Worship Times
The Sunday worship service is at 11:00 a.m., and is preceded by an intergenerational Sunday School, meeting at 10:15 a.m. Children's choir (ages 5 and up) meets at 10:30
About Worship at Clarion Free Methodist
Our Sunday worship service is a blend of ancient tradition and modern freedom. Because it is important that each person present have an opportunity to meet with God during the service, we emphasize participation. Members of the congregation read portions of Scripture each week, and our two pastors preach strongly biblical sermons and lead prayer, guided by the congregation's thanksgivings and concerns. The congregation worships God with a variety of music drawn from classic hymns, gospel songs and occasional choruses, supported by a small instrumental ensemble and occasionally led by one of the church's gifted singers. We celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of the month and at other special times of the church year.
Child-friendly Worship
The modern Sunday School movement is only about a hundred and fifty years old. For centuries before that, children were nurtured in the faith by the regular services of the church and home instruction. We feel that participation in adult worship should still be a major part of a child's path to Christian maturity, and we try to make that happen in a way that's comfortable for both children and their parents. When you enter the church, you'll see soft toys, coloring sheets and activity books ready for children to use and (for the coloring sheets) take home. Snacks and juice are available, and rest rooms are easy-access for kids. Children play important roles in our worship. They can ring the church bell before the service, light the candles, and come to the music area during hymns to play an intriguing variety of rhythm instruments. We appreciate these special ministries that the children in our fellowship offer. Sometimes there is a children's message; more often, children are simply invited to participate in the usual acts of worship. Services are approximately one hour in length (communion Sundays are slightly longer). Finally, everyone here knows that children need to wiggle and sometimes get fussy. That's OK. If you approve, it's also OK for your child to go to the foyer for more coloring supplies, another cookie, or whatever. Teaching children "respect for others" and "sitting quietly" is a lot easier when kids know that they have some freedom too. (Parents know this as "pick your battles carefully.") Our rationale for child-friendly worship was summed up by one of our youngsters (then four years old). When she was asked about ways to make church better, she answered, "Less sitting. More eating." We've been following her advice ever since.