A working group has met twice in the last few months to explore ways COS can better communicate with visitors and members through our printed material, website, and email. As part of that process, Paul Stoub created an updated version of the COS logo. As you can see above, it retains the purple prism, which has been the church’s identity marker for a number of years. But it updates the prism with a more modern font and a color bar reminiscent of the church’s exterior. Take a look at the updated logo design in context:
The new design translates well to black & white for printing the bulletin, member directory, and liturgy:
The color bar works beautifully in the context of the website design:
The current letterhead looks brighter and more modern, but still looks classy:
The color bar and new fonts can create a bold look when enlarged for signs:
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A Visitor’s Guide to
Worship at
Church of the Servant
We’re glad you’ve joined us at COS today! We hope this guide will help you know what to expect during this morning’s worship service.
Nursery
Children from infants to 3 years old may spend the service in the nursery (A). They’ll be well cared for by the church’s nursery supervisor and a number of volunteers.
Restrooms
You’ll find restrooms in the west hallway (B) and in the Artery (C), where there’s also a family restroom.
Seat Yourself
Feel free to sit anywhere you’d like. The printed liturgy booklet on a seat near you tells everything that will be going on during the service. The congregation follows along from the beginning of the liturgy and joins in on the parts labeled “people.” At various points in the service, you may also need the gray Psalter Hymnal or blue Joyful Noises binder under or near your seat.
LARGE PRINT copies of the liturgy are available on the counter near the main entrance (D). There is a hearing loop [show icon?] in the center section of the sanctuary (E).
There are a few places in worship that may be new to you:
Children’s Processional – Early in the service children 2½ years through 2nd grade are invited to go to the front of the church for a blessing. After that, the kids leave for children’s worship. You’re welcome to come forward with your children, and then get them settled in their rooms. You can pick them up from their classes at the end of the service.
Preparing the Table – Instead of passing offering plates, members of the congregation bring their tithes and offerings to the front of the church. Please don’t feel like you need to give an offering if you’re visiting.
Peace – You’ll be invited to “share the peace” with your neighbors with a handshake and a greeting like “The peace of the Lord be with you.”
Communion – All who are sorry for sin, look to Jesus as their savior, and desire to serve him are welcome to join us for communion. Come forward using the center three aisles and fill up a circle around the platform at the front. When a circle is complete, an elder will start the passing of the bread around the circle. When it comes to you, tear off a piece and hand the loaf to the next person, saying something like “The body of Christ, given for you.” When the cup comes to you, dip your bread in the cup and eat it. Then hand the cup to the next person, saying something like “The blood of Christ, shed for your sins.” Children are welcome to accompany you into the communion circle. If your child stands in front of you, an elder will speak a blessing to him or her. Grape juice is served at the second and third circles. If you have gluten allergies, let the servers know and they’ll bring you gluten-free bread and a cup from the table. When everyone in the circle has been served, people return to their seats using the outer aisles.
Everyone is at a different place in their faith journey. If you’re not ready to go forward for communion, take the opportunity to use one of the prayers on the back as a starting place for prayer and meditation.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord!
At the end of the service, even though we say “go in peace,” we really mean “stay seated for some announcements.” These announcements will give you a good idea of the ministries COS is involved with. If you attend the 8:30am service, please join us for a cup of coffee in the café (F). We hope you’ll get to know a few people before leaving.
What’s Next?
We’re happy you visited today and would be pleased to have you came back again and again. If you need more information about anything, feel free to ask somebody near you; elders, deacons and staff are wearing special nametags. You can also explore COS at our website: www.churchoftheservantcrc.org. If you’d like a follow-up visit, please contact either our church secretary at office@coscrc.org or our minister of congregational life at janice.mcwhertor@coscrc.org.
Thanks again for visiting Church of the Servant!
Meditations for those not taking communion:
Those searching for truth
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” “No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of the water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:3-6)
Those unsure of faith
Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The resurrected Jesus came to Thomas and said, “Do not doubt, but believe.” (John 20:27) May we in faith reply, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
Those struggling with sin
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:8-12) Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
Those feeling despondent or weary
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28) “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
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