Worship at Ward

Visit Ward Church on a Sunday morning and you’re in for quite a surprise. To the outside observer, it’s a study in contrasts really. In a large sanctuary with stained glass windows, an orchestra, organ and choir make classic hymns and traditional music spring to life. But down the hall, in a dimly lit room, guitars, drums and laptops create a wave of sound that wraps around the crowd of casually dressed gen xers and millennials. Each week at Ward, there are two radically different experiences resulting from one remarkable experiment.

Since the 1980’s, many Christian churches have wrestled with a debate that pits traditional and contemporary forms of worship against each other in a no-holds-barred, knock down, drag out grudge match. Yet Ward is seeking a different way–not abandoning the old-school even as it fully embraces the new-school. It’s a unique position to be in, but a place Ward finds very comfortable given its history.

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Relevant, Biblical preaching, stirring music by the Chancel Choir and orchestra, frequent handbell and instrumental ensembles, and music by our Children’s Choir and Teen Choir make these two services a core part of our identity as a community of faith. The worship life of the church is evident in these gatherings, with Holy Communion celebrated monthly, and the sacrament of Christian baptism, both for infants and new believers, occurring regularly. New members are joyfully received into our fellowship during these services, and stories of God@Work among us are shared faithfully.

KNOX HALL SERVICE

9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in Knox Hall

In its effort to embrace a multi-generational approach to worship, Ward church now offers a new and unique service for those drawn to both contemporary and ancient themes.

Upon attending, one can expect to experience a diversity of motifs including liturgical readings, ethnic-electronic instrumentation, full band rock-oriented worship, a revisiting of traditional hymns, as well as a powerful teaching message each week.

Perhaps it is best to put it this way: Ward is not just inviting you to a worship service, we are inviting you to contribute to an emerging dialogue that seeks to celebrate the reality of Christ in a way that is biblical and relevant as well as deeply authentic.

TRADITIONAL EARLY WORSHIP

8:00 a.m. in the Chapel

Gathered in the quiet intimacy of Hess Memorial Chapel, the congregation worships through hymns, prayers, the reading and proclamation of God’s Word, and celebration of Holy Communion. The service seeks to embody the rich tradition of Christian worship as we move through the seasons of the church year. Participation by laypersons in the reading of Scripture, prayer, and stories of God’s faithfulness make this service rich in liturgy, “the work of the people.” Beginning with a hymn sing and the joys and concerns of the community, together we encounter the Lord through Scripture, preaching, and partaking in the Lord’s Supper.