What To Expect

Visiting a church for the first time can be a little unsettling.
 
“What if I don’t know what to do?” “Will I be singled out?”
 
You can be assured that you won’t ever be singled out or embarrassed at West Orange. Our Sunday Worship Gathering is informal and simple. It’s not a show or a performance, but rather a time for all of us to gather to collectively worship God and encourage each other. Everyone is welcome! You will be greeted as you enter the building by friendly people who will let you know that we are glad you chose to honor us with your visit. After the Gathering, stop by the Guest Reception in the Cafe where you will be given a free welcome packet. You will also be handed a worship guide which has announcements, an order of service, and even some space to take notes if you desire!
 
Our Worship Gathering is simple but powerful. You’ll experience:
 

Singing
We sing praises to God from the heart. You’ll notice that we sing a variety of songs, from traditional hymns to contemporary Christian praise songs. The words will be projected on the screen in the front of the auditorium. There are also hymn books in the racks in front of your seat if you prefer. If the song we are singing is also in the hymn book, the number of the selection is displayed on the slide.
 

Warm Greetings
During the Gathering, we take a few moments to stand, greet one another and share in the fellowship of Christ together!
 
Prayers
We don't use recited or memorized prayers.  We are led in prayer several times during the service.  If you have a special prayer request, write it on the provided card and toss it into the collection plate.  During the gathering, one of the shepherds will address those concerns in the Shepherd's Prayer.
 

The Lord's Supper
We celebrate the Lord's Supper, sometimes called Communion, every week.  This is an intimate, reflective time when we connect with Jesus, remembering his death, burial and resurrection.  We do this to follow the command of Jesus found in Luke 22:19-20:
 
"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."  In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
 
Bible Teaching
Each week a member of our ministry team presents a lesson designed to help us to connect with God's word in a practical way.  Usually there is also a printed outline on the front of the worship guide.  Scripture quotations will be projected on the screen so you can easily follow along.  Have questions?  Feel free to approach the presenter after the assembly.  He'll take the time to discuss your question with you.  As a matter of fact, we welcome your questions!  You can also write any questions or needs on one of the cards and leave it in the pew or hand it to an usher.