Ministry teams - Worship & Music

Purpose

The Worship Ministry team serves to bring about an enthusiastic from of participation from the congregation, which invites families to take part in the liturgy as part of their Christian maturity process. This process, the Minister, Elders and all who are part of the family hosting the particular Sunday worship exemplify the spirit of team participation in leading the congregation in worship. This also promotes the privilege of having a closer involvement in serving God and His people. All this is made possible by rostering each family to host a Sunday worship liturgy. Aside from allowing everyone to take part in leading the worship service, rostering also allows the Minister (or in the absence of a Minister, the Elder) to know each member of the family better. This also gives the Minister/Elder the opportunity to identify and harness the vast gifts and talents of members that will otherwise remain hidden.

Program & Activities - Worship Services

Sunday Morning (10am) - Two part liturgical service:

First part opens to lively Praise and Worship led by the Youth Worship ministry.

Multicultural/multi-generation, informal, contemporary language

Second part involves formal moment of liturgy ushered by hymns, prayers and bible readings, preaching of the Word, and communion.

Communion Sunday

Traditionally held every 1st Sunday of the month, during the 10am service.

Youth Sunday

Held every 5th Sunday of the month. Takes the place of normal 10am service

Service is prepared and hosted by the Youth group. From the Praise and Worship, bible readings, worship service presider, as well as inviting the morning's speaker/preacher of the Word

Filipino/Tagalog Worship Service

Held every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8:30 - 9:30am

Caroline Springs Worship Service

Held every Sunday 5:30 - 6:30pm at Brookside Community Centre, Caroline Springs

Rostering

Families are rostered year round to lead in worship, bible reading, liturgy, ushering and altar preparations

This is for the purpose of bringing families closer to worship, and sharing the tasks. Responsibility assisted by the church elders and monitored by the Minister.

Preaching

As part of the wider Uniting Church in Australia, the congregation here at St Albans-Filipino Uniting Church follows the common lectionary to follow the Evangelical teachings of the Scriptures, which connect present practical living and journeys particular to the congregation.

Lay Preaching

Two accredited lay preachers are preaching occasionally and some of the Elders and members of the Congregation are capable to preach the Word during the Pastor's leave/absence or vacancy

Special Worship Events Throughout the Year

Holy Week services include: Maundy Thursday - the Last Supper, Good Friday - the Seven Last Words, Easter Sunday - Sunrise Service (dawn worship)

Advent services include Simbang Gabi - Three nights worship in lieu of the traditional nice services in the Philippines.

Carols by Candlelight - a joint activity involving the congregations of St Albans-Filipino, Deer Park, and Sunshine

New Year's Eve service - a reflection of the concluding year and welcoming of the New Year through worship and fellowship

Great Sunday of Sharing - often celebrated with other congregations, or in the Congregation by highlighting its cultural diversity

Founding anniversary of our congregation

Fathers Day and Mothers Day are celebrated with special items from the children followed by a luncheon fellowship

Observes other special Sundays as celebrated by the Uniting Church in Australia.