Worship services Most churches have greeters and ushers greeting visitors and guiding them to a seat in the sanctuary. Worshipers dress formally in some congregations, but most wear casual or informal attire to church on Sundays. Bulletins are given to worshipers and provide the order of
service for the day as well as notes about congregational activities.  Though worship styles in Mennonite churches can vary from one
congregation to another, you’ll find that most congregations love to
sing, especially four-part harmony. In the past, many Mennonite
churches sang heartily without any instrumental accompaniment. Today a
variety of instruments accompany music – pianos, organs, guitars,
drums, wind or brass instruments.
The worship service may begin with an instrumental prelude, inviting
worshipers to center their attention on God. A worship leader (often a
lay person) guides the congregation in a call to worship, prayers, and
scripture reading. A song leader conducts the congregational singing as
though the congregation is a choir, inspiring them to offer praise to
God. Singers include those of many ages and singing abilities.  During the children’s time, a leader or storyteller helps the
children understand or experience the scripture focus for the day.
Children may remain in worship for the entire service though nursery
care is provided for infants and preschoolers.
A biblically-centered sermon about 20 minutes long is presented by a
preacher, usually the pastor (who may be female or male). The
congregation responds by singing, praying or affirming their faith.
Congregational prayers begin by offering thanks and praise to God and
continue with petitions and intercession on behalf of the needs of
worshipers as well as the church’s witness and ministries in their
communities. Often Mennonite churches pray for peace in the world. An
offering is collected, and the service concludes with a benediction or
words of sending. Typical Sunday worship may last an hour or so. If you visit one of the growing number of Racial/Ethnic Mennonite churches in North America, you may find worship in these churches conducted in their homeland language with various worship expressions. |
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Worship spaces What will you see in a Mennonite worship space? Architectural styles
may be modern and resemble other Christian churches. They may also be
traditional, which means they are simple and plain with clear windows
and little decoration. Usually Mennonites sit on pews or chairs facing
a platform on which stands a pulpit. In the center front is a communion
table used for communion anywhere from four to eight times per year. On
other Sundays, a visual center on the table illuminates the scripture
focus for the day. A cross often is a focal point, and colorful banners
adorn the front of the sanctuary. Stained glass windows are not
typical, nor are statues or icons. Communion and baptism All baptized Christians are invited to participate in communion
services. On communion Sundays the minister stands at the communion
table, which has been set with a loaf of bread and a cup of grape
juice. The bread and cup are blessed and offered to worshipers.
Worshipers may come forward to receive communion, or the bread and cup
may be taken to them. A few congregations practice footwashing rituals
with communion services. Mennonites baptize youth and adults who make a voluntary decision to
follow Christ and to join the church. In a typical baptismal service,
candidates tell their faith story and then make baptismal vows in which
they promise to become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. They kneel,
and the minister pours water on their head, baptizing them “in the name
of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Then the minister extends
a hand to raise them up and says,  “I give you my hand and bid you to rise and walk in newness of life
by the same power that raised Christ from the dead. As long as you
abide in Christ’s word, you are Christ’s disciple indeed and shall be
acknowledged as a brother/sister in the church.”
A fellowship time where people greet one another often follows
Sunday morning worship. Mennonites enjoy lingering for conversation,
either inside the church or outside in the parking lot. In many
churches, Sunday school classes are offered for all ages following the
morning worship service. Find a church |