Worship

Worship

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Services

Our services are held on Sunday mornings at 10:00 in person and online. Our worship services include a variety of styles of music and prayer, readings from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, and a reflection led by clergy and lay members. We are an inclusive congregation that welcomes all people to worship! Our sanctuary is accessible for people with all abilities. Children are welcome throughout the entire service. You will find a warm, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere of joy, love, and compassion.

We hold Holy Communion monthly on the first Sunday as part of the worship service.  Everyone, of all ages, is welcome to partake in this sacrament. Please come join us!

Sermons

Mountain View United enjoys a variety of sermon styles. Both clergy and church members offer sermons throughout the year. Sermons are rooted in scripture and use multifaceted lenses, including liberation, feminist, social justice, and ecological theology. Sermons are offered in a conversational tone addressing contemporary issues, biblical-historical content, and life lessons. Sermons reflect each of us being loved by God and our call to be disciples of Jesus, engaging our faith in all aspects of our lives.

Music

At Mountain View United, the philosophy of our music program is the same as that of our church: all are welcome to share, express, and celebrate our love of God and others through music. Our choir performs classical, sacred, folk, and popular music and includes a range of singers and instrumentalists from novices to those with a great deal of experience. In line with Mountain View United’s commitment to Nurture Communities of Inclusion, we celebrate the full inclusion of our members and friends with brain differences and physical disabilities, sharing their musical gifts and enthusiasm with the congregation in our music program. The choir sings regularly and performs special programs during the holiday seasons.

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What to Expect

We recognize that many people who visit a church for the first time may feel some trepidation. At Mountain View United Church, we pride ourselves on living as a radically inclusive community, offering justice and belonging to all. We are a spiritual home to people from all walks of life, believers and seekers, people from a range of places, backgrounds, and faith perspectives, people of varying gender identities and sexualities, and people of all abilities.

What happens at a
typical worship service?

You’ll receive a printed bulletin before the service that outlines the flow for that Sunday’s Worship. Most of the time, this includes a mix of prayer, song, scripture readings, a sermon, and prayer time. Additionally, we offer communion once a month, on the first Sunday of the month.

How long is a typical
worship service?

 

Most Worship services last about an hour. Many people like to visit with others during our hospitality time after the service; we have coffee, snacks, and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

 

What should I wear?

 

Wear what makes you comfortable and dress as who you are. Members and friends of our congregation come from all walks of life, and you will see it in the way we dress. We encourage you to wear what feels most appropriate to you.

 

Is childcare or
Sunday School offered?

Our children and youth are invited to stay with us in worship and participate in our Children’s Message each Sunday. There are toys and coloring books available for children to enjoy as they share the service with their family.

Will I or my family member
be welcomed if we live
with disabilities?

 

Yes! Mountain View United Church is a certified WISE Congregation, meaning we covenant to Welcome, Include, Support, and Engage adults and children of all abilities and needs into the worship, life, and leadership of our congregation. We particularly welcome children with special needs. We also have a shared ministry that includes adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and adults living with significant mental health and substance use challenges. To find out more, go to the Mental Health & Inclusion page.

Will I have to
introduce myself?

You can expect a warm greeting from members of the congregation, but you will not be singled out in front of
the group.

Do I have to put money
in the offering plate?

You don’t have to give anything. The offering is a chance to give from your abundance and acknowledge the many gifts that God has given you. If you do share a gift, you are adding to Mountain View United Church’s ability to Nurture Beloved Community within and beyond our church walls.

Do I have to be a
church member to
take Holy Communion?

At Mountain View United Church, everyone is welcome to participate in Holy Communion. No exceptions. Holy Communion is a sacrament of the Church, a special place of meeting with God and an experience of unity with each other. All are welcome at the table without regard to Church membership or belief.

How does Mountain View

United offer Baptism?

Baptism, along with Holy Communion are sacraments in the life of Mountain View United Church. We honor baptismal traditions of infant and believer baptism. If you are interested in learning more about baptism please speak to our pastor.