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Worship At Salem
It may...
LOOK far too informal,
SOUND way too contemporary,
FEEL a bit too exciting,
and might be TOO MUCH FUN
for this to be CHURCH.
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But, this is a Church and we want to welcome you to it!
God is doing a "new" thing at Salem and you may see or experience some "new" things
during the worship time...in fact, you may ask...
"Do I have to participate?"
The people at Salem have a deep desire for this church to be a "safe" place for
everyone who attends. No one is "forced" into anything. If you want to participate
that's great. If you would like to just sit back and observe, we encourage you to do that
as well. Participate as much or as little as you like.
"Why do you stand?"
At Salem worshippers (the congregation) are encouraged to express their praise to God
spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Worship involves our whole being.
Many enjoy standing as they worship because it allows them to physically enter
into worship more easily. Standing is certainly not a worship requirement.
If you would like to remain seated as you worship or sit down during the worship time...please do.
"Why do some people clap their hands?"
Ps. 47:1 "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy."
"Why do some people raise their hands?"
To express love to God: Ps. 63:4 "I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands."; Ps. 134:2 "Lift up your
hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord."
To express their need for God: Ps. 28:2 "Hear my cry for mercy as I
call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place."
"Why do some people audibly praise the Lord?"
Ps. 33:3 "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy". Ps. 34:1 "I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips".
"What do 'Amen' and 'Hallelujah' mean?"
Amen literally means "I agree" and "Hallelujah" means "praise Yahweh".
Yahweh is the name for God. Both terms are enthusiastic endorsements of God and how He works.
"Why are songs often repeated?"
The purpose of worship is "expression" not just "information".
We are expressing our love to God...not just singing about God.
Many times songs are repeated so that we can tell God over and over
again how much we love Him, praise Him or celebrate His goodness.
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