary (worship hall) or to turn to the left to enter the hallway which will lead you to the fellowship hall (turn right as you enter the building) or to the church office (turn left upon entering the building).

2.     As you enter the building, you fill find yourself in an entry hall (we call it the “narthex”).  Ahead of you will be two sets of doors with stained glass windows.  These doors lead directly into the back of the sanctuary.  Our “ambassadors” will greet you at the door and invite you to sign our guest book.  The guest book helps us to get to know our visitors, as this is a place where people tend to gather and greet one another prior to worship. You will also discover a place to hang up your coat.

 
3.     As you enter the sanctuary, an usher will hand you an “order of worship” or “bulletin” which is like a program.  You will find that the pews are arranged in a semi-circular pattern around the chancel (this is what we call the “stage”).  You may choose to sit in any place that is comfortable for you. 

 
 
4.     As you look at the chancel, you will see a series of chairs on risers; this is where the choir will sit. 

• On your left is the pulpit.  This is where the minister preaches the sermon (delivers the message). 
• Also on the left is a large white candle.  This is the Christ candle which the minister will light when entering the sanctuary.  This is a sign that Jesus Christ is present with us. 
• On the right of the chancel is a small podium.  This is called the lectern.  Members of the congregation often lead various parts of the worship service from here.
• Also on the right of the chancel you will see a baptismal font.  This where water is kept to be used whenever we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. 
• In the center of the chancel is the Communion Table; this is where we place the bread and juice whenever we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

  5.     As you make yourself comfortable, you may want to take a few minutes to read through the bulletin.  This will help you follow and participate fully in the worship service.  The words in the bulletin which are in bold print are said by the congregation.  Lines proceeded by an ** invite members of the congregation to stand if they are able to do so.

6.     You may also want to locate a hymnal (song book) and find the first hymn (song) we will sing during worship.  We use two hymnals.  In the larger one, The Presbyterian Hymnal, the numbers begin at 1 and go through the 600s.  In the smaller one, Sing the Faith, the hymn numbers are all four digits long.
 
7.     Prior to the beginning of the worship service, brief announcements will be made.  This is also the time we request everyone present in worship to fill out the “Ritual of Friendship” form.  This asks for you to indicate your name, address, and relationships to the church.  It is very helpful for us if you fill out this form as fully as you feel comfortable doing so.

8.     Early in the service, while we sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” children of all ages are invited to come forward and sit on the floor for a message that is just for them. 

Following the worship service, the minister will take the Light of Christ out of the sanctuary.  The congregation will sing a brief song.  The minister stands at the back of the sanctuary greeting all of those who leave.  You are then cordially invited to share in food and fellowship which is held every Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.  Please allow us the opportunity to meet you and welcome you into our community of faith!