Worship

Singing, prayer, reading and explaining the Bible, communion, giving, quiet reflection - you will find all of these different forms of worship used by churches in their worship. You will also find a great variety of styles of worship used between different Christian denominations (groups) and between different churches within each Christian denomination.

Some churches use "liturgy" - church services that are written down so that the congregation can follow what is happening and join in by reading prayers together out loud. These will be led by a priest or minister, usually wearing special clothes (vestments).

Other churches will be informal with varied services led by the church members with no "special" clothing. Some may include times of spontaneous worship ("open worship" - when people in the congregation take turns to pray or speak as they feel God guiding them). Most will include reading from the Bible and an explanation of its meaning (sermon).

The songs and music may be traditional led by a choir or contemporary and lively led by a worship band using drums, keyboard, electric guitars etc. Or there may be a mixture of both!