Reformed Worship

Rooted in Calvinism and in a strong confessionalism, Reformed churches are being shaped significantly by liturgical and charismatic trends. Although these influences are creating tension and upheaval, the RCA is attempting to deal constructively with change. The Basic Pattern The Approach to God. The congregation approaches God through the following: Votum. While the word votum is peculiar to the liturgy of the Reformed church in America, its content is Psalm 124:8. The votum begins worship by announcing who God is and who we are: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. " A Latin word, votum means "desire," in this context meaning the desire of the congregation that its whole life is to be lived in the acknowledgment of God's help. The people affirm this to be true with a vocal Amen. Sentences. The sentences continue the approach with scriptural words setting the tone of the service. When used responsively, they enable the congregation to be immediate…