From March Pres by Joel Adams
A Series of Articles on the Elements of Worship
This article is the second in a series of articles explaining each element within our worship service. As I focus on each element individually, I am again reminded that what we do in worship is meaningful and not random. I pray these articles are informative and will enhance and increase our intentional participation in the worship services at EPC.
INTROIT entrance, invitation
The introit is the entrance into worship. In some traditions the introit is sung prior to or while the ministers process into worship. In many cases a Bible and a cross are carried into the sanctuary at the head of the processional. This can be beautifully symbolic and even bring a royal feel to the occasion. Our introit is typically provided by the choir. Although there are many ways an introit can play out, the meaning and purpose is the same. Our intent is to invite you to worship with words set to music. This is a special time and the things we do are not of this world. You are invited to join and be part of this service. With reverence and joy let us gather and adore our incomparable Triune God.
CALL TO WORSHIP declaration of intent
The call to worship is your response to the choir’s introit. You respond by saying “Yes…I will worship.” The call to worship can also take many forms. This element is a declaration of purpose or intent. We declare together the truth and what we have gathered to do. The call to worship at EPC is typically responsorial and taken from the Psalms. Why have we gathered? What is the purpose of this time together? The call to worship is our clear and focused declaration that we are gathered to worship our God! This is both corporate and individual. We recite this as a congregation and on a personal level. During the call to worship make a special effort to understand and take the words to heart. I would even recommend reading it silently prior to worship. Let the message sink in and be ready to declare it with vibrance.
