Worship Ministry | Fort King Presbyterian Church
Ministry Members: Daniel Banks (Chair), Nancy Copeland, Hal Brown, Jeannie Tyler, Becky Wolf, Debbie Pangrass
Pastoral Advisor: The Pastor serves as a guiding advisor to the Ministry (ex-officio).
Online Information: https://ftkingchurch.org/worship-ministry-information/
Our Purpose
The Worship Ministry exists to create meaningful, spiritually engaging worship experiences that draw our congregation closer to God and to one another. Through thoughtful liturgy, music, sacraments, and service, we seek to foster authentic connection—with God, within our church family, and with the wider community. We celebrate the diversity of our congregation while uniting in shared faith and purpose.
Primary Responsibilities
We oversee the planning, coordination, and support of all worship-related activities, including:
- Weekly & Special Services – Preparation for regular Sunday worship, as well as weddings, funerals, and memorial services.
- Worship Leadership – Arranging for guest ministers, substitute organists, and guest musicians as needed.
- Music Ministry – Supporting choir and nurturing musical worship.
- Service Environment – Coordinating sanctuary floral arrangements and coordinating with Technology Ministry regarding audio/visual systems.
- Worship Hospitality – Overseeing the ministries of ushers, greeters, and acolytes.
- Seasonal Programs – As appropriate.
Regular Worship Service
- Time: Sundays at 10:30 AM
- Location: Sanctuary and online via Zoom (or other video conferencing platforms). This hybrid format ensures we can reach our beloved congregants who are shut-ins, in care facilities, or traveling, actively extending our worship community and inclusivity.
How We Operate
- Monthly Meetings: The Ministry meets via Zoom (or other video conferencing platform) each month to coordinate efforts and plan ahead.
- Meeting Coordination: The Chair sends out video conference invitations. A volunteer offers an opening devotional, as well as opening and closing prayer for each meeting. Another volunteer records the minutes during the meeting.
- Reporting & Accountability: The Chair prepares and submits a condensed summary of the meeting minutes to the Clerk of Session promptly after each meeting. We report regularly to the Session and work in close partnership with the pastoral staff.
- Open Communication: We welcome suggestions and feedback from all members of our church family. “View from the Pews” is an important part of our planning process.
Annual Worship Planning Calendar
This calendar outlines key dates and the two-month planning lead time for special services and thematic worship.
January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Observed Sunday, January 18, 2026)
Planning in November 2025: Plan music, prayers, and a sermon focused on justice, unity, and Dr. King’s legacy.
February: Black History Month (All Sundays in February)
Planning in December 2025: Coordinate a series of music, litanies and possibly sermons, that celebrate Black heritage and its contributions to the faith.
March: Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10, 2026)
Planning in January 2026: Plan a service honoring caregivers of all kinds. Incorporate special music, a blessing for mothers, and consider recognizing the nurturing spirit in the congregation.
March: Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, February 18, 2026)
Planning in January 2026: Plan the imposition of ashes, select somber music, and finalize the theme for the Lenten sermon series.
March: Maundy Thursday (Thursday, March 26, 2026)
Planning in January 2026: Plan the Tenebrae service, scripture readings, and the format for Communion. Coordinate music.
March: Good Friday (Friday, March 27, 2026)
Planning in January 2026: Plan a solemn service focusing on the crucifixion. This could be a community ecumenical service or a quiet, reflective service.
April: Easter Sunday (Sunday, March 29, 2026)
Planning in February 2026: Major Event: Plan the sunrise service, special music (choir, brass, orchestra), festive decorations, and any family activities like an egg hunt.
May: Pentecost Sunday (Sunday, May 24, 2026)
Planning in March 2026: Plan for a “sea of red” in decorations and attire. Incorporate the reading of the Pentecost story in multiple languages and vibrant music.
May: Blessing of the Pets (Sunday, October 4, 2026, aligning with St. Francis of Assisi Feast)
Planning in July 2026: Plan an outdoor or informal service for the blessing of animals. Coordinate logistics for pets, select appropriate scriptures, and prepare individual blessings.
June: Juneteenth (Friday, June 19, 2026 – Observed Sunday, June 21, 2026)
Planning in April 2026: Incorporate hymns, prayers, and a sermon commemorating emancipation and reflecting on freedom and racial justice.
June: Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21, 2026)
Planning in April 2026: Plan a service honoring fathers and father figures. Include music, a message on faith and mentorship, and a time of recognition.
July: Independence Day (Observed Sunday, July 5, 2026)
Planning in May 2026: Plan patriotic-themed music and prayers for the nation and its leaders.
September: Back-to-School Blessing (First Sunday after Labor Day)
Planning in July 2026: Plan a vibrant, upbeat service with a blessing for students, educators, and school staff.
October: World Communion Sunday (Sunday, October 4, 2026)
Planning in August 2026: Celebrate the global church. Plan to serve Communion and incorporate elements that highlight the worldwide body of Christ.
October: Earth Care Sunday (Often first Sunday of October)
Planning in August 2026: Integrate creation-care themes, scriptures, and music. Consider an outdoor service or activity.
November: Thanksgiving Sunday (Sunday, November 22, 2026)
Planning in September 2026: Plan a worship service focused on gratitude. Coordinate with Interfaith on food drives.
December: Hanging of the Greens (Sunday, November 29, 2026 – First Sunday of Advent)
Planning in October 2026: Plan the service where the church is decorated for Christmas. Coordinate the order of service, music, and volunteer roles for decorating.
December: Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026)
Planning in October 2026: Major Event: Plan the candlelight service(s), special music (choir, soloists), the reading of the Christmas story, and Communion.
