All ages gather on Sunday for a worship celebration at 10-11:15 a.m. The celebration is vibrant and participatory, with an opportunity to sing contemporary music led by the “Third Watch” band, a sharing of prayers of praise, joys, and concerns, scripture reading, sermon, and communion. Audio and video screen presentations aid participants.
Sermons
Sermons speak to the relevancy of Christ’s message and mission in today’s world, based on Biblical references. Check the home page for information about the current sermon series.
Communion For All Every Sunday
Holy Communion is celebrated in each Evergreen weekly worship celebration. In the United Methodist Church, Holy Communion is open to all persons. You do not have to be a member to participate. Because we believe that Communion offers the chance for an encounter with God, all persons, including children, are invited to participate and receive the sacrament. Receiving Holy Communion is an individual choice and persons are welcome to participate in the worship celebration without participating in Holy Communion.
Holy Communion is the highest sacrament of the United Methodist Church. This sacrament is often called by other names, including the Lord’s Supper, the Last Supper and Eucharist. The United Methodist Church recognizes only baptism and Holy Communion as sacraments because they were the only acts ordained by Christ.
In Holy Communion, we remember and proclaim God’s saving work through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are reminded again of the gifts of God’s grace and forgiveness given to each of us. In communion, we celebrate what God is doing among us and in us.
Evergreen's Third Watch Band
“Third Watch” Band
Evergreen's Third Watch Band
Evergreen’s contemporary worship celebration begins and ends with praise songs led by the Church’s praise and worship “house band,” known as “Third Watch.” The six-piece band has come together with varied backgrounds and musical experience. In picture at left, front: Barry Briggs, director, guitarist, vocalist; Scottie Pitner, recorded percussions; Phil Pitner, trumpeter; back: Darcy Knight and Cindy Knudsen, vocalists; Tom Knudsen, keyboardist.
“Contemporary Christian songs along with songs of the soul, folk and rock genres are selected to lead the congregation in worship in coordination with the scripture and sermon,” says Barry Briggs, the band’s music director. He coordinates selections in consultation with Rev. Banks. With the aid of video projection of the words, the congregation can sing along with the band. In addition to music made popular by Christian artists such as Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche and Ron Kenoly, the congregation might find itself singing songs done by the likes of Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield, the Byrds or the Beatles. Some favorites include “Spirit in the Sky,” “Oh Happy Day,” and “Jesus is Just Alright.”
The band, which has anchored the early service since January 2006, takes its name from a passage in the Book of Luke in which Jesus discusses preparedness and watchfulness: “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.” Luke 12:38 NIV
