SERVICES OF WORSHIP
We do not “come to church” on Sunday mornings. We are church wherever we are, on whatever day of the week. Monday through Saturday the church is scattered throughout the community, the nation and even the world, living out their Christian vocation in home and business, at work, study and play, in all of the ups and downs of life.
On Sundays, the Lord’s Day, the scattered church assembles in a sanctuary where a table, a font and a pulpit remind us of our corporate identity as the Body of Christ. Drawn together by the call of God, we gather as a particular expression of the “one holy, catholic and apostolic church” to offer prayer and praise to the Triune God who created us to live in communion with one another, and with God.
Worship at MPC is truly an intergenerational and inclusive experience. People of every decade of life — children, youth and young adults, middle-aged and seniors meet and greet one another in worship, and as they do, they are in turn met and addressed by God.
Sunday Mornings at MPC
All are welcome, come as you are!
EDUCATION FOR ALL
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
(September through May)
FELLOWSHIP HOUR
is usually held after every
Sunday worship service
JOINING OUR COMMUNITY
If you are not a member at MPC, we would love for you to consider joining us in ministry and mission.
Believing — Belonging — Becoming
This three-week class, led by Pastor Rachel, will be an opportunity to explore church membership, whether you’re ready to join or just curious about what that would mean. We will explore topics like, “What do we believe as Presbyterians?”; “How are we called to be the church in the world?”; “What does ministry and mission look like at MPC?”; “Who is it that God is calling me to be and how can I seek to pursue God’s call more fully through membership at MPC?” This class will gather after worship at Noon on selected dates, and we hope you will consider joining us. If you are interested in participating, please contact the church office (215-295-4191 or office@mpcusa.org) or speak directly with Pastor Rachel (rachelrhodes@mpcusa.org) to find out when the next class is planned.
There is no need to feel self-conscious about not having attended worship in a while. In our hectic times and culture, it is quite understandable. Everyone is welcomed to this class. It is your chance to reconnect with the church and find out if the PC(USA) and MPC are for you.
Although this class is designed for potential new members to meet the instructional requirement of the PC(USA) to become a member of the church, you are under no obligation to join the church. However, if you are interested in becoming a new member of MPC, all you have to do is attend in order to meet the instructional requirement.
Upon attending the seminar, visitors may request to join the church. You will be invited to attend the next meeting of Session to be welcomed into the MPC congregation.
FIRST TIME VISITING?
-
What time is Worship?
Worship begins on Sundays at 10:30 am, year-round.
-
What kind of worship can I expect on an average Sunday?
We like to think of our worship style as fairly traditional but also full of energy and the joy of the Lord! We follow a Reformed order of worship, which includes liturgy, and hymns accompanied by organ or piano. Our pastors always lead worship, but other church members regularly participate in worship leadership as well. From September-June our Chancel Choir also leads worship each week through song.
-
What time is Sunday School?
Sunday School meets September through May and begins at 9:30 am. We offer classes for Pre-K to Adult.
-
Is childcare provided during worship? What about a snack?
During the Sunday School hour, nursery care is provided to children ages zero to pre-K. During worship, childcare is provided to children ages 0 – 5 or any other child that may become too wiggly for worship. Water is always available to nursery visitors. Snacks are occasionally served, but you are welcome to pack a snack for your child.
From September through May, music time is also offered during the middle portion of the service. Age ranges from 2 through elementary school, but children under age 5 must be accompanied by an adult. If your child is interested in music, come to worship and you will receive instructions on where to go after the Children’s sermon.
-
What’s “Time for Young Disciples” or the “Children’s Sermon”?
About 15 minutes into worship, one of the pastors will invite children up to the front of the sanctuary for the Time for Young Disciples (sometimes referred to as the Children’s Sermon). This portion of the worship service allows our littlest disciples to hear about the lessons of the day. It is completely voluntary to come forward. Feel free to join your little one up front if they are nervous.
-
What should I wear?
Some in attendance will be in a t-shirt and jeans, some will be in suits, most will fall somewhere in between. Come as you are!
-
I’m not Presbyterian, can I take communion?
The invitation to the Lord’s supper is extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to the table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love.
-
Does MPC make an accessibility accommodation for worship?
We offer large print bulletins and hymnals. Please ask a Deacon (the individuals handing out the bulletins) as you enter the sanctuary. Please return the Hymnal and/or Bible after the service.
Hearing Assistance Devices are available for use anywhere in the sanctuary during worship. These pocket-sized receivers are available from Deacons in either Narthex (sanctuary entryways) and are to be returned after the service.
If you require handicap access to the building, we encourage you to park in the large lot behind the church and enter through the main doors. We have ample handicap parking. Drop-offs under the portico (the covered area by the main doors) are also welcome. An elevator is just inside to your left and will take you up to level 1, to access the sanctuary.
If any other accommodations or assistance would be helpful for your visit to go smoothly, please don’t hesitate to call the church office (215-295-4191 or office@mpcusa.org) or speak directly with one of our pastors, whose emails can be found here.
-
How can I become a member of the church?
If you are not a member at MPC, we would love for you to consider joining us in ministry and mission. We have a three-week new members class called “Believing – Belonging – Becoming”, which is typically offered each spring and fall. If you are interested in participating, please contact the church office (215-295-4191 or office@mpcusa.org) or speak directly with Pastor Rachel (rachelrhodes@mpcusa.org) to find out when the next class is planned.
-
Is it possible to baptize my child at MPC?
The short answer is, “yes,” but we’d love the chance to get to know you first! Each time we baptize a child, those gathered for worship promise to guide and nurture that child, as well as encourage them to follow Christ. It is our hope that you will get to know our family of faith before pursing baptism for your child. We have New Member classes each Fall and Spring and we encourage all those presenting children for baptism to attend these classes first. After all, the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides that: “When a child is being presented for Baptism, ordinarily the parent(s) or one(s) rightly exercising parental responsibility shall be an active member of the congregation. Those presenting children for Baptism shall promise to provide nurture and guidance within the community of faith until the child is ready to make a personal profession of faith and assume the responsibility of active church membership.” (W-2.3014) If you have further questions about baptism, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our pastors through the church office.