What to Expect
Worship is central to who we are as God’s people and followers of Jesus. Our worship services are filled with music, God’s word, and Christ’s presence in Holy Communion.
The first visit to any new community means encountering the new, the different or the unexpected. Whether you’re a lifelong Lutheran or have never set foot in a Lutheran church before, we hope you feel welcome here!
When you arrive, it’s easy to find your way inside our fully-accessible building. Pick up a worship bulletin and take a seat where you are comfortable. The bulletin includes the order of worship so it’s easy to follow along. Sing with joy, share in the peace of Christ, and gather at the table for the Lord’s Supper. Feel free to ask the ushers (or anyone else) for information or assistance.
You are welcome, just as you are!
At Grace, we follow the ancient pattern of Christian worship.
Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have followed a rhythm as they gathered for worship, and is similar to how Jesus gathered with his followers.
Gathering, Word, Prayer, Meal, Sending
We gather with song and prayer. We encounter God’s word through Scripture and sermon. We pray together for each other and the world that God loves. We share the meal of Holy Communion. Through God’s word, water, bread, and prayer, we are nurtured and sustained in faith and then, we are sent out into the world to love and serve in witness to God’s love and salvation in Christ.
Lutherans are a liturgical bunch. “Liturgy” means “the work of the people.” There are no spectators – all are participants.
And, worship is not so much about what we do, but about what God is doing. When we gather for worship, God is present through word and sacrament: God’s word proclaimed and the sacraments of baptism and holy communion, which are also called the “means of grace.” Lutherans describe worship as a “gathering around the means of grace.”
We celebrate Holy Communion every week, and trust that Jesus truly meets us in the sharing of bread and wine. All are welcome to share in this meal, where Jesus Christ comes with forgiveness, life, and salvation. We serve real bread and wine. Allergen-free bread and grape juice are also available.
To learn more about Lutheran worship, visit the ELCA’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
