Worship

Traditional worship at RHUMC follows worship practice customs handed down for many generations. The sanctuary has a main aisle with pews on either side, an altar, an organ, a robed choir in a choir loft, and the pastor often wears a robe. In the backs of the pews, there are Bibles and hymnals. While we often use liturgical elements such as the Affirmation of Faith and the Doxology, we do not use a fixed liturgy for each service. Our services open with announcements, generally followed by instrumental music, allowing us time to prepare our hearts and minds for worship. The congregational songs are traditional hymns sung from a hymnal, accompanied by organ and/or piano. Worship usually includes 3 hymns, several prayers led by the pastor, a time to greet others, a children's message, the offering, and a song presented by the choir. Many of these elements are geared toward a central theme, presented by the pastor in his Scripture choice and sermon. Though not always spoken, the altar is always open on the last hymn for those who would like to spend time in prayer. We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month, as a reminder of Jesus's sacrifice of his Body and Blood on the cross. The Communion table is open to all believers, regardless of membership or denomination.