Worship

Lori Erickson and Jane Stewart prepare to lead a worship service at New Song.

What to expect during our Sunday morning service at 10 a.m.

New Song celebrates a vibrant Holy Eucharist service, rich with prayer, music, modern liturgy rooted in tradition, and joyful participation. Our services are based on the Book of Common Prayer and Enriching Our Worship (a supplement to Episcopal worship).

We celebrate the Holy Eucharist, a communion service that places us in direct relationship with Christ and renews our spiritual life.

The first part of our service is centered on the readings of God’s word. We begin with opening sentences, a collect (prayer), readings from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and the Epistles of the New Testament, a Gospel reading by the deacon or priest, a sermon, affirmation of faith (the Creed), prayers of the people, confession, and exchange of God’s peace offered to one another by shaking hands or embracing one another.

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After receiving communion, people can go to our prayer desk for anointing and private prayers with a Healing Minister.

The second part of the service is centered on the bread and wine at the altar. We offer these gifts and the gifts of our lives, give thanks for them, break the bread, and come to receive communion.

All who seek God are welcome to receive the bread and the wine during the service.

The Church Year

The altar at Easter vigil glows with candles.
Betsey Monnot, Episcopal bishop of Iowa, leads us in worship during her visits to New Song.

The Church Year is divided into seasons, beginning with Advent and ending with the season of Pentecost.

Advent: This is the season of the church year leading up to Christmas. In this season we wait and watch for Jesus’ birth.

Many New Song members offer their musical talents during services.

Christmas: During December 25 and the eleven days following, we celebrate Jesus’ presence with us.

Epiphany: Beginning January 6, the season of Epiphany lasts until Lent. In Epiphany we remember the visit of the Magi and the baptism of Jesus, It’s a time of light breaking forth.

Lent: This season of reflection and repentance prepares us for Easter.

Easter: During this season of 50 days we rejoice in the Resurrection.

Pentecost: This is the longest season of the Church year. It begins with the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and may include as many as 28 Sundays.