Affirmation of Faith
When we read scripture and hear a sermon, we are “listening” to the Word. The affirmation of faith is a way of “responding” to the Word we’ve received by recommitting ourselves to shaping our lives according to it. We typically affirm our faith communally, though sometimes we hear affirmations of faith from individuals.
Admin Council
A group of Fairmounters called to care for the resources of our church, including our staff, building, and finances.
Anthem
A song offered to God by one of our choirs or musicians meant for the congregation to receive as well.
Assurance of Grace
These words are a reminder of God’s grace. We do not receive forgiveness because we confess. In confessing, we become aware of our need for God’s grace and we are reminded that God still loves us.
Baptism
An affirmation that we belong to God, and a celebration of a member’s lifelong commitment to follow Jesus’ teachings; and one of two sacraments in our church. Baptism is open to all ages.
Blessing
Sometimes called a “benediction,” these words are meant to communicate the sending love, grace, and presence of God that goes with the people as they leave worship and return to ordinary life.
Breaking Bread
An all-church worship service on the first Sunday of the month that’s followed by a communal meal.
Call to Worship
Opening sentences (usually from scripture) that we recite to begin worship.
Care Council
A group of Fairmounters called to care for the people in our congregation and for the life of our congregation as a whole.
Chancel
The area at the front of the sanctuary where the communion table typically sits.
Charge
These words, spoken at the conclusion of worship, are intended to encourage and challenge us to live out the Word of God in the week ahead.
Clerk of Session
An elder (appointed by the Session) to work closely with the pastor to manage Session’s work.
Communion
A sacred meal to celebrate our unity, remember Jesus’ teaching, give thanks, and seek hope; and one of two sacraments in our church.
Deacon
An ordained officer called to ministries of compassion, witness, and service. They care for the congregation and the broader community by addressing physical and spiritual needs, often through acts of hospitality and practical assistance.
Elder
A member elected by the congregation to serve on the Session.
Faith Formation Council
A group of Fairmounters called to support the spiritual growth of Fairmounters of all ages.
Hymn
A song (usually in the purple Glory to God hymnal in your pew) that the entire congregation is invited to sing.
Narthex
The open space beyond the very back of the sanctuary–where you exit through the rear interior doors of the sanctuary itself.
Offering
The time in our worship service when we “pass the plates,” inviting people to place financial offerings or prayer cards in them. Visitors should not feel pressure to give.
Pastors
Ordained as Ministers of Word and Sacrament called to teach the Gospel and administer sacraments. Pastors on staff co-lead the ministries of FPC with lay leadership and staff.
Prayer of Dedication
A prayer following the offering to commit our gifts to God and ask God’s help to use them faithfully.
Prayer of Lament and Confession
A prayer to express grief and take responsibility for harm and injustice in our lives, our families, our church, our community, and/or our world. We typically pray communally, not because we have all committed exactly the same harms, but because we are complicit in the suffering of God’s creation and all equally in need of God’s grace.
Prayer for Illumination
This brief prayer (spoken or sung), which always comes before we read scripture, calls upon the Holy Spirit to listen with the ear of our heart for God’s Word. It’s a prayer of humility–admitting that we cannot truly hear God’s Word for us on our own.
Prayers of the People
A prayer to name both our grief and our gratitude before God. We thank God for their grace that leads us to the good in our lives, and we ask for God’s presence and persuasion in our lives and our world. Typically, the prayer concludes with a communal recitation of a version of the Lord’s Prayer.
Presbyterian Church (USA)
The national denomination to which Fairmount belongs. The PC(USA) is the largest and most progressive Presbyterian denomination in the United States.
Pulpit
The place at the front of the sanctuary where the pastors typically preach from.
Serve Council
A group of Fairmounters called to connect our church with our wider community, including service, justice, and interfaith partnerships.
Session
The governing body (“board”) of the congregation that focuses on the spiritual vitality of the church, and aligning the resources and ministries of the church with its mission.
Statio
Statio is a “holy pause.” It’s a Sabbath moment–a period of quiet to pause between activities. At the end of our statio, you’ll hear the bell toll three times.
Stewardship
The giving and the faithful use of our resources for the mission of the church and the purposes of God.
