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The Language of Worship 

In late 1984, the Session approved a statement on inclusive language which is important to our life together.  It reads: 

Broad Street Presbyterian Church strives to make the language of Christian worship (scripture reading, sermons, prayers, and hymns) reflect God's love for all humanity and broaden our image of God. 

There are many instances in the Bible where nouns and pronouns are used to describe God, Christ and human beings.  Christians should be concerned about bias with regard to sex, handicap, race, and ethnic group.  God's love is for all human beings, as made clear in Galatians 3:28:  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Inclusive language should receive increasing use in public worship.  The Inclusive Language Lectionary should be used as a resource in worship services and hymns should be modified to make the language more inclusive.

This policy is aligned with the policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as found in the new Directory for the Worship of God.  It is this directory which guides the Worship and Music Committee and the Session in decisions regarding our worship life.  A copy of the Directory for the Worship of God is available from any minister.

It is our hope that your participation in Broad Street worship is an inspirational and strengthening experience for you and that if you are visiting you will want to worship with us again.

Worship at Broad Street

At the center of our congregational life is corporate worship.  Sunday worship occurs at 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. from the first Sunday after Labor Day through the last Sunday in May.  Music is provided by The Broadstreet Choir, soloists, instrumentalists and ensembles during the 11:00 a.m. service in the Sanctuary.  The earlier service is held in the more intimate Courtyard area of the building and features weekly communion in addition to retaining many of the features of the 11:00 a.m. service.  Throughout the summer months Sunday worship occurs at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. 

To assist those with hearing impairment, FM receivers are available in the rear of the Sanctuary.  Copies of sermons are available in the Narthex and on the church website at www.bspc.org.  Music and the Word from Broad Street Presbyterian Church, compact discs of Sunday services, are available in the Church Office. 

From this center of corporate worship the ministries of education, outreach, social witness and fellowship radiate to and through the congregation. 

If you are a guest or visitor in worship we hope that you will sign the friendship pad as it is passed and remain for informal conversation during the coffee hour following worship. 

The Worship, Music and Arts Committee of the Session oversees and directs the worship life of our congregation.  Concerns or suggestions for our worship may be directed to the chairperson at the church address.

Celebrating Baptism 

The Sacrament of Baptism is one of two sacraments of our church.  It is both a sign of God's love and the symbol of the entrance into the Christian community. In our belief, baptism may be administered to adults when membership in the church is desired, or to infants upon the request of their parents.  This sacrament involves promises made by the congregation in nurturing those being baptized and therefore is ordinarily celebrated in Sunday corporate worship.

The Session (our governing board of elders) is responsible for the authorization and approval of all baptisms.  The Session is empowered to authorize the baptism of children whose parents are members of this congregation or children whose parents are members in good standing in some other Christian congregation. 

For those desiring baptism, requests may be made to any of the ministers.

A booklet, entitled The Gift of Baptism, has been written by the Worship, Music and Arts Committee and endorsed by the Session.  This booklet outlines our understanding of the meaning of Christian baptism and the policies of the church in administering the sacrament.  Copies of the booklet are available through the church office.

Celebrating Communion 

For 2,000 years the Christian community has received strength and hope through sharing the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  Whether referred to as Eucharist, Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, or Holy Communion, the bread and cup are received in faith.  It is our practice to either receive the elements in the pews as they are served by the elders of the church or to come forward to receive the elements.

Our church also practices "open communion" meaning that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are invited to participate regardless of denominational affiliation.  Children are also invited to participate when deemed appropriate by parents.  The curriculum of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) attempts to introduce important aspects of communion.  Every other year a workshop is offered for parents and children on celebrating this sacrament.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is always celebrated at the 8:45am Sunday Worship service.  Thirteen annual dates for receiving the sacrament at the 11:00am service have been chosen by the Session as well as dates for two special services.  They are: 

First Sunday in June

First Sunday in July

First Sunday in August

Sunday after Labor Day

World Communion (1st Sunday in October)

First Sunday in November

First Sunday in Advent

First Sunday in the New Year

First Sunday in February

Ash Wednesday (February 25, 2009)

First Sunday in March

First Sunday in April

Maundy Thursday (April 9, 2009)

 First Sunday in May

Pentecost Sunday (May 31, 2009)

Revised 5/2008