Get In Touch

Christian Education

GUIDE TO WORSHIP 

Goshen United Methodist Church’s (GUMC), praise and worship is a place for all who seek a relationship with the living Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ. We welcome you to come grow with us in your spiritual journey. This guide is designed to assist you with fully participating in GUMC praise and worship.

Our Purpose - As believers in Jesus Christ - the Son of God, and the Bible - the word of God, we:
  • Glorify God through worship
  • Build productive relationships in the church family
  • Grow in the knowledge of the truth as revealed through Jesus Christ
  • Serve people as a reflection of the love of Jesus Christ, and Spread the Good News of the Gospel so that others may come to salvation through grace
The Cross is at the heart of Christianity and represents Christ's sacrificial death on our behalf. The empty cross symbolizes that Christ is our risen Savior.

The lighted candles during worship remind us of Christ's prom­ise to be present with us when we meet to worship. Aco­lytes recess carrying the flame and the cross reminding us to carry God's light into the world.

Holy Communion is the Eucharist celebrating the Lord's Last Supper. Holy Communion is a reminder of the ritual Jesus began with his closest followers the night before he was crucified. It is a time in which we remind ourselves of his sacrifice for us. Communion is celebrated on the first Sun­day of each month and is open to everyone seeking to serve Christ. We commune with unfermented grape juice and a wafer representing the body and blood of Christ. Those unable to receive communion at the altar are served in their seats. A special communion offering (unrelated to tithes) is collected as worshipers process to the altar. These funds are used to assist individuals who call on GUMC seeking help and are sent directly to the source to which the caller is obligated.

Tithing is an important part of every Christian’s life and our personal vow to support the Church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Whatever our status in life, God has richly blessed us and returning a portion of our blessing expresses our gratitude and desire to help advance the work of God's king­dom on earth. Members are asked to prayerfully make their commitment to tithe and consistently follow through in support of the Church’s expenses and many ministries.

Special offerings are requested during the year for special days in the Church’s life, such as Homecoming, Women’s, Men’s, and Family & Friends’ Days. These offerings are over and above our tithes and benefits the Church’s many ministries.

Children are welcome to participate in praise and worship services with their parents and/or guardians.

Creeds are statements of our most basic beliefs, the earliest of which is the Apostle's Creed. Saying traditional and contemporary creeds illustrates our basic beliefs and a renewed commitment.

Paraments are the decorative col­ored cloths used at the altar and have special significance.
  • Purple - color of both penitence and royalty is used during the preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent.
  • White and gold - joyous colors used during the Christ­mas and Easter seasons and spe­cial days.
  • Red - symbolizes fire in the Holy Spirit and is used on the Day of Pentecost (the eighth Sunday after Easter). 
  • Green - color of growth is used after the Epiphany (twelve days after Christmas) and after Pentecost.
Pexels cottonbro 6267372
THE MEANING OF HOLY COMMUNION

From the New Testament, we know of at least six major ideas why Holy Communion are presented:Thanksgiving, fellowship, remembrance, sacrifice, action of the Holy Spirit, eschatology.

1. Thanksgiving
Holy Communion is Eucharist - an act of thanksgiving. As we commune we express joyful thanks for God’s mighty acts throughout history for creation, covenant, redemption and sanctification.

2. Fellowship
Holy Communion is the communion of the church - the gathering of faithful community locally and universal.

3. Remembrance
Holy Communion is remembrance, commemoration and memorial. Christ is risen and is alive here and now, not just remembered for what was done in the past.

4. Sacrifice
Holy Communion is a type of sacrifice, a re-presentation not a repetition of the sacrifice of Christ.

5. Action of the Holy Spirit
Holy Communion is a vehicle of God’s grace through the action of the Holy Spirit. The epiclesis (Greek meaning ‘calling upon’) is the part of the Great Thanksgiving that calls the Spirit.

6. Eschatology
Holy Communion is eschatological having to do with the end of history, the outcome of God’s purpose for the world. “Christ had died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.Invitation to the Lord’s Table Principle: The invitation to the Table comes from the risen and present Christ. Christ invites to his Table those who love him, repent of sin and seek to live as Christian disciples. By responding to this invitation, we affirm and deepen our personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and our commitment to membership and mission in the body of Christ.

Principle:
Unworthiness – We do not share in communion because of our worthiness, no one is truly worthy. We come to the Eucharist out of our hunger to receive God’s gracious love, to receive forgiveness and healing. Christians come to the Lord’s Table in gratitude for Christ’s mercy toward sinners.

Join Our Family of Faith Today

 
Experience the warmth and community spirit of Goshen United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, MD
Join Our Family