Worship
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
Sunday Morning Worship
Each Sunday, we gather at 9:30 am for worship in our historic sanctuary. We also offer remote worship through Zoom. For information about how to join us online, please contact the church office at 207-778-0424.
Worship is at the center of all we do at Old South. It's intimate and inclusive; expansive and celebratory. We utilize a blend of traditional and modern elements to help awaken our souls to the ever-present, unconditional love of The Holy. We worship each Sunday at 9:30 a.m in our sanctuary. ALL are welcome to celebrate communion with us the first Sunday of each month—even if you've been told otherwise at another church. Gluten-free wafers are available.
Children in Worship
Children are a cherished part of our community, and we welcome the babble of little voices as part of our liturgy. During the school year, a special "Time for Children" takes place about 15 minutes into the service, after which children from pre-K through 6th grade are invited to attend Sunday School. Older students in middle and high school are invited to join a Sunday morning “small group” discussion at this time. From September to mid-June, Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers. Parents are also welcome to keep children with them in the pews. A special area with rocking chairs for young families and nursing moms is available on the organ side of the sanctuary, towards the back. Canvas “activity bags”—filled with crayons, coloring pages and books—are available; please ask an usher if you’d like one. During the summer months, parents may use the Nursery room as needed.
What to Expect in Worship
Where do I go? Our church building is located at 235 Main Street in downtown Farmington, near the intersection of Academy and Main Streets. Visitors may park on the street, in the large lot to the left of the church, or in the small rear lot to the right of the church. On Sunday mornings, the large doors facing Main Street are open, as are the side entrances (the “Vestry” door on the left, and the “Newman Wing” door in the rear, right side). What should I wear? We're a pretty casual congregation. You’ll see everything from coat and tie to t-shirts and jeans. Most people find themselves somewhere in the middle. Please wear whatever makes you comfortable. What is the service like? Here are words our members have used to describe worship at Old South: "vibrant," "life-giving," "deep and intimate," "Spirit-filled." Our service includes a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. In all, a service typically lasts from 60 to 75 minutes. What do I have to believe (or pretend to believe)? We are non-creedal, which means that we believe in testimonies of faith, not tests of faith. At Old South you will find a diversity of beliefs, and have the opportunity to explore your beliefs more deeply. We take the Bible seriously but not literally. We are a Christ-centered church, and in the spirit of Jesus, we welcome everyone into fellowship. Is the church handicap accessible? Handicap parking is located in the parking lot in the rear of the church. Turn down the drive located between 227 Main Street (large white house) and 235 Main Street (Old South Church). There is a lift (elevator) to the main floor at this entrance. An accessible bathroom is located in the main (upper) level Newman Wing. What if I still have questions? Do you want to be in conversation with a real person before your first visit? E-mail our minister with any and all questions.
Seasonal Worship Events
Mid-week vespers: During Advent (the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas) and Lent (the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday), we offer Wednesday evening vesper services. These 30-minute candlelit services include space for song, prayer, scripture, and silence. Held in our Newman Wing Chapel, vespers are smaller and much more intimate than our traditional worship. Many refer to these vesper services as a "thin place" where God's presence becomes palpable. Ecumenical worship: Old South is a proud member of the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry (FAEM), a community of Christian churches in Franklin County who bring the good news of God's love into the world. FAEM offers several joint worship services each year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Good Friday. Our congregation frequently participates in (and often hosts) these services.