Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1993

170 1993 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEand its explanation; singing the Psalm; receiving of tithes and offerings;reading of Scripture; preaching the Word; prayer; singing a Psalm; and theBenediction. The order of these parts may be varied, and every pubUcworship service need not include all these elements. SmaU-group, family,and individual worship wiU be simpler.WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS2. The pastor or the one presiding may appropriately welcome thecongregation to worship, in the name of Jesus Christ.3. A printed bulletin giving the order of service is helpful, especially forvisitors, and may include announcements of congregational activities andother information of general interest. The congregation should leam todepend on the bulletin, so that verbal announcements from the pulpit canbe kept to a minimum. Such verbal announcements as are necessary shouldbe made before the beginning of worship.CALL TO WORSHIP4. As the service begins, the congregation is caUed to worship formally.This may be done explicitly by the reading of Scripture calling on God'speople to worship Him or giving reasons for worship. Many Scripturepassages are well-suited to this purpose. The congregation may be askedto join in the call to worship as a unison or responsive reading.THE SINGING OF PRAISE5. The singing of praise is an ordinance of worship and is expressed inwords set to music. The Psalms of the Bible, by reason of their excellenceand their Divine inspiration and appointment, are to be sung in die worshipof God, to the exclusion of all songs and hymns of human composition.They are to be sung without the accompaniment of instruments, inasmuchas these are not authorized in the New Testament.6. All the people are under obligation to praise God and to singthoughtfully, reverently, and fervently, with grace in the heart. Thecongregation may be helped toward more glorious praise by instruction insinging and the reading of music, and by practice on new or unfamiUartunes. Such instruction, however, should be outside the service of worship.7. Those who lead the singing in public worship should if possible bemembers of the congregation, and in any case must be persons ofrecognized Christian character. The precentor may use a pitch pipe, tuningfork, or other insdument to obtain accurate pitch, but this should beinconspicuous.8. The oversight of the singing of praise in the congregation belongs tothe session. A choir may be formed to help lead in praise if the congrega-