Worship
Worship is at the center of faith life at MPLC. We gather "round" in our unique, saucer-shaped, ¾ circular worship space, where everyone has a good view. Guests are welcome at all worship services (and there’s no awkward "guest introduction" time to worry about!).
COVID-19 Update
As of April 1, 2021, we have begun the transition back to in-person worship services, but still plan to maintain the 8:25 AM online worship service on Sundays. After Easter, in-person worship will be on Sundays at 10 AM. Registration required. See the home page of this website for sign up links, and a complete Easter schedule.
Here’s a bit more about our worship services, under 'normal' circumstances:
Services
Each of our three weekend services has a little different flavor, but all include the same sermon and Holy Communion. Saturdays at 5 PM feel a bit more contemplative, in part due to piano-based music instead of the organ. With a shorter liturgy, these services tend to last about 45 minutes. Sundays at 8:30 AM have the largest attendance of our three services. They feature special music by our talented Senior Choir (Sept-May), a children’s message, and lively organ and piano music. Sundays at 11 AM (or 10:15 between Memorial Day and Labor Day) offer a more relaxed, quiet service including a children’s message, organ/piano, and tend to clock in at about 45 minutes.
Holy Communion
We celebrate communion at each weekend service in the church's clearest expression of God’s grace and the "communion of saints". Guests in worship are always welcome to receive communion with us because Jesus invites all to this open table. When you come forward to receive, you will be offered a piece of bread ("the body of Christ, given for you") and your choice of small cups of wine or grape juice ("the blood of Christ, shed for you"). Gluten-free wafers or yeast-free wheat wafers are also alternatives upon request. Children of any age may receive communion at their parent's discretion. Those who cannot come to the altar for communion are offered communion at their seat.
Accessibility
Our building is completely wheelchair accessible by virtue of ramps between floors. Our 16thStreet side entrance leads to our most gradually sloped ramps. (Please let a main-entrance greeter know if you need access to this door so we can make sure it’s unlocked for you.) Although our sanctuary seating is on a slope, several rows of pews are level as you enter the back of the sanctuary. Large-print bulletins are available in binder-folders from an usher. Our sound system amplifies our leaders and choir to assist the hearing-impaired.