About Worship at TPC

We describe worship at TPC as “creative traditional”. Grateful for our grandmothers and grandfathers in the faith, we follow a traditional Presbyterian order of worship…but what happens within this order is as fresh and unique as each person who attends.

The liturgy, the prayers we offer together during worship, varies each week depending on the scripture reading. The words may be adapted from e.e. cummings, they may be written by a member of the congregation, or they may be as familiar and traditional as the Lord’s Prayer or the doxology. The language may surprise you, it may shock you, but it will engage you and draw you further into an experience with the Holy.

Our worship is both formal and informal. Ever since its inception TPC has opened worship celebrating birthdays. Whether you are 9 or 99, if you have had a birthday recently you will be welcomed to come forward, place an offering into the “birthday chicken” that supports the Heifer Project, and then receive a blessing. Along with the rambunctious passing of the peace, you will feel comfortable being yourself here.

But this isn’t so say we don’t take worship seriously. Just the opposite is true. Another practice of TPC is proclaiming a blessing from the baptismal font, one of the architectural anchors of our sanctuary. After we offer confession together, water is poured into the bowl, visually and audibly reminding us of the unconditional love of God symbolized in baptism, proclaiming that no matter who we are or where we have been: nothing can separate us from God’s love.

We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of every month. Unlike some traditions which stipulate you must belong to that faith tradition or be a member of that church to receive, all are welcome to come forward at TPC. If you trust in Christ already or want to come to trust in him, you are invited to partake. For indeed, it is Christ who welcomes us, and at his table there is room for all.

So come with your faith. Come with your doubts. Just come and worship with us. We’re looking forward to meeting you.