We gather for a service of worship twice each Sunday, at 10am and 2pm.
Our church building is located at 5600 MacDonald Rd Vernon B.C.
The worship services in the Vernon Canadian Reformed Church aim to be aligned with God’s Word as much as possible so that in every way, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, our worship might be pleasing and acceptable to God. The corporate worship of Christ’s body in the local congregation is part of the magnificent worship of the catholic church, here on earth and in heaven above as described in Hebrews 12:22-24. It is a truly special time that is taken very seriously and is for the benefit of all God’s people.
The feel of the worship service is one of reverence as Hebrews 12:22-24 and Matthew 18:20 describe it as a meeting with God and His angels. It is meant to be Christ-centred in all aspects. Because of this we focus on the proclamation of the gospel and so the service is not adorned with glitzy man-centred liturgy, as this might distract us from our Lord and Saviour — our true treasure!
The order of worship is as follows:
Morning Service: 10 AM
Pre-Service
As you walk in the doors you will be welcomed by our greeters; feel free to ask any questions of them if you have any.
Inside the church lobby will be people handing out bulletins, which show the order of the worship service.
Prior to the start of the service there is usually organ or piano music playing.
Elders, deacons, and the minister will walk into the sanctuary at 10 AM to begin the service.
Votum
The minister will recite the votum (a declaration of faith) from Psalm 124:8, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Amen!”
Salutation
Following this is the salutation or greeting of the Lord from Revelation 1:4-5a, “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”
Singing
After being greeted by the Lord in the salutation, we respond as a congregation by singing together in praise to our God! This is led usually by the organ or by piano. The songs are psalms from the Bible or hymns that have focus on one aspect of God’s Word.
The Ten Words
The minister will read the Ten Words of the Covenant, (the Ten Commandments) from either Exodus 20 or Deuteronomy 5, to show our need for a Saviour and to remind us how God calls us to live holy lives as dearly loved children.
Singing
We sing a song in response to the reading of the Law, usually a song of prayer for forgiveness, a song of thankfulness for our Saviour, or a song of prayer for renewed hearts.
Prayer
In the opening prayer of the service, the prayer focuses on public confession of sins; prayer for forgiveness, renewal, and prayer for the proclamation of the gospel.
Reading of Holy Scripture
The minister reads one or more passages, often from both the Old and New Testaments that relate to the specific text for the sermon. This may be followed by singing.
Then the sermon text is read. Sermons are textual, meaning that they explain a specific text in the Bible.
Sermon
The minister aims to preach the Christ-centred gospel as found in a specific text from the Bible.
Singing
The congregation stands to sing a psalm or hymn in response to the good news of the gospel.
Offertory
A collection is held for a specific cause. The minister will announce what the collection is being held for. If the collection is for the needy, then these funds are usually to support those within the body of Christ, usually in our own congregation who are financially needy. If needs within the congregation are fully met then the collection will go to a special cause that the deacons feel is worth supporting. No money from these collections go to administration: 100% go to the allotted causes. Administration is covered by members of the church in donation envelopes.
Singing
A psalm or hymn of praise is sung.
Prayer
The minister leads in prayer, thanking God for His goodness and bringing before His throne the petitions of the congregation and of Christians everywhere.
Singing
The congregation stands to sing a closing psalm or hymn.
Benediction
The minister gives the blessing from the Lord, either from Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace”, or from 2 Corinthians 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Handshake
One of the elders will shake hands with the minister to close the service.
Fellowship
Following the benediction, the minister, elders, and deacons will leave the sanctuary, followed by the congregation. There is then a time for fellowship in the church foyer where visitors can meet members of the congregation. If you are a visitor, we have a host family who would love to have you over for lunch!