Worship at Mayesville Presbyterian Church is structured according to traditional practices.  Choir and organ lead worshippers in hymns that have taught and inspired the faithful through the ages.  These are interspersed with newer hymns that have won a place in the Church's body of hymnody because of the strength and integrity of their texts, and the power of the melodies with which they have been paired.

As one family in the Lord, we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving, profess our belief through the Apostles' Creed, join in intercessory prayer, and hear the Word of God preached and applied to daily living.  Once each quarter, we gather around the Lord's table to observe his command, given at supper on the night before he died, to "do this in remembrance of me."  (Luke 22:19)

In December, we invite the entire communities of Mayesville, Sumter, and beyond to celebrate with us the traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Through Scripture readings, congregational carols, and choral music, we recall our salvation history and God's intervention in that history through the Incarnation of His Son.

A special service on the evening of Maundy Thursday focuses our attention on the incomprehensible redemptive sacrifice of our Lord's suffering and death that lead to His resurrection and our salvation.  After the sermon, our focus is drawn to the Lord's table as we recall the events of the Passover supper that Jesus shared with his disciples.  Then, through an abbreviated Service of Shadows, we are called to dwell upon the enormity of Jesus' sacrifice made on our behalf.  The sober service concludes in darkness and silence.

In the spring, we once again invite the wider community to join with us for either a Bible conference or a hymn festival.  These events, part of our Rejoicings Series, are scheduled on alternate years in rotation with each other. Bible conferences are led by outstanding theologians in our denomination.  Dr. Derek Thomas led the 2023 conference.  Hymn festivals are joyous occasions in which we sing the great hymns of Christianity and learn something of their background, as well as that of their composers and authors. 

The Nature of Christian Worship

"By the works of His hands and the Word of His mouth, God calls all mankind to worship and serve Him. In His being and works, God is most worthy of worship. He is the creator and sustainer of all who live; therefore every person should honor Him as God and give thanks. Indeed, whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we should do all to the glory of God. By the mercies shown to them, those redeemed in Christ are especially called to worship and serve God."   

~ The Directory of Public Worship for the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church

"The light of nature showeth that there is a God, Who hath lordship and sovreignty over all; is good and doeth good unto all and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might."   

~ Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XXI, Section 1

"Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever."

~ Westminster Shorter Cathechism

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."   

~ Acts 2:42

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

~ John 4:24

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!  For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

~Psalm 95:6-7

We Believe

1. The Bible is the only inspired, infallible, authoritative word of God; without error as originally written.

2. God is the one, perfect eternally existent God who is also three persons of equal power and glory: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

3. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for our sins, rose bodily from the dead on the third day, ascended into the presence of God and Father now interceding for us, and who will return in power and glory.

4. The Holy Spirit participated in creation, providence, and inspiration of the Bible, began special ministries on the Day of Pentecost for the Church, indwells every believer, baptizes all in Christ into one Body, is the means of all acceptable worship and service, and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

5. Man was created in God’s image, sinned and incurred both physical and spiritual death, is lost in his natural state, and cannot earn merit or acceptance from God.

6. Salvation (eternal life) is completely the gift of God given by His unmerited love, received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, results in forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and brings new life as a new creature.

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. (Psalm 29:1-2)