some notes from James Trader, Curator of Cane Ridge.
The basic order of service can be set forth in 5 categories:
Hymns of praise
Scripture
Prayers, including thanksgiving for each element at the table
Lord’s Supper
Fellowship or contribution
It has been noted that early Disciples congregations would have included the following:
1. Call to worship by the presiding officer
2. Hymn of praise by the congregation
3. Reading from the Gospels by a member designated by the president
4. Prayer, led by a member designated by the president
5. Reading from the Epistles by the president himself
6. Communion hymn
7. Statement by the president that they had met in conformity with practice of “the first disciples…to eat the Lord’s Supper
8. President took a small loaf from a table previously laid, gave thanks for it, “significantly broke it, and handed it to the disciples on each side of him
9. They passed it to others, each partaking in turn.
10. President called upon a brother to pray, “and the brethren all united with them.”
11. “Fellowship” or contribution was received.
12. All were invited to say what they would, “tending to the edification of the body.”
13. Several spiritual songs were sung.
14. President, “on motion of a brother,” pronounced the apostolic benediction.
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