At church we received many compliments on our presentation from last week which made us feel very good for doing it. Nobody volunteered to go to Indonesia in the near future, but I think we have inspired several members to think about going somewhere to spread the Gospel.
Many of our friends are interested in the format for a Lutheran worship in America, and I have scanned our bulletin. Unfortunately our scanner doesn't capture every bit of every page, but I think you'll be able to get an idea from this.
Our bulletin includes all the hymns of the service and the majority of the liturgy. By printing every part of the service in the bulletin, it makes it easier for older people and non-Lutherans to follow the service.
We begin with the Confession of Sins.
Then the choir and the ministers process in, led by the crucifer with the cross.
During the summer we only have two readings from the Bible. During the rest of the year we have three readings, normally an Old Testament, Psalm and Gospel reading.
Sermons at our church usually last from 15 to 20 minutes. Our ministers usually stay in the pulpit but have been known to venture out into the congregation once and awhile to better connect with the members.
We have communion at our church for every service, every Sunday. During our five weeks in Indonesia we did not have communion once. When do Christians in Indonesia share communion?
With Communion complete, it is time for the service to be brought to a close, with the Blessing and the Benediction. This closing hymn, "Life High the Cross", is very special to Nancy and Jim. It was used in their wedding ceremony; the hymn was played as Nancy walked down the aisle.
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