Version: 9 April 2002

SIMPLE NON-COMMUNION ORDER OF SERVICE OUTLINE

NOTES
*	This order of service is based on the Brief Service of the Word, in Rites and Resources for Pastoral Care, page 204.
*	The order does not need to be printed out for the congregation. The songs, the Creed (if used), and the Lord's Prayer can be provided on OH screen or printed sheet, or a hymnbook could be used and the appropriate pages referred to. 
*	The service could of course be elaborated, eg using materials from these LCA Worship Resources (LWR) for the Sundays and festivals, as indicated. 
*	The service could be used either primarily for the congregation or primarily for outreach. Different options and emphases would be chosen in each case.
*	Parts in brackets are optional. 

SIMPLE NON-COMMUNION ORDER OF SERVICE OUTLINE

(Song/hymn - refer to LWR for suggestions related to the RCL readings)

(Opening sentences - eg use or adapt the Sentences from LWR)

'In the name' (or a variation, eg 'God is with us here, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.')
OR
Call to worship (eg 'Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things. Amen.' or a seasonal variation)

(Psalm or Old Testament canticle or sung paraphrase of Psalm or canticle - here or after Old Testament)

Old Testament reading (refer to LWR for introductory words in some cases and for ideas for accompanying visuals, dramatised readings, and involving children)
(This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.)

(Psalm or canticle - if not earlier [the antiphon provided in LWR could be used as a refrain - see also sung versions of psalms provided, including song paraphrases])

New Testament reading (refer to LWR for introductory words in some cases and for ideas for accompanying visuals, dramatised readings, and involving children - note also LWR alleluia verse and prayer after the gospel)
(This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.)

(Silence for reflection)

(Song/hymn - refer to LWR for suggestions related to the RCL readings)

Address - refer to LWR for notes on the readings

(Apostles' Creed 
OR
a reading from Luther's Small Catechism)

(Song/hymn - refer to LWR for suggestions related to the RCL readings)

(Offering)

(Offering activity, eg: offering prayer [see LWR] or song / blessing of particular people or objects / commissionings / receptions and farewells / testimony / call for commitment / sharing of congregational activity / dramatic or musical presentation [see Mega Drama resources for dramas based on RCL readings])

Lord's Prayer
(Let us pray together the prayer our Lord has taught us. (or similar invitation))

Prayers
(Prayer of the day (collect) - see LWR for these)
(Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.  (after each petition))
(Prayers offered by members of the congregation, or 'bids': Let us pray for . . .)
(See LWR for suggestions for prayer of the church)

(Scriptural verse 
- dismissal/encouragement/exhortation/charge/acclamation [see LWR for dismissals and other verses])

Blessing
A blessing such as:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.
OR
May almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you and grant you his peace. Amen.
OR
May the blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen.
OR
May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and keep you. Amen.

(Song/hymn - refer to LWR for suggestions related to the RCL readings)