Denominations

[cleopa_of_emmaus]

I am Romanian Catholic, a.k.a Byzantine Catholic. The Romanians were evangelized by the Greeks, and most of Romania adhered to the Eastern Orthodox religion, but now that Romania has broken free from the Communists, etc., the Catholic Church is growing along with many evangelical protestant churches.

Although we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, and almost all of our ceremonies and services are very similar to the Eastern Orthodox Church, we acknowledge the Primacy of the Pope, and accept such doctrines as the Assumption of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, and other teachings that differ from the Orthodox teachings.

~cleopa

 

[brewmama]

In our Western Rite Orthodox Church we celebrate the Divine Liturgy (although there are also various morning and evening prayer services that go on in church). This involves:
The Asperges
Processional (with hymn)
Liturgy of the Faithful (including an epistle reading and Holy Gospel reading and homily)
The Canon of the Mass (including the Eucharist)
Prayers, Benediction and Recessional

This includes many hymns and chanting- we chant the Propers, the Creed, The Lord's Prayer, the Asperges, the Mystical Supper hymn, the Kyrie, Agnus Dei, Sanctus, etc.

The language and music is elegant and beautiful, and fitting for a worship service. We mostly stand or kneel, sitting only during the homily. There is a great reverence for the Lord, and the Church is made as beautiful as possible, including candles, icons, incense, vestments and architecture.

 

[elanor]

I've only been in my particular congregation (United Methodist) a few months, but this is how our service goes:

Early Morning Praise (this actually begins about 15 minutes before the service starts) - Singing hymns and choruses
Welcome & Announcements - Done by a lay person. New people who wish to be acknowledged are introduced and welcomed.
Bringing in God's Light - This is a quiet time to center our attention and focus on the Lord. The accolytes light the candles.
Reflection - Read by a lay person. A very short reflection about the scriptural topic for the day.
Opening Hymn
Call to Worship - Responsive reading, lead by a lay person.
Passing of the Peace
Song of Praise
Children's Message - The children come forward. The pastor sits with them on the floor. The message is generally interactive, and the children are dismissed to their classes after this.
Unison Prayer of Confession - This corporate reading is different every week, and rarely fails to move me deeply!
Time of Silent Prayer
Words of Assurance - Assurance of the forgiveness of sins. Responsive. Lead by the pastor.
Prayer Hymn
Sharing Joys and Concerns - Our congregation is small enough (about 100) to have an interactive time of sharing. After each praise or prayer request, the pastor says either "Lord, in your mercy" or "We give you thanks," and the congregation responds, "Hear our prayers."
Pastoral Prayer, followed by the Lord's Prayer - (by all)
Sharing of the Tithes and Offerings
Doxology - The congregation rises and sings as the ushers bring the offering forward and place it on the altar.
Scripture Reading - By a lay person.
Sermon
Closing Hymn
Benediction

We celebrate communion once a month.