These symbols are so important because all of the stained glass windows in between follow the story of the bible and display the deeper meaning of Jesus's journey on Earth. Above the stage is a massive cross, which is suspended down on wires. The cross has green laurels and red robes wrapped around it symbolizing the blood of Jesus and the thorn crown he wore when he was crucified. In the traditional service, the ministers are wearing black robes, with the senior minister having red and black ropes around his neck dangling down over his robe. .
The predominant musical accompaniment is the church organ, and a robed choir sings the anthem. There is a codified order of worship that typically includes a greeting, Methodist hymns, children's message, scripture readings, silent prayer and meditation, the Lord's Prayer, offering, sermon, and closing prayer. The audience participated very heavily in the ritual and they stood out of respect for the reading of the Lord's Prayer, scripture reading and songs. When the closing prayer is said and the service is wrapping up the audience extends a hand in both directions down the pews until everyone is connected saying the prayer, which was incredible. The senior minister gives the sermons where he teaches using scripture, real life stories, and inspirational messages and also myths that a large society might believe in to keep hope (Kottak). The sermon that the senior minister gave when I was attendance was about the use of friends and family in our lives to keep us motivated and help us on our spiritual journey to become closer to our Father in Heaven. .
The minister uses the basis of core values that all humans have to relate the message. The senior minister used metaphors from the bible to describe our every day lives, and also used personal experiences to relay the scripture easier to the audience. Each minister always held the bible, as a symbol of reverence, throughout the entire proceedings of the traditional service.
