Sample Order of Worship

The following is a sample order of worship for one of our worship services held at 5:00pm on Sundays. Musical selections, our speakers, and themes of prayer change from service to service, but this should give you an idea of the basic look and feel of how the service generally goes.

1. Welcome and Announcements

Pastor Rick Sosbe or his representative begins our service by offering an opening prayer and passing along any announcements that need to be shared. Members and visitors alike are encouraged to fill out "connection cards" during this time. This is how the church keeps up with attendance and makes sure its records have all the right contact information. Respondants also have the opportunity to express prayer requests or other comments on these cards.

2. Passing of the Peace

Jesus left us His peace, but He commands us to share it, not keep it to ourselves. In keeping with this principle, we offer one another signs of God's peace through friendly greetings at this time.

3. Worship Songs

During this segement the congregation sings three or four worship songs selected and led by our choir. The music comes from a variety of sources - some are traditional hymns, some are written by contemporary Christian artists, and some have even come from members of our own congregation. In this particular service, the worship songs were "Arise Shine," "Joyful, Joyful, we adore thee," and "Sanctuary."

4. Congregational Prayer

At this time, Pastor Rick Sosbe or a members of the congregation leads everyone in a collective prayer for the sick, the absent, those affected by tragedies or hardships that have come to the church's atention, and for those persons who have requested special prayers during the week.

5. Scripture Reading

A member of our congregation reads aloud the Scripture passages from which the evening's sermon is taken.

6. Sermon

Pastor Rick Sosbe or a guest lecter delivers the main message of the service. Sermons can be given on a wide array of topics, but most seek to translate the Word of God into helpful and thought-provoking life lessons that help us to praise God and walk in the Light of Christ. On this particular day the message was given by Pastor Rick Sosbe, and it was entitled "Giving." The sermon was the first of a four-part series based on the book The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity, by Edwene Gaines.

7. Sermon Response

The sermon response is generally a musical selection performed by our choir and musicians that reflects the key tenets of the sermon that preceded it. "I Surrender All" was the song chosen for this week.

8. Offering

At this time, the church collects tithes and offerings from members and visitors. These funds are used to help pay expenses incurred by the church in carrying out its ministries.

9. Communion

As with MCC churches across the world, the Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans serves an "Open Communion" - anyone may partake regardless of religious background. We use non-fermented grape juice in these rites. We conclude Communion with the singing of "Something Beautiful," a reminder that regardless of whatever tribulations and circumstances we have in our lives, God blesses us with His understanding and mercy, evident in the miracle of human life.) A prayer of Thanksgiving is also given during this time.

10. Closing Song

The congregation, led by our choir and musicians, rise to sing one final song before receiving the Benediction. On this particular evening, the closing song was "Great is Thy Faithfulness."

11. Benediction

This is the closing prayer of the service.

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1333 S. Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118

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