South Aiken Presbyterian Church
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Vision
    • Our Beliefs
    • Our History
    • Our Staff
    • Our Officers
    • A Pastoral Welcome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • WORSHIP
    • How We Worship
    • Bulletins & Services
    • Sunday Schools
    • Calendar and Events
    • Sanctuary Flowers
    • Baptisms
    • Communion
    • Weddings
  • MINISTRIES
    • Children's Ministries
    • Youth Ministries
    • Adult Ministries
    • Senior Ministries
    • Music
    • Library
    • Community Missions >
      • VBS
      • Secret Santa
    • Global Missions
  • Preschool
    • Available Programs
    • School Calendar
    • Teachers
    • Parent Handbook
    • Tuition and Fees
  • Online Giving

HOW WE WORSHIP

Picture

Prelude and The Chiming

There is a musical interlude at the start of service as guests make their way to their seats, used to prepare our hearts to hear the Word of God. After announcements, the Chiming of a handbell three times similarly reminds us to be present, and represents the Trinity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It begins the formal worship of God.
Picture

Call to Worship

After the chiming for the Trinity, there is then a shared hymn to open the main body of the service before gathering around scripture for a call and response psalm reading. This call to worship acknowledges believers call to worship by the Creator God and to encounter God throughout the service.
Picture

Prayer of Confession

During the service we recognize that, as we come together as a congregation, that we are all sinners. No one in the church is a perfect person. We take the time to confess our shortcomings, both as a group and individually in a moment of quiet. This is not to shame those present, but instead is used as a reminder of the innumerable grace of God.
Picture

Assurance of Forgiveness and The Font

Although we confess to our sins and shortcomings, we are then reminded that Jesus' sacrifice forgives us for our transgressions. The Pulpit Assistant will read a short text assuring us that we are forgiven, and water is poured into the baptismal font to remind all of those in attendance of their own baptism and cleansing in Jesus' blood.

Picture

Passing of the Peace

To encourage community and greet those together in worship, we reserve several moments in the service to say hello and greet those around you. This is a reminder that we do not worship alone, and that we are a community of faith. Individuals have the opportunity to wave, shake hands, or show peace signs as they greet their neighbors.
Picture

Children's Moment

All children are welcome to come to the front of the sanctuary for the Children's Moment immediately following the Passing of the Peace. Our Children and Family's Director, Michelle Lorio, leads them in a brief lesson that reflects the day's sermon. After this moment, children can either follow Michelle to Children's Church located in the back of the building in the Fellowship Hall, or they are welcome to stay in the sanctuary. 
Picture

Prayer for Illumination

Before we hear the word of God and the day's message, we prepare our hearts and ask for illumination to be able to understand His word. This prayer directs our hearts to remember the intention and purpose of the sermon, and to prepare us to hear what we need to hear and not what we want to hear.
Picture

Scripture & the Sermon

SAPC follows the Presbyterian USA lectionary. This means that not only are we worshiping together and studying the same passage during the service, but we are also worshiping alongside Presbyterian USA congregations throughout the nation and the world.

Picture

Affirmation of Faith

Following the sermon, we confirm and affirm what we believe using a passage of text that will be printed in the bulletin. Typically this will be the Apostle's Creed, which reminds us of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. It is important to ensure that we are reminded the reason that we are worshiping, and the reason we have been saved.
Picture

Prayer of Intercession & Offering

Before we pass the offering plate for tithes and donations, we remember those that need our help and those that are in our prayers. This includes global issues, local issues, and specific individuals in the church that have requested to be placed in our church prayer list.
Picture

Prayer of Thanksgiving

After we gather our tithes, we remember just how blessed we are as a church and as individuals. We remember our thankfulness for what we have, rather than focusing on what we want, and connect with each other as we celebrate the gifts we have been given.
Picture

The Charge & Benediction

Our worship does not stop when the service ends; instead, we are sent out into the world to continue spreading the Lord's love and message in everything that we do. The benediction serves as a commissioning of every member to continue strengthening their faith in their daily lives.

To see the order of events of a typical service, including hymns and scripture readings, view our bulletins and recorded services by clicking the link below.
LEARN MORE

VISIT

1711 Whiskey Rd.
Aiken. SC 29803

CONTACT

Church office: (803) 648-9574
        Open 9am-1pm, Mon-Fri

Preschool office: (803) 648-9895
Vertical Divider

QUICK LINKS

Staff Directory
Officer Directory
FAQs
Bulletins and Services
Calendar and Events
Local Ministries
Community Ministries
Global Ministries
Preschool Programs
School Calendar
Parent Handbook
Tuition and Fees
Vertical Divider
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Vision
    • Our Beliefs
    • Our History
    • Our Staff
    • Our Officers
    • A Pastoral Welcome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • WORSHIP
    • How We Worship
    • Bulletins & Services
    • Sunday Schools
    • Calendar and Events
    • Sanctuary Flowers
    • Baptisms
    • Communion
    • Weddings
  • MINISTRIES
    • Children's Ministries
    • Youth Ministries
    • Adult Ministries
    • Senior Ministries
    • Music
    • Library
    • Community Missions >
      • VBS
      • Secret Santa
    • Global Missions
  • Preschool
    • Available Programs
    • School Calendar
    • Teachers
    • Parent Handbook
    • Tuition and Fees
  • Online Giving