Covenantal
One of the basic ways to describe God’s relationship with his people is as a covenant, a formal, reciprocal relationship of love and faithfulness. An example of a covenant is marriage. Just as husband and wife may grow distant from one another and stand in need of a romantic evening to renew their love and affection for one another, so in worship God reaffirms his lordship and love and calls upon us to renew our allegiance to him. Worship is, quite literally, a meeting with God in which we commune with him as his people.
Responsive
Because worship is a marvelous supernatural encounter involving communion between the triune God and his covenant people, therefore worship involves a covenant conversation. God speaks to His people in the reading and preaching of the Word and in the sacraments, and God's people respond with thankful singing, prayer, and cheerful giving. As we move through the service, you will find it helpful to think of our alternating between God’s speaking to us and our speaking to God.
A family event
For this same reason--because God’s covenant is with believers and their children--God calls families to come and worship him together. We encourage parents to train their children to worship God from tender years and bring them into the service. We are patient with a little noise in the service. There is always a cry room, however, for those who may need it.
