Frequently Asked Questions around our New Sunday Morning Schedule
Why move the traditional worship to later in the morning?
We believe it is the long term interest of the congregation when there are two distinct worship styles (traditional and contemporary)to provide the traditional at a time of day when most congregations have traditional. Equally we have found that most contemporary worship is held earlier in the morning. We recognize that this is a huge change from our current worship pattern.
What other worship schedules were looked at?
The Worship Study Team explored having occasional combined worship and/or rotational services. Once the recommendation came forward for two worship services with a stand alone Sunday school, occasional combined worship was tabled. This idea could be taken up in the future. Having fixed worship styles was considered to be more preferred than a constant change.
A Saturday evening service was evaluated as stretching our resources too thin. We do have alternate services on Thursday morning at 7:00 AM, and there are opportunities to worship at midweek services during Lent, Advent, and Holy Week.
Having the contemporary service at 8:15 AM is the best use of our facilities and resources given the need for additional SME space and the logistics of setting up the instruments for the worship service.
On several Sundays when there is a school holiday we do not have Sunday Morning Education. What will happen on those Sundays with our new schedule?
We are intending to have some type of Sunday Morning Education, most likely an intergenerational experience as well as other fellowship opportunities.
This new schedule is encouraging adults to attend Sunday Morning Education. What is going to be happening at 9:30 AM at GSLC?
For our Lenten Adult Faith Formation click here for the schedule
Beginning on March 1 we intend to offer Food and Fellowship in Underwood Hall in-between worship service
How about our summer worship schedule?
No decision has been made about the schedule.
When will our choirs sing at worship?
Sanctuary Choir will be the main support for the traditional worship service. Shepherd’s Song will be the main support for the contemporary worship service. All other choirs and musical groups will continue to support the worship at both services. Our Cherub Choir currently sings at 9:45 only. We hope in the future this choir can sing at either worship service.
How will this new worship schedule be managed?
Through the effort of our worship staff and Worship and Music Ministry team, other rites, such as Holy Baptism and Healing will continue to be included at both worship services. Other acknowledgments, temple talks, blessings and announcements will need to be limited. Our worship staff will be creating clear guidelines to manage the length of worship.
How are we preparing for having more children in worship?
We will still have a children’s visit concurrent with the sermon. We are exploring having a weekly children’s time at the altar. We will assure that the worship service is available by audio in the Lamb’s Haven and Library and that there are children’s activity bags, age appropriate Bibles, and bulletins available during worship. We are exploring additional way to better incorporate children at worship.
What if I have questions that I’d like to address personally?
We are eager for conversation.
Please contact:
- Pastor David, 848-1573
- Pastor Jennifer, 848-1573
- Roxanne Deter, 810-8072
Transition Team Members: Alicia Kerins, Brenda Dozer, Carol Henderson, Dan Heyl Doug Austin, Joye Groff, Lindsey Lewis, Martin Gruss, Meg Ehm, Pastor David Sloop, Pastor Jennifer Lutz, Roxanne Deter