Worship With Us

The Heart of our Faith

Welcome to worship!

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Every Sunday we gather to celebrate the promise of God’s love and the certainty of God’s forgiveness. We hope that you will join us! The welcome that God gives to each one of us is reflected in the warm fellowship, friendly smiles, and open hospitality that you will find with our congregation.

Whether we are breaking bread together at the communion table or sharing a meal at a pot-luck supper, we are called to live out the invitation to love one another that Jesus first gave to us.

Men and women, young and old, gay and straight, firm believers, doubters, and those with questions all come together to form the East Woodstock Congregational Church. We pledge to share the warmth and welcome of our loving God so that the Good News of Jesus Christ can be passed along, near and far. As a church our mission is to answer the call to serve God’s children through our ministries of worship, education, music, outreach, and fellowship. We endeavor to share the love that is first given to us.

Come and join us! You will find a welcome here.

Please join us for worship:

Every Sunday Morning
10:00 am: Worship and Sunday School (Sunday school departs for class before Sermon)
11:30 am: Refreshments and Fellowship Time

Can’t make it to church on Sunday?  You can hear and see Pastor Sue’s sermons on Facebook!  Watch live or whenever it is convenient for you.

 

 

Our sanctuary is open for in-person worship with the following guidelines:
        • Masks will still be required.
        • Seating will be every other pew with the first two pews cordoned off.
        • Congregational singing will stay on hold (humming is welcome!) – soloists/duets may provide vocal music
        • Shaking hands/hugging/passing of the peace will stay on hold.

Here’s what you can expect during worship:

You will be welcomed at the door (either the front door by the church columns or the ramp door providing easy access to everyone) by someone with a warm smile.  That person will hand you a worship bulletin which outlines what will be happening during worship.

Children of all ages join their families to attend worship each Sunday. Following a children’s story, they are invited to attend Sunday school class in our vibrant Christian Education program, led by dynamic and enthusiastic volunteers.

At 10:00 a.m., one of our deacons (worship leaders) will give a welcome and invite everyone to take some time to enjoy a short piece of music while we settle down and enjoy some moments to quiet our minds and prepare for worship. Following the music there are short announcements about upcoming events in the church and an invitation to enjoy a cup of coffee and some conversation in our fellowship hall after worship.

We celebrate the God of history and tradition who is still speaking to the people of the 21st century. We worship God when we listen to God’s word recorded in the Bible and proclaimed by God’s people, from the pulpit and from the pews. Our worship service varies somewhat each week, but includes music, prayer, silence, the sharing of celebrations and  concerns from the congregation, and a sermon. Our worship is enriched by our energetic music program which features our adult choir, Sunday School singers, and bell choir. 

During worship we will sing some hymns, listen to Scripture, enjoy a song by our choir, and listen to a story for the children (who are invited to come up and sit on the floor so they can see and hear better). Following the story, the children are invited to join the volunteer teachers for Sunday School.  The adults stay to hear the sermon which is based on the day’s Bible reading.

Part of being a church family means that we care for one another and take the time to pray with and for each other. Before we pray together, anyone can choose to speak about a joy or concern and ask for prayers.

Worship ends with a hymn and a blessing given by the minister.  Many people choose to stay to enjoy some refreshments after worship.

Each worship service follows a theme based on a Bible story; that theme is reflected in the readings, the music, and the sermon. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.  You will find people of all ages and backgrounds in our congregation – we hope you will join us for worship some Sunday!

What is Holy Communion?

Jesus broke bread and shared a cup of wine with his disciples right before he died. When we receive communion, we remember Christ’s death and his great love for all of us.

Jesus broke bread with his disciples right after his resurrection. When he gave them the bread, “their eyes were opened,” and they knew that Jesus lived again.  When we receive communion, we remember Christ’s resurrection and celebrate new life.

Communion is a sacrament that reminds us that we are part of God’s family. Communion is shared during worship on the first Sunday of every month and at special services (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve).

How is Holy Communion Served?

Communion is usually served to the congregation while they are seated in the pews.  The deacons will pass around plates of bread and trays of small cups which contain either grape juice or water.  On occasion, communion will be served by intinction, which means that everyone is invited to come forward to receive a piece of bread, dip it into the cup of grape juice, and then return to their seats. Those with mobility concerns will be served in their seats.

Gluten-free bread is offered at every service.

I'm not a member of EWCC. Can I take Communion?
Yes!  At the East Woodstock Congregational Church, God’s table is open to all of God’s children.  Everyone is welcome to receive communion.

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir is open to everyone who has a love of music and enjoys coming together with other musicians to make a joyful noise to God. The choir sings an anthem almost every week during our 10:00 a.m. worship service.

They rehearse every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the church. 

Can’t make a whole year commitment?  Try the choir for a season – come in the fall to enjoy beautiful Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas music or try out the choir in the winter to prepare for the celebration of Lent and Easter.

Our choir is directed by our Music Director, Nancy Ducharme.

Handbell Choir

The Handbell Choir performs once a month and on special occasions.  Everyone is invited to try their “hand” at ringing our beautiful bells.  The choir assures us that reading music is not a requirement, just the ability to count to four!  They will teach you the rest. 

The Handbell Choir is an excellent example of individuals coming together to create a beautiful whole.

The Handbell Choir rehearses every Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Our handbell choir is directed by Andrew Tomkins.

Our Sunday School children enjoy music together, led by some of our volunteers. They often share a song they have learned during worship, much to the delight of our congregation.

Special Music Events are held seasonally.  Past events have included a Festival of Lessons & Carols, Palm Sunday concert, and benefit concerts for numerous events and causes.  In May of every year we celebrate Music Appreciation Sunday when numerous talented musicians from our congregation share their talents as we celebrate the gift of music.  Stay tuned for upcoming events!