Burns Memorial United Methodist Church

Worship at Burns Memorial United Methodist Church is encouraged and experienced in many different ways. At worship times, we gather together as brothers and sisters in Christ to praise and worship God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we would do well to live our lives as an act of worship, and while we each should worship as individuals, corporate worship is a significant part of the Christian life. In the Bible, we read “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 ). We need to worship as a congregation, to pray together, to praise God together, and to learn from God through reading and hearing his written word.

At Burns, it is important to us to set time aside each week so we can become energized through his Word and prepare ourselves for the week ahead. By dedicating the Lord's Day to worship and fellowship, we consciously open our hearts and minds to God's written word (the Bible) and the living Word (Jesus) and can come to know and understand his plan for us.

Our current worship services include a traditional worship service on Sunday mornings at 11:00 am, and our Sunday Evening Service at 6:00 p.m. We also offer a prayer service on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am when we join together before Sunday School for a short service to offer our prayers and praises. In addition, throughout the year, we observe special services of worship such as Easter Sunrise Service, Christmas Eve Service, and a memorial service where we remember and honor deceased loved ones. Also, we encourage and experience opportunities for worship in our many small groups, and through family and individual devotional times.

Those who are a part of this congregation are given many opportunities in which to participate in our worship services.

Choir

Burns Church has an outstanding choir that blesses us each Sunday, and on special occasions, with beautiful music praising our God. All are welcome to join. Choir practice is typically on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. with other practices scheduled as needed. For more information about the church choir, please contact our choir director, Debra Welch, at 706-790-8332.

Acolytes

Becoming an acolyte is a great way for our young people to begin their service to God. They have the awesome responsibility of bringing in the Light of Christ at the beginning of each service as they process in carrying brass candle lighters and light the candles on the altar to signify God's presence. Young persons aged 10 and up are eligible to become acolytes. For more information, or to sign up to acolyte, please contact our acolyte coordinator, Barbara Padgett, at 706-798-2273.

Liturgists

Liturgists are members of the congregation, usually adults, who assist in worship by leading the morning service in the Affirmation of Faith and by praying the offertory prayer before the offering is taken. The Affirmation of Faith and the offering are integral parts of the worship service through which the liturgists serve Christ. A good, clear speaking voice is desired, but not necessary, as we will work with anyone who desires to serve as liturgist. All are welcome to participate. Please contact our Worship Coordinator, Valarie Kepner, at 706-560-1175 for more information or to register as a liturgist.

Communion Servers

Communion Servers play a very important role in worship. Communion is offered on the first Sunday of each month. Our communion servers are dedicated members of the congregation who serve the sacraments of bread and juice, symbolizing the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, to their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The Communion Servers assist our pastors who pray with individuals as they receive the sacraments. A small amount of training is needed. Please contact our Worship Coordinator, Valarie Kepner, at 706-560-1175 for more information or to register as a communion server.

Ushers

Ushers are a vital part of our Sunday services because they are usually the first persons someone sees as he or she enters the front doors of the church. Our ushers, usually adults in the congregation, take on the duties of greeting individuals as they enter the church, giving them an Order of Worship, and assisting in seating or special needs. The ushers are also responsible for collecting the offering as well as assisting the congregation in proceeding for communion. Members of our Youth Group also serve as ushers on a regular schedule. Please contact our Worship Coordinator, Valarie Kepner, at 706-560-1175 for more information or to sign up as an usher.

We welcome and encourage all our fellow Christians, or those wishing to become members of God's church, to join us each Sunday for a powerful service that will revitalize your faith and prepare you for the week to come.