Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Lutheran to attend?
No, we welcome visitors from all backgrounds.
Are you part of a particular Lutheran denomination?
Yes, we are a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
What should I wear?
Our members dress in various ways, from casual to formal. We encourage everyone to dress modestly and respectfully.
What time are the services?
Our Sunday services start at 9 AM.
Is childcare provided?
During services, parents are responsible for their children. Nursing mothers often use the cry room in the back. Children are encouraged to be present during the services as they are an important part of our church.
Is there a social or coffee hour after the service?
Yes! After the service and before Sunday school, we gather in the lobby for coffee, snacks, and fellowship.
How long is the typical worship service?
Our worship service usually lasts from one hour to an hour and 20 minutes.
Do you have Sunday School or adult education classes?
Following coffee time on Sunday mornings around 10:45, we offer a unique Intergenerational Sunday School experience. Our approach is different from traditional Sunday School settings. Here's what you can expect:
- All ages, including kids and adults, gather in the sanctuary.
- The pastor leads a brief lesson suitable for all age groups.
- We sing a hymn and join in prayer.
- Following the initial lesson, the children are dismissed to engage in age-appropriate activities, supervised by adults.
- Meanwhile, the pastor delves deeper into the lesson with the adults.
In addition to Sunday activities, we host a Wednesday morning Bible study at 10 AM. Throughout the year, we offer various other adult education opportunities to further your spiritual growth and understanding.
Can I speak with the pastor for further questions?
Certainly! The pastor is always happy to answer questions. You can approach him after the service or reach out via email at [email protected].
Do you have a statement of faith?
As a Lutheran congregation, we adhere to the Lutheran Confessions, known as the Book of Concord. These documents, written mostly in the 1500s, summarize our beliefs based on the Bible.
How can I become a member of the congregation?
We are always delighted to welcome new members into our congregation. The process for joining varies based on your background:
- If you are coming from another LCMS congregation or partner church, please speak with the pastor or elders to have your membership transferred.
- If you are coming from another Christian denomination or have never been a member of any church, you can talk to the pastor about membership classes. These classes are designed to help enquiring members understand our beliefs and practices, covering what we believe, teach, and confess.
What are your church services like?
At our congregation, we follow the historic liturgy of the church, a tradition that has been passed down from the early church through the Lutheran Reformation. We currently use services from the official hymnal of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, known as the Lutheran Service Book.
One distinctive feature of our services is that we observe the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) every Sunday, emphasizing its central role in our worship.
During our services, our pastor wears the traditional Lutheran vestments and sings (chants) the pastor's parts of the liturgy. We typically sing hymns from our hymnal.
If you're new to a liturgical service, you might find it a bit different. There's a lot of standing, sitting, and some people may kneel or bow. The most important thing to remember is to relax. If it's your first time, feel free to stay seated and observe; that's perfectly acceptable.
What is your stand on marriage and gender issues?
We believe in the traditional view of marriage as a life-long commitment between one man and one woman, based on the teachings of the Bible. We acknowledge two sexes (male and female) and do not accept the idea of a gender spectrum.
Where do you stand on abortion or euthanasia?
We believe that human life begins at conception and that intentionally ending a human life is morally wrong. We respect God's authority over life and death and do not support assisted suicide or euthanasia.
What is your view of the Bible?
We believe that the Bible is the inspired, errorless, written Word of God, given through the prophets, apostles, and evangelists. It is the sole source of teaching in the Church and the supreme authority over all teaching and practice. The Word of God is active and bears authority to create and deliver what God has promised.
What do you believe about the sacrament of Holy Baptism?
We believe Holy Baptism, the washing of water with God's Word, delivers forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe in Christ. Baptism is administered to people of all ages and is connected with ongoing teaching and discipleship.
What do you believe about the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion?
We believe that the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper are truly the body and blood of Jesus Christ, given for the forgiveness of sins. This is not merely symbolic. The Lord's Supper is received as a gift, not a work.
Do you offer Holy Communion, and who can participate?
At our church, we invite to the Lord's Table those who meet the following criteria:
- Those who have been baptized.
- Those who have been instructed in the faith based on Luther's catechisms
- Those who are current members in good standing at a congregation within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
- Those who have spoken with the pastor prior to approaching the altar.
If this does not describe don’t worry we are happy you’re here. Your welcome to come up to receive a blessing during communion or remain in your seat, whatever you are comfortable with.
We believe that the pastor, congregation, and communicant all share in the responsibility of receiving this gift of Christ for their benefit. The Lord's Supper is something Christ offers to the Church, given to us as a gift. It is not a religious work that we do for Him or simply among ourselves. It is also not merely a matter of individual faith ("me and Jesus"), but an expression of the unity in the apostolic faith as the church gathers around the voice of Christ.
