Visiting a church for the first time can be an anxious experience. Here is something of what you can expect when you visit Faith Lutheran. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.

How should I dress?

We don’t have a dress code at Faith. Some of our parishioners, as an expression of their reverence for God’s presence, prefer to dress more formally; others, intending  no irreverence, prefer to dress more casually. Wear what feels comfortable!

Where should I park?

We have off-street parking in the lots next to the church.

What about children?

We always welcome children in worship, want to help families worship together, and support parents’ participation in the service.

Our liturgical form of worship (more on that below) with its weekly repetition especially lends itself to their participation. Children are also invited forward during the worship service each week for a brief lesson geared especially toward them.

What is the worship service like?

As mentioned above, our worship uses a liturgical format that follows a consistent pattern from week to week. The order of service is printed in the worship folder that you receive when you come in.

Our music is accompanied by organ, which best facilitates congregational singing, and most of the liturgy is also chanted or sung. Hymns are sung from our hymnal, The Lutheran Service Book, which is also the source of our orders of service.  It provides directions for when to stand, speak, etc.,

If you are unfamiliar with our liturgical worship, don’t be concerned. You may find at first that you just want to stand back and observe; that is perfectly acceptable. You will discover that after only a few weeks you are learning the words and motions.  

Should I receive Communion?

Holy Communion is joyfully celebrated every Sunday and held in very high regard. Our church confesses the Real Presence of Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine: in our mouths, we receive His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Out of concern for those who commune, and in deference to the Scriptures, we therefore encourage only baptized Christians who share our confession to share our table:

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (I Corinthians 11.27-29)

For those who are not baptized or do not share our confession, you are welcomed and encouraged to come forward for a blessing. Simply join those in your pew when they are ushered to the altar, then at the communion rail cross your arms in an ‘X’ to indicate you aren’t receiving but would like a blessing. If you are interested in Baptism or learning more about our teachings, please contact the Pastor.

What happens afterward?

Following the service you are of course free to skedaddle, but for those who would like to get to know us better there is always plenty of coffee and refreshments available afterwards—please join us!