Worship
Experiencing God's grace in our everyday lives is based in meaningful and spiritual worship services. Our Worship Committee coordinates worship service activities and provides many opportunities to experience and learn of God's love for us through scripture, music, prayer, and thoughtful sermons. Our congregation actively participates in the worship service experience, filling a variety of roles that enrich the worship experience at a personal level, including the reading of scripture, the singing of joyful and inspirational choral and instrumental music, the preparation and serving of communion, receiving of new members, participation of the youth, baptisms of persons of all ages, delivering messages for mission, providing floral arrangements, greeting visitors and members, ushering, and assisting the Minister as Lay Leaders in conducting the worship service.
Throughout the year special services supplement weekly Sunday worship. During the Christmas season, we celebrate Christ' birth through the Season of Advent which including Christmas Eve services. The season of Lent is a time for inner reflection with special programs for the congregation beginning with Ash Wednesday. We look forward to Holy Week as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior through services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. In addition, the Worship Committee coordinates other special services such as The Blessing of the Animals, Service of Healing and weddings and funerals.
Sanctuary Guild
The Sanctuary Guild is responsible for preparing the sanctuary for worship services, and funerals. Pews are straightened and resupplied, candles filled with oil, and parament cloths (colors) are changed according to the Presbyterian Church of the USA calendar.
Floral Arrangements
Floral arrangements are an integral part of worship, weddings, and funeral services. They symbolize many aspects of God's grace such as the birth of a child, the remembrance of a loved one, and the joy of marriage. Members volunteer to provide flowers on Sunday mornings ans arranged that they are delivered for Sunday worship.
Ushers and Greeters
Greeters meet worshipers as they enter the doors of Chester Presbyterian Church. They offer a warm welcome; ALL are welcome! Ushers guide members and guests into sanctuary pews during worship and special services. They also serve to receive the offering and help to direct worshipers to the communion table during worship services.
Lay Leaders
Lay Leaders assist the pastor in conducting the worship service. They may read scripture, serve communion, and perform other functions as designated by the pastor.
Communion Servers
Elders and Deacons assist the pastor in serving communion the first Sunday of each month and during special worship services where communion is served. They may also serve shut-ins who are unable to attend worship service.
Communion Stewards
Communion Stewards purchase the elements (bread and juice), set up the communion table, and provide for cleanup following communion services.
Worship Bags for Young Children
This function enriches the children's experience in the worship service. The bags have items that will provide an hour of involvement for a child.
Music
For our Sunday morning worship service, we offer a rich variety of music in harmony with the ministry of God's word. Using the Presbyterian Hymnal GLORY TO GOD as a main resource, appropriate hymns glorify God and express and form our faith through our ministry of music.
Appropriate music is also provided for other occasions - funerals, weddings, and special gatherings.
Adult Choirs
Our adult choirs are open to anyone with a desire to lift their voice in praise of God. From September through May, rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for the Chancel Choir. There is a 9:00 am Sunday morning "warm up" for the Chancel Choir. During the summer months anyone who wishes to participate comes for a warm up at 9:00 am to sing during the one service held June-September. We also prepare special music during the Advent/Christmas season and at Eastertide.
Handbells
CPC Handbell Choir plays approximately once a month to add another form a music to enhance worship. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm.