Worship
WELCOME TO WORSHIP from Pastor Nancy Raabe
We worship the triune God and vigorously proclaim God’s Word every Sunday morning at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Our late service is livestreamed and the recording available thereafter on our YouTube channel; find them here on the online worship page. Masks are available; you may wear them at your discretion.
What to Expect on a Sunday Morning at Grace
Know that you will be warmly greeted and welcomed. Please introduce yourself to those around you and especially to the pastor. There is a Guest Book located near the entrance to the sanctuary; if you would sign it, it would help us to know who you are and maintain a connection.
As you enter the airy sanctuary you will be handed the bulletin with our weekly newsletter inserted, Grace Notes.
Word, sacrament, music and prayer are our central concerns. Please bring your children! Their voices add joy to our worship, and we have a special children’s play area in the sanctuary near the big windows. We also have a well-equipped nursery available at all times that includes sound from the sanctuary.
Worship Overview
Grace is a congregation of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a liturgical congregation, rich in the history and tradition of the Lutheran Church. Typically, the service follows the order from one of the settings of our hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship. For our Scripture selections, we use the Revised Common Lectionary, which includes readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospels on a three-year rotating basis. We also sing the psalm regularly. Our music will include both traditional and more contemporary hymns, and may be accompanied by organ, piano, brass, guitar, and flutes. Our adult choir began contributing beautiful music to worship once again this fall.
Worship is the cornerstone of our life at Grace. It is our time to center our hearts, minds and souls around God’s Word and Sacrament. You will hear God’s Word faithfully read and preached. The first and fourth services of every month include Holy Communion. Christians of all ages are invited to receive. At every service an offering to support the ministry of Grace Church will also be taken; at present we leave our offerings at the entrance to the sanctuary. We will share the Peace of the Lord with one another, saying “The peace of the Lord be with you!” or similar words. The pastor will greet you at the door as you leave, but please stay for our coffee hour!
Special Services
Lent– Grace has its own evening worship services on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday in our church. During the other weeks of Lent, we typically partner with other Hatfield congregations for Community Lenten Services on Wednesday evenings. Each week, one church will host and another church will provide the preacher. There is always good fellowship and refreshments following the services. Please contact the Church office if you would like a Lent Schedule.
Easter- Services are held at our normal 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship times and is festive and celebratory!
Thanksgiving Eve– Each year, Grace participates with Heidelberg UCC in Hatfield in a joint Thanksgiving Eve service on the Wednesday evening prior to the holiday. One church hosts, the other provides the preacher, and there is a combined choir. In 2021 we may come together in the form of a virtual service.
Christmas Eve– We celebrate the birth of Christ with services at 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. that include Holy Communion, Congregational candle lighting, and all of our most beloved Christmas carols.
Weddings- Our pastor is available for weddings both at Grace and at other locations. A period of preparation is required in order to plan the service and do necessary premarital discernment.
Funerals- Our pastor is available for funerals of both members and non-members of Grace. Funerals may be held at the church, a funeral home, graveside, or another location. Please contact the Pastor or our office at 215-855-4676 for additional information.
