Tabernacle Church, UCC

Worship At Tabernacle Congregational Church

Worship
Each Sunday we gather as One body in One Spirit to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ. Worship begins at 10:00 AM with children and adults singing and praying together. We worship God through the Sacrament of Holy Communion twice each month.

Sacraments
In the United Church of Christ there are two sacraments, Holy Communion and Baptism. We believe that through the earth-bound elements of wheat, grapes, and water, the Holy Spirit takes shape and form. Tabernacle Church celebrates these two Sacraments regularly. Usually, both rituals are offered during Sunday morning worship. However, there are occasions such as Spirituality workshops, home visits or hospital emergencies, when the Sacraments are used by the minister for healing and building community.
Sacraments are the visible signs of God’s invisible grace.

Holy Communion
Beginning this year, we are offering the Sacrament of Holy Communion twice each month by pew or intinction on the first Sunday of each month. Following prayers and sermon, everyone is welcome to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Additionally, we are instituting a new ritual that includes children. “Communion in the Round” will be an opportunity for people of all ages to share the bread and cup before the children leave for Sunday School. This worshipful experience will be offered the fourth Sunday of each month.

In both rituals, we stress the openness of the communion table:
 “Everyone is welcome. Whatever your faith tradition, whether you are new to the Christian faith or entering a church for the first time, you are welcome. Children are welcome. Gays and lesbians are welcome. Come to the communion table not because you must but because you may. Come to this Holy Meal with open hearts and minds and receive the gift of the Spirit.”

Baptism
Children come into the world filled with the energy and the Spirit of God’s unconditional love. They are spiritually curious right from the beginning. Like Adam and Eve, they want to learn by seeing, touching, listening, feeling, smelling and tasting. Their relationship with God is tangible. When we baptize a child, we celebrate this relationship and we invite God to bless them and their family in their journey of growing and becoming fully themselves. The community makes a promise to “love, support and care for the one about to be baptized.” We also bring the joyous energy of other children into the circle of their blessing.
Sometimes, grownups come to the church not having had the experience of baptism. Adult baptisms are welcome at Tabernacle Church. If you would like more information on Baptizing your child please contact Liz Nelson, Church Administrator at liz@tabernaclechurch.org or you may call the church office to schedule a meeting with Rev. Laura Biddle. We will find a date for you and your family to join us in worship for the sacrament of Baptism.

Our Music Program is led by our excellent choir director, Valerie Peterson and our organist, Raeleen George. Under their capable direction, we incorporate various styles of worshipful music: Classical, Irish, Scottish, Gospel, Spirituals, African, Jazz, Folk, Traditional and Contemporary. Instrumentalists and artists share their talents through guitars, piano, bass, oboe, flute, saxaphone, bagpipes, poetry readings, dance, as well as art displays of watercolors, pottery, oils, mixed media, and floral arrangements. We are delighted to open our sanctuary to the Creative Spirit.

Our Children’s Programs, directed by Betsey Bennett, include Godly Play, Feasting on the Word Curriculum and Mission Projects. Children participate in worship every Sunday and once each month, we serve communion with our children in the sanctuary.

Monthly Mission Moments keep us connected to the broader community. Worship always includes healing prayers for local missions and international efforts that relieve poverty and despair. We are committed to continue the legacy of Mission Work that began in 1812.

Prayers, Sermons and Hymns are chosen to support the theme of the Lectionary. Each Sunday, members of the congregation offer to share their unique talents during the offertory.

If you are looking for a church community that is warm and welcoming, please join us on Sunday.

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If you can't be with us on Sunday morning, please tune in to
Salem Access TV - (SATV) - Channel 3
on Wednesday afternoons at 3:00pm
for a rebroadcast of our Sunday Worship Service.