FAQ
What about me?
We're not going to assault you and beg you to do fifteen thousand different things in the church if you're visiting, but we'll definitely be happy to see you and greet you warmly. Also, we won't make you stand up and be recognized, but people may ask you questions.
We don't expect non-members to contribute anything during the offering. That's something we expect of members, a sacrifice of finances in thanksgiving for what God has done and for the continued ability to gather in Word and Sacrament in this place.
What should I wear?
Outside of basic modesty, there are no expectations for how you look or dress. However, we do believe that how we appear before God, especially in the church, is a reflection of what we think of Him. Our people wear casual clothing, suits, dresses, business casual, and almost everything in-between.
If you're satisfied in how you're dressed, then we are, too!
What if it's been awhile since I was at church?
That's no problem! We encourage anyone, with any experience, to come and hear God's Word. The service is pretty easy to follow with the way we use our hymnals, or you can just sit and listen. It's up to you with no judgment!
We think the more you participate in the service, the more you'll like it and appreciate it, but you can make that decision for yourself without any judgment.
What are your services like?
Our services are liturgical, using a hymnal. They last a little over an hour. We have Holy Communion every Sunday. We stand and sit. We sing and pray. We listen.
We use four different liturgies, or orders of service, but we try to stay with doing the same service often, with different readings and different sermons, because we believe that repetition drives the words and melodies into your heart that, when you are in need of them, it is easy to recall them. That could be in tough times, on your death bed, or it could be as you're struggling against a little one in the service as they try to rip down the aisle. Memory is really helpful in all situations,
Little children are always encouraged to make as much noise as they need to. The only people bothered by that are you as the parents. We honor their noises as voices of praise!
What about the Lord's Supper?
The Lord’s Supper (often also called Holy Communion, Communion, or the Eucharist) is celebrated at this congregation in the confession and glad confidence that, as Christ says, our Lord gives into our mouths, not only bread and wine, but His very body and blood to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of sins and to strengthen our union with Him and with one another.
Our Lord invites to His table those who trust these words–that it is truly His real body and blood, repent of all sin, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as He forgives and loves us, that they may show forth His death until he comes.
Because those who eat and drink our Lord’s body and blood unworthily do so to their great harm and because Holy Communion is a confession of the faith which is confessed at this altar, any who are not yet instructed, in doubt, or who hold a confession differing from that of this congregation and The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, and yet desire to receive the sacrament, are asked to withhold themselves from receiving it.
If you'd like to talk about taking Communion at this church, please make sure you speak to the pastor first.
For further study, see Matthew 5:23f.; 10:32f.; 18:15-35; 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:17- 34.
Wait. If I can't commune with you, are you judging me?
Not at all! Your salvation is certainly between you and the Lord Jesus. If you're unable to commune with us, it's only because we love you and take seriously our Lord's words as given to us in the above question. We don't want you to harm yourself or hurt your faith or make a confession you don't believe in.
You won't be judged for not taking Communion. Not at all. You certainly can remain seated during Communion. Or, if you're uncomfortable with staying behind as the congregation is welcomed to the front to commune, you're welcome to come to the rail, too, to receive a blessing and to remind you that Jesus' body and blood have still come to you through the hearing of God's Word. You're not missing out, except in the tangible presence of Christ with the elements of the bread and the wine.
What about Baptism?
We believe that Baptism is the Holy Spirit's work in you to deliver to you the faith to believe in Jesus Christ. It delivers to you the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39), washes away your sins (Acts 22:16), makes you new (Titus 3:3-5), and brings you into God’s family (John 3:5). It's not our public confession of faith, nor is it your work, but it is God's work for you.
We baptize anyone, from the newest infants to the oldest grandma. If you're interested in being baptized or having someone baptized, talk to the pastor and we'll be happy to get the ball rolling.
How do I join the church?
Honestly, everyone is a little different, coming with different backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge. Sometimes, joining looks like a simple membership transfer. Sometimes, it's engaging conversation with the pastor. Sometimes, it's a few weeks of classes. Everyone is different.
If you're interested in joining the church, talk with the pastor after the service, or leave a question or comment here through the website.