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Worship at PB UMC has a definite plan and structure, but the atmosphere is casual and informal. People dress as they are comfortable, anything from jeans to suits. Music includes traditional hymns, praise choruses, and gospel songs. The goal of worship is that people be drawn into an experience of God’s love and grace. Newcomers are always welcome. Children come to worship for the first 15 or 20 minutes and have their own special time with the pastor. Then they are excused to the Sunday School room, where they play, read, share snacks, or do projects under the care of trusted adults. At about age 11 or 12, children are invited to become acolytes (candle lighters and worship assistants) and they begin to stay in worship for the full hour. Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the entire worship service, though some parents prefer to keep their babies with them in church. If babies are fussy or toddlers are busy, parents also have the option of participating in worship from the entry area, where windows and speakers allow access.
Baptisms are scheduled in consultation with the pastor and are celebrated during the worship services (except in special circumstances when medical needs dictate other arrangements). We baptize babies, children, youth, and adults by sprinkling or pouring water on the heads of those being baptized. On Sunday mornings our "Early Riser’s Fellowship" takes place from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. in our small chapel, followed by the main worship service in our sanctuary at 9:00 or 10:30. Singing starts a few minutes before the main service, so if you like music, come early! The sanctuary comfortably seats about 160 people. Special Events and Services
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Worship is the time
when we honor the God who created us and gives us life. Our worship service has
three "movements": gathering, listening, and responding. As we
gather in God’s name, we sing, pray, and greet one another. We listen for God’s
guidance to be given through the children’s story, the choir anthem, the
scripture reading, and the pastor’s reflections. We respond to God’s love
through prayer, through offering gifts, and through dedicating ourselves to
Christ’s service.
We serve holy
communion on the first Sunday of every month. The United Methodist tradition is
to use grape juice (rather than wine) out of respect for those trying to
maintain sobriety. Everyone is welcome to share in communion; membership is not
required.
