Worship Service Time: 10:00 am. The worship service lasts for one hour and is broken up into various sections, the longest of which is the sermon, which usually goes for about 20 minutes.
Parking and Entrances: If you can find our building (1902 W. 59th St., click here for good maps), then the parking lot is obvious. There is plenty of space. Many members of the church enter the building through a side door which is close to the offices, but the main door to the sanctuary is directly off of the parking lot, up a few stairs. We have a wheel-chair lift available inside near the office for those who need it.
Where to Sit: We have a small congregation that does not fill our medium-sized sanctuary, so you should not have trouble finding a seat even if you are a few minutes late. There are a couple of cut-outs for wheel-chairs, a couple of rocking chairs for those who don't like pews, and there is space in the back for wandering children. Many people prefer to sit near the back of the sanctuary, so don't be surprised if those seats are taken.
Bathrooms: There are men's and women's bathrooms downstairs from the sanctuary, but we recommend using the side door and looking for the single-sex bathrooms on the ground level, which are easy to find down the hall. It is not a big building, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. Feel free to take a bathroom break at any time during worship and to move around as you feel so led.
Liturgy: The order of our service is traditional Presbyterian, with a mix of responsive readings, prayers, and music. A printed bulletin (program) is available, which should be easy to follow. Bold print means to read aloud. We usually stand up for hymns, stretch our legs during the passing of the peace, and bow our heads during prayers. There aren't many people among us who raise our hands or dance around during worship, but you are welcome to do so!
Communion: We celebrate Eucharist/Communion/The Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of each month and occasionally at special services throughout the year (such as at Weddings or during Holy Week). All are welcome to receive the elements and participate fully in the sacrament, regardless of religious background or affiliation. Christ Jesus gave his life for the entire world, especially sinners, therefore our table is open to all people as a sign and seal of God's grace.
Music: We have a volunteer choir (all are welcome to join!) which helps to lead singing from September through May. We also welcome solo musicians and groups who sometimes perform offertories and anthems. The worship service includes three congregational hymns, usually taken from a Presbyterian hymnal (no screens), each of which are related to the theme or scripture of the day. Overall the musical style is mostly classical, with some folk and contemporary Christians songs thrown in. All are encouraged to sing loudly and make a joyful noise.
What to Wear: There is no formal dress code--wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. In the winter the pastor sometimes wears a robe, and in the summer he or she may not even wear a jacket or a tie. Shorts and tee-shirts and sneakers are welcome, as are tuxedos and bonnets.
Children: We love the sound of children in worship! Kids of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate in every aspect of our time together, including communion. Nursing is no problem. Let us know if nursery care would be helpful, and we will see what we can do. Sunday school is also available for elementary-aged children. Students usually leave the worship service together following the passing of the peace and parents pick them up from their classes during coffee hour.
Passing the Peace: Following some responsive readings near the beginning of the worship service, the congregation takes a few minutes to greet one another by saying "peace be with you." Visitors are welcome to chat with neighbors as much as they feel comfortable. Staying in your pew is also ok if you are an introvert! We choose not to formally recognize those who are new to worship since we don't want to put them on the spot.
Coffee Hour: After worship there are some refreshments available in the fellowship hall for those who enjoy a bit of socializing. Usually this involves coffee (hence the name), but if you prefer to have your coffee before or during the worship service, that is ok too! There is also a small table set up just for children.
Parking and Entrances: If you can find our building (1902 W. 59th St., click here for good maps), then the parking lot is obvious. There is plenty of space. Many members of the church enter the building through a side door which is close to the offices, but the main door to the sanctuary is directly off of the parking lot, up a few stairs. We have a wheel-chair lift available inside near the office for those who need it.
Where to Sit: We have a small congregation that does not fill our medium-sized sanctuary, so you should not have trouble finding a seat even if you are a few minutes late. There are a couple of cut-outs for wheel-chairs, a couple of rocking chairs for those who don't like pews, and there is space in the back for wandering children. Many people prefer to sit near the back of the sanctuary, so don't be surprised if those seats are taken.
Bathrooms: There are men's and women's bathrooms downstairs from the sanctuary, but we recommend using the side door and looking for the single-sex bathrooms on the ground level, which are easy to find down the hall. It is not a big building, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. Feel free to take a bathroom break at any time during worship and to move around as you feel so led.
Liturgy: The order of our service is traditional Presbyterian, with a mix of responsive readings, prayers, and music. A printed bulletin (program) is available, which should be easy to follow. Bold print means to read aloud. We usually stand up for hymns, stretch our legs during the passing of the peace, and bow our heads during prayers. There aren't many people among us who raise our hands or dance around during worship, but you are welcome to do so!
Communion: We celebrate Eucharist/Communion/The Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of each month and occasionally at special services throughout the year (such as at Weddings or during Holy Week). All are welcome to receive the elements and participate fully in the sacrament, regardless of religious background or affiliation. Christ Jesus gave his life for the entire world, especially sinners, therefore our table is open to all people as a sign and seal of God's grace.
Music: We have a volunteer choir (all are welcome to join!) which helps to lead singing from September through May. We also welcome solo musicians and groups who sometimes perform offertories and anthems. The worship service includes three congregational hymns, usually taken from a Presbyterian hymnal (no screens), each of which are related to the theme or scripture of the day. Overall the musical style is mostly classical, with some folk and contemporary Christians songs thrown in. All are encouraged to sing loudly and make a joyful noise.
What to Wear: There is no formal dress code--wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. In the winter the pastor sometimes wears a robe, and in the summer he or she may not even wear a jacket or a tie. Shorts and tee-shirts and sneakers are welcome, as are tuxedos and bonnets.
Children: We love the sound of children in worship! Kids of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate in every aspect of our time together, including communion. Nursing is no problem. Let us know if nursery care would be helpful, and we will see what we can do. Sunday school is also available for elementary-aged children. Students usually leave the worship service together following the passing of the peace and parents pick them up from their classes during coffee hour.
Passing the Peace: Following some responsive readings near the beginning of the worship service, the congregation takes a few minutes to greet one another by saying "peace be with you." Visitors are welcome to chat with neighbors as much as they feel comfortable. Staying in your pew is also ok if you are an introvert! We choose not to formally recognize those who are new to worship since we don't want to put them on the spot.
Coffee Hour: After worship there are some refreshments available in the fellowship hall for those who enjoy a bit of socializing. Usually this involves coffee (hence the name), but if you prefer to have your coffee before or during the worship service, that is ok too! There is also a small table set up just for children.
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A Member of The Presbytery of Chicago &
The Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) |
Highlands Presbyterian Church
1902 W. 59th Street La Grange, Illinois 60525 (708) 246-1911 office@highpres.org |
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