WHAT TO EXPECT

OVERVIEW

As a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), worship is central to our faith community. It’s not just something we do - it’s an encounter with the living God, who meets us through Word and Sacrament, and sends us out to love and serve others.

Worship in the ELCA centers on the means of grace:

  • God’s Word proclaimed in Scripture and preaching

  • Holy Baptism as our entry into the body of Christ

  • Holy Communion as nourishment for our journey

We believe Christ is truly present in these gifts, and through them, the Holy Spirit nurtures faith, forgives sin, and empowers us for mission.

Our worship service follows a four-part liturgical rhythm:

  • Gathering – We come together in song, confession, and prayer

  • Word – We hear Scripture, reflect through preaching, and respond in faith

  • Meal – We share Holy Communion, remembering Christ’s love and promise

  • Sending – We are blessed and sent to live out God’s grace in the world

This rhythm connects us to the ancient church, while allowing us to have creativity and diversity.

Worship is participatory. Everyone has a role. Through music, prayer, silence, and movement, we engage our whole selves. We use the Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings as our hymnals, which include a rich variety of liturgies, hymns, psalms, and prayers that reflect our strong musical heritage as well as new compositions. 

Worship doesn’t end at the benediction. It sends us into the world to live as disciples, serving, advocating, and embodying Christ’s love in daily life.

WORSHIP TIMES

We worship together each Sunday at 10:30 AM. We gather in the sanctuary, online on Facebook Live, and in the parking lot via radio broadcast. Our services are also archived on our YouTube Channel - Mt Zion Conover. 

WORSHIP HELPERS

There are a variety of ways to help in worship. These include serving as a worship assistant, lector, Bible bearer, Crucifer, or acolyte. There are also opportunities to plan and prepare for worship by being part of the Altar Guild or the Worship and Music Committee.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP RESOURCES

All children are welcome in worship and encouraged to participate. Children are invited to serve as lectors, part of the procession, or with the offering. Children’s worship bags are available in the narthex and include an interactive bulletin and coloring sheet on the worship theme.  A book nook with seasonal and faith related books is located beside the worship bags.

NURSERY

Care for children ages birth to three years old is available in the nursery, which is staffed weekly during worship. Nursery volunteers read, play, and engage with our youngest worshippers and bring them into the sanctuary to participate alongside the older children during the Children’s Message and Dismissal.