The Common Order of Worship at Covenant Church

The Gospel at the Heart of Our Worship

At Covenant Church, we believe that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation—the good news that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, died on the cross to bear our guilt, and rose again to give us new life. Through repentance and faith in Him, we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and transformed by His grace.

Our desire is that you come to know the wonderful Saviour personally and walk daily with Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is more than the profession of beliefs or the observance of outward forms; it is a life of faith and communion with Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, and with His family, the Church of God.

For this reason, worship stands at the heart of our life together as a Church. At Covenant Church, we seek to give the Word of God first place in guiding us as we worship. We do so in continuity with the Church throughout history, not as spectators, but together as the Household of God, bringing our prayers, praises, thanksgiving, and confession before our King.

The Order of Our Worship

Our services follow a gospel-centred pattern. God calls His people to worship; we come before Him in praise and adoration; we hear His Law and confess our sins; we are reminded of His grace and forgiveness in Christ; we confess our faith, sing His praises, and offer our prayers for the Church and the world; we hear the Holy Scriptures read and preached; and we receive His Blessing as we are sent forth to serve Him.

This pattern is shaped by the great story of redemption: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. It also reflects the conviction that Christian worship is not something performed before an audience. We gather as the people of God to hear Him address us through His Word and to respond together in faith, repentance, prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

Some parts of the service are spoken by the Minister, others by the Congregation (bold words in the liturgy), and others are offered together in song and prayer; yet the whole service is the worship of the gathered Church of the Triune God.

The Liturgies Available Here

In this section, you will find the ordinary Orders of Service used in the worship of Covenant Church of London. It is intended to help both members and visitors understand the movement of the service, know what is taking place, and participate in the worship of God with the Congregation.

Throughout the liturgy, the rubrics and instructions indicate what is taking place and who is appointed to lead or respond. Where the Congregation is called to pray, confess, or respond together, we encourage you to join in those words. Scripture references are included throughout so that you may see how the language and pattern of our worship are grounded in the Word of God.

The different Orders of Service provide several forms for our ordinary Lord’s Day worship. Although the particular Scriptures, prayers, confessions, and responses may vary, the essential movement of the service remains the same. Each order seeks to lead the Congregation through the worship of God in a manner that is biblical, reverent, Christ-centred, and rooted in the historic Reformed tradition.

If liturgical worship is new to you, do not be concerned if everything is unfamiliar at first. Simply follow the order of service, listen attentively to the reading and preaching of God’s Word, and join with the Congregation as you are able. You are also welcome simply to listen and observe. In time, our prayer is that the pattern of the service will help you see more clearly how the whole Church participates together in the worship of God.

The Sacramental Services

The sacramental services of Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are also contained in this section. The Lord’s Supper is ordinarily celebrated on the first Sunday of each month, while Holy Baptism is administered as occasion requires. Separate orders are used for these sacramental services.

If You Are Visiting

If you are exploring the Christian faith, I encourage you to listen, to ask questions, and to seek the truth found in the Scriptures. If you are already a believer, I invite you to grow with us as we study the Scriptures, pray, worship, and serve together, seeking the expansion of Christ’s Kingdom.

You should never feel that you must already understand every part of the service before joining us. Our hope is that this book will help you become familiar with the pattern of worship and, more importantly, understand why we worship as we do.

Our Prayer for You

At Covenant Church, you will find a warm community of believers from many backgrounds who are united by one faith in the Triune God. We are a Bible-teaching, Christ-centred, Reformed, and Presbyterian church. Everything we do—our worship, fellowship, discipleship, and service—is built upon the truth of God’s Word. We are committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ and proclaiming His Gospel faithfully, both here in London and to the nations.

May you find in our church a place of hope, truth, and grace, where Christ is exalted, His Word is faithfully proclaimed, and His people grow together in faith, love, and holiness.

We pray that the Lord will bless you and your family richly in His mercy and peace.

The Reverend J. M. Bragatto
Minister of the Word & Sacraments