First Wednesday
Do you enjoy worship? Is Sunday not enough? By the middle of the week, are you in need of “spiritual pick-me-up?” Are you hungry for something more? Are you ready for the next step in your worship encounter with God? If you said, “YES” to any of these questions then you’re ready for FIRST WEDNESDAY.
What is First Wednesday? It’s a Wednesday evening worship experience for the Body of Christ to gather together and seek after the heart of God.
When is First Wednesday? OK, really…you’re actually asking this question? OK, we’ll humor you. First Wednesday is on the First Wednesday of EVERY month.
What time is First Wednesday? It starts at 7:00 PM.
How long will it last? Who knows? We know your children have bed times, and you have work the next day, but this time is for you. If you need to leave before we’re “done” (whatever that is) then you’re free to go. While we anticipate it lasting anywhere from an hour to an hour and half, if you need more time then you’re invited to stay and worship, pray, be silent, read scripture, engage God, or do whatever refreshes your soul.
What about my children? Child care is available for children birth – five years of age. Otherwise, you’re encouraged to come with your children and worship as a family.
What will we do? Truthfully, it will be different each time. There is no specific formula, order of worship, or prearranged format. As you walk into the sanctuary you might find stations set around the room for you to take time with your Creator. We might start with confession, an energizing set of worship music, Holy Communion, prayer or any other number of worship elements. There is no set teaching, series, or study to engage in. Our Worship Pastor will take a few minutes during the evening to teach us about the biblical significance of each act of worship and what the Lord is calling us to do both as a group and as individuals. Our Lead Pastor will lead us in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Then the rest of the evening will be dedicated to connecting to Christ through worship.
Should I bring my Bible? Definitely! God may have something He wants to say to you and one of His favorite ways to communicate to His people is through His Word. If you don't have one...don't worry, we'll give you one!
Will it be like Sunday morning at The Highlands? We hope not! As wonderful as Sunday worship is let’s face it…worship is much bigger than our congregation on a Sunday morning. If Sunday morning pushes your comfort level then First Wednesday will “challenge” you, but if your ready for something deeper this may be your venue.
Should I invite my friends? Are you kidding?! OF COURSE!! It’s our long term prayer and hope that First Wednesday will become a community worship opportunity for the Body of Christ to gather together and leave the denominational labels behind and stand in the unity of Christ as Savior and Lord. Thus, this is an open event to ALL believers and the community as a whole, so please “invite people to a real relationship with Jesus.”
What about our Small Group meeting on Wednesday? We understand that some small groups meet on Wednesday evenings, but this is a once a month worship experience. Therefore, we’re encouraging you to do one of the following: 1. Continue your small group as usual; or, 2. Come worship at First Wednesday as a small group and then go out for coffee afterwards and chat about how you encountered the Lord in worship.
The Bible teaches us that there is so much more to worship than what we've come to believe. It is not the great band playing your favorite song, making you "feel" like this is great worship. Rather, real worship is about vulnerability, submission, sacrifice, acceptance, and finally adoration.
Through a variety of means (teaching, familiar and unfamiliar songs, prayers, stations, the Sacraments, confession, praise, liturgy, silence,) we hope to create an environment in which each of us can encounter our Creator in worship in order to connect and submit to His will and His call on our lives. This is the purpose of First Wednesday.
Still have questions? Email our Worship Pastor, Carl Lubbe, at .