The Church of Faith and Reason gathers each Sunday to celebrate the past, harness the present, and shape the future of our universe.

 

Our services, inspired by the rhythm of traditional worship, provide a sacred space to honor humanity’s journey from biologic intelligence to the cosmic era ahead. Below is the order of our services, designed to unite faith and reason in harmony.

 

1. Prelude and Moment of Reverence (12:45-12:55pm)

​The service opens with a Prelude, a gentle musical introduction that invites the congregation into a sacred space of stillness and contemplation. Following this, the Moment of Reverence encourages attendees to pause and turn their hearts and minds toward the Creator, fostering a sense of awe and humility as they prepare for the journey of worship ahead.

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2. Welcome, Announcements, and Call to Worship (1:00-1:05pm)

A lay leader, chosen from the congregation, greets attendees and shares brief announcements about upcoming events, service opportunities, or community needs. This moment grounds the service in the present, connecting members as a living community.

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3. Stand and Sing (1:05-1:10pm)

The congregation begins with an opening song, selected from a hymnal blending traditional melodies with lyrics that reflect the wonder of existence and our place in the cosmos. All are invited to sing, lifting their voices in unity to set a tone of reverence and anticipation.

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4. Opening Prayer and Invocation (1:10-1:15pm)

​After the opening song, a member of the congregation offers the Opening Prayer and Invocation. This prayer calls upon the Creator to bless the gathering, seeking divine wisdom and openness as the community embarks on a service that explores both the mysteries of faith and the insights of reason.

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​5. Scripture Reading (1:10-1:15pm)

​The Scripture Reading features a passage from a sacred text—such as the Bible, Quran, or Bhagavad Gita—selected to resonate with the day’s theme. Shared by a member, this reading bridges humanity’s spiritual past with its present, inviting the congregation to reflect on timeless truths that continue to guide our collective journey.

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6. Church Business, Sustainings, Organization (1:10-1:15pm)

This segment, Church Business, Sustainings, and Organization, addresses the practical workings of the community. It includes updates on congregational matters, Sustainings—where members affirm leaders and volunteers in their roles—and organizational decisions. This moment ensures the church operates with transparency and shared purpose, reflecting its commitment to stewardship and unity.

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7. Moment of Faith: Teaching from Religion & Philosophy (1:15-1:20pm)

A speaker offers a Moment of Faith (5 minutes), revisiting a passage from humanity’s sacred scriptures—drawn from texts like the Quran, Bible, Torah, Bhagavad Gita, Tripitaka, Guru Granth Sahib, or Book of Mormon. The focus is on gleaning a “gem of truth” (e.g., compassion, justice, unity) that remains foundational today. This moment connects the past to the present, honoring the myths and legends that shaped our moral and social evolution, while inviting personal reflection on their enduring relevance.

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8. Moment of Reason: Teaching from Science (1:20-1:30pm)

Next, a designated speaker—often a member with scientific expertise—presents a brief Moment of Reason (5–10 minutes). This segment explores a principle of physics, biology, or science, such as the laws of thermodynamics, the evolution of intelligence, or the structure of galaxies. The instruction ties these concepts to our existence, encouraging awe and understanding of the universe’s rational beauty. Questions or reflections from the congregation may follow, fostering a spirit of inquiry.   

 

9. Song and Breaking of Bread (1:30-1:35pm)

Communion is a ritual symbolizing our dependence on God and the universe and our humility before its vastness. Before the communion ritual, the congregation sings a Sacrament Communion Song. Carefully chosen for its reflective tone, this hymn prepares the community for the bread and water of life, deepening their sense of gratitude and connection to the Creator and the universe’s vast order.

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10. Administration of Bread and Water of Life (1:35-1:40pm)

Bread of Life: Small, portions of bread, representing the sustenance drawn from the garden of life—both the Earth and the collective wisdom of humanity’s past. It reminds us that we are nourished by forces beyond ourselves to become agents of change and forces to do and to act.

Water of Life: Pure water, poured into simple cups, symbolizing the flow of existence that binds all living things and our reliance on the cosmic order. It reflects clarity, renewal, and our shared origin in the stars.

 

Lay members prepare and bless these elements with a prayer of gratitude, acknowledging our dependence on the “Author of All” and our commitment to seek truth. The bread and water are passed to the congregation, who partake, reflecting on their place in the unfolding universe. ​

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11. Faireatale Time - Reading of PiONeHeAr (1:40-1:50pm)

In the Church of Faith and Reason, a special segment called "Faireatale Time" brings the congregation together for the live serialization of PiOnHeAr, a book tracing humanity’s spiritual and cosmic odyssey. Each week, a lay reader opens by briefly summarizing prior chapters—highlighting the story’s blend of discovery, faith, and reason from earlier installments. Then, with a hush of excitement, the next chapter is unveiled aloud, offering new revelations in the unfolding tale. After all chapters are shared in this sacred setting, PiOnHeAr becomes a living tradition, read chapter by chapter in congregations, enriching the community’s journey through its enduring wisdom.

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12. Special Musical Number (1:50-2:00pm)

A special musical number follows, performed by members or a small group. This could be an instrumental piece, a choral arrangement, or a solo reflecting the themes of the day—perhaps a composition inspired by the cosmos or a reimagined spiritual classic. It serves as a bridge between reflection and revelation, stirring the soul through beauty.

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13. Sermon of New Insight (2:00-2:20pm)

The main sermon (15-20 minutes), delivered by pastor or rotating lay speaker or invited guest, synthesizes the day’s themes. Drawing from the Communion's humility, the Moment of Reason’s science, and the Moment of Faith’s scripture, the speaker offers fresh insight into how these elements guide us into the future. The sermon might explore topics like humanity’s role in a cosmic ecosystem, the ethics of artificial intelligence, or the unity of knowledge and belief, inspiring the congregation to live purposefully in this hybrid era.

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14. Stand and Sing (2:20-2:25pm)

The service concludes with a closing song, chosen to uplift and unify, followed by a benediction—a short prayer or reflection offered by a member. This final blessing invokes gratitude for the past, strength for the present, and vision for the future, sending attendees forth to tend the garden of life.

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15. Guided Reflection and Benediction Prayer (2:25-2:30pm)

After the sermon, the Guided Reflection and Prayer offers a space for personal and communal contemplation. Led by the pastor or a member, this segment combines moments of silence with a spoken prayer, encouraging attendees to internalize the day’s teachings and seek the Creator’s guidance in blending faith and reason in their lives.

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16. Podcast Discussion and Drinks (60-90 minutes, adults) (future)

​The service concludes with Podcast Discussion, Coffee, and Drinks, a relaxed gathering where attendees enjoy refreshments and engage in conversation. Facilitated by the pastor or a guest, this podcast-style discussion explores the sermon’s themes in greater depth, fostering dialogue that weaves together faith, reason, and community in an informal, modern setting.

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16. Sunday School (60-90 minutes, children) (future)

• Preschool (Ages 3-5): Simple scripture stories, songs, and crafts introduce core themes like love, kindness, and God’s creation in a fun, accessible way.

• Elementary (Ages 6-10): Interactive lessons combine scripture with basic science (e.g., exploring nature as part of God’s design), sparking wonder and encouraging questions.

• Preteen (Ages 11-13): Thoughtful discussions on faith, ethics, and the world blend religious stories with insights about the universe, fostering deeper reflection.