Traditional Worship Service at Lombard Christian Reformed Church

The Traditional Worship service is characterized by the use of a Exsultate Deo Choir, litanies (i.e. responsive readings), singing of hymns accompanied by an organ in a more formal setting. Every part of the service is structured and designed with a particular purpose in mind. The Gathering portion of the service moves us towards acts of praise where we focus on the magnificense of God. The Confession and Assurance portion emphasizes the brokenness in our lives and the promise of redemption by the saving grace of God. The Word portion presents a message delivered by the Pastor that is based on the Holy Bible. The final portion of the worship service (Going Forth) prepares us to disperse into the world and live out what we believe.

Exsultate Deo Choir

The Exsultate Deo Choir consists of dedicated high schoolers and adults who lead the members of the 9:00am traditional service in song. Latin for "Rejoice in the Lord", the title Exsultate Deo reflects both the musical and extra-musical goals of the group. Some of these goals include:

Worshipping the Lord and enjoying His presence through music
Deepening choir members' understanding of the Lord through the texts presented
Training choir members to use their voices confidently and effectively in service of the Lord
Fostering healthy and whole relationships between ensemble members
Providing musical opportunities for individual leadership

The choir sings in a variety of different styles according to the needs of the service - typically, more traditional music is performed during the school year and more contemporary during the summer months. During the school year, the choir rehearses regularly in the Choir Room at the church on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00pm, with some exceptions for major holidays.

All high-school-age students and adults are welcome to join the choir - while vocal or instrumental music background is helpful, one of the goals of the choir is to train God's people to use their voices confidently and more effectively in worship of the Lord. If you are interested in singing in the choir or are an instrumentalist who would like to play with the choir, please contact our Choir Director Stephen Bates via email (sbates@lombardcrc.org) or telephone (630.347.7756).