How do I write words of welcome?

As an expression of the church's hospitality, the words of welcome make explicit the welcome to the physical or online time of worship.A variety of things can be included in these words of welcome, including:

• Welcome to members and guests worshiping in the sanctuary and/or online
• Specific information about the worship service or materials for the worship service
• Any instructions on logistics for during or after the service

Words of welcome are part of the opening sequence in a worship service. The pieces of this opening sequence can include:

• Opening Prayer
• Words of Welcome
• Call to Worship
• God's Greeting

How do I write a sending?

The call to discipleship in the sending signals that our worship is not over at the end of a worship service. Instead, our worship continues in our daily living through obedient and grateful living. Our fruit must bear witness to what God has done in our lives. The sending therefore also contains a mandate to promote God's rule and reign in the world. It can be a called a call to service, a call to discipleship, an exhortation, a charge, or a commissioning.

The sending is part of the close of worship sequence comprising:

• Sending
• Closing Prayers
• Blessing or Benediction

What Bible readings can be used for the sending?

• Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you?"
• Matthew 22:36–40, the greatest commandment
• Matthew 28:19–20, the Great Commission
• 1 Corinthians 16:13–14, keep alert, stand firm in your faith
• Ephesians 1:18–19, God has called us to hope
• Ephesians 4:1–6, lead a life worthy of our calling
• Colossians 3:12–14, clothe yourselves with compassion . . .
• Colossians 3:17, "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus"
• Hebrews 13:1–3, do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers
• 1 John 3:23, love one another as Jesus commanded