‘Call a Solemn Assembly’

(Joel 2:15)

“A Call to Seek God for Spiritual Renewal of the Church,” issued by the 2008 General Assembly, invites churches and presbyteries to set aside special times for renewal through intentional worship gatherings that draw upon the Biblical tradition of the solemn assembly, such as those found in Joel 2.

A solemn assembly is a special gathering of God’s people to confess their sin and need of Christ’s grace in order that they might receive power from on high to be God’s faithful people in ministry to the world. Learn more about solemn assemblies and how your church body might conduct one.

Worship

At the heart of the church's life is our worship of the one God. The Office of Theology and Worship continues to work in partnership with congregations to deepen the worship life of the church.

'Invitation to Christ'

Sisters and brothers in Christ, grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We write to invite you on a spiritual journey to explore the deep and joyful waters of baptism.

As members of the Sacraments Study Group of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we are convinced that a rediscovery of the gift and the call of our baptism can transform the church for ministry in the 21st century. [Read more about Invitation to Christ]

Frequently asked questions
What’s a Paschal candle? Who is responsible for choosing the hymns? Is it an altar or a table? Our frequently asked questions page seeks to demystify some of the basics of Presbyterian liturgical practice so that we may attend to the deeper mysteries of Christian worship.

Worship Resources
Resources developed to deepen the church's worship.

Daily Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary along with readings from the Mission Yearbook and the new Study Catechism. For more information on the lectionary, visit The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT) Web site.

Emerging Worship
The Office of Theology and Worship is responding to the contemporary worship movement with an approach called Emerging Worship. Emerging Worship refers to any practice of worship that is expressive, faithful to tradition, and attentive to local context.

Presbyterian Association of Musicians
PAM is a national organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for people who are involved in the areas of worship, music, and the arts.

Catechumenate
Church members, both new and old, need guidance in disciplines of scripture reading and prayer, and they need a structured environment in which to reflect on faith as they grow in their relationship to Christ