We understand that it can be somewhat scary to walk into an unfamiliar place, in particular if you are not used to churches. We would love to make it as comfortable and non-threatening as possible, so we have outlined some essential information about what you could expect for your first time at Grace Lutheran Church.
Arriving and Parking
Our church has two entrances. A back parking lot (on the East side of the church) and the main parking lot underneath the “Luther Rose” stained glass window on the North side of the church, which is nearest the elevator. There are numerous spaces available on the either side of the church.
Entering the Church
As you enter our church, you will be greeted by members in the entryway. Upon entering church, you will receive a bulletin with service details and information about what’s going on during the upcoming week around Grace. We invite you to sign our guestbook in the pews as well. You may sit anywhere you’d like to inside the church. If you’d like help to a seat, please ask an usher, and they’ll be glad to assist you.
Worship and Bible Study
We use the newest hymnal produced by Concordia Publishing House of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod called, Lutheran Service Book. We celebrate the Divine Service the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month and various Matins and Morning Prayer liturgies from the same hymnal on the other Sundays of the month and at occasional services. Please check out our worship times and communion schedule in the bulletin. All of our worship services are placed in the bulletin each Sunday so that you don’t need to worry about finding your place in our hymnal. In addition, we offer several excellent Bible studies for children, youth, and adults during our Education hour.
Your Kids
We offer a nursery for those with infants or toddlers. The audio portion of our services can be heard in the nursery. We would much appreciate the opportunity to serve the smallest of your little ones IN church…there is no music sweeter to our Lord’s ears, or our own!
What Do I Wear?!
Lot’s of folks ask, “How should I dress for church?” Like most people, our members try to make their worship time an important and special time. This is often demonstrated in the way they dress.
But dress is a personal matter of worship before God. One may dress casually and rejoice in having a God who will accept us as we are. Another may dress to reflect the awe and reverence we have for our Lord and Savior. Bottom line remains …. when a person dresses out of love for God, the choice of dress (casual or formal) is acceptable to God …. and us.
Money and Offerings
There are many questions one could ask regarding church offerings. Some examples may include: “When do they take the offering?” “How is the money collected?” “How much am I expected to give?” “Do they want contributions from visitors also?”
The Bible teaches us that our offerings to God should reflect the belief that all we have is His gift to us. With our offerings, we worship and honor God.
Like many Christians, our members present offerings to God through their church. Since offerings are gifts that are to show our thankfulness to God for His love and forgiveness to us, no one can dictate what each person should give. We pass an offering plate during the service so that our worship may include bringing gifts to our Lord. (Worshippers can use offering envelopes to keep gifts a private matter which is not known to other members, but is known to God). Please know that visitors are under no obligation to give an offering unless they desire to do so.
Children may bring change their parents give them. Someone may give cash or write a check, or even give online. Whichever way, we are remembering Jesus and giving gifts out of love for Him.
Initially, you may wish to learn more about Grace’s ministry before giving your offerings through our church. But you are welcomed to participate as you heart leads you to give.
The Worst That Could Happen
Going to church for a first time can be intimidating. Here are some common worries:
“What if they make me stand up and say something?!” Rest assured, we won’t embarrass you in any way. Our church wants you to be as comfortable as possible. Worship should always be an enjoyable and uplifting experience. We will do all we can so that you can learn about our Savior.
“I just know my child will be noisy and will bother everyone.” We welcome and encourage all children to attend our services. If you do feel uncomfortable with your child’s noise level, we have a nursery with speakers so you can continue to hear the worship service.
“I know I will feel out of place.” I hope that this visitor’s guide will help you to feel at ease. If you do have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask the greeters in the entrance area or the ushers near the entrance to the sanctuary. Our members and staff will offer their hospitality and guide you in the right direction!
“I am scared I will say or do something wrong.” Every one of us has felt this way in a new situation. We hope you see the folks at Grace Lutheran Church to be ordinary, friendly people like yourself. We will accept you as you are and stand beside you as you become what Christ wants you to be.
“I just want to watch at first, and I know they will try to sign me up in activities right away.” It is unpleasant to receive undue pressure as if we were victims of some “membership drive” looking for numbers only. We feel that church membership should be on a volunteer basis, and that the most important aspect is to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation. It does take time for this to be cultivated. We respect the need for you to evaluate your faith and decide your involvement. While we do encourage worship attendance and Christian involvement, we try to do so in a comfortable and pressure-free environment.
“I don’t know that much about the Bible.” Worship services and Bible Study are opportunities to grow in knowledge of the Bible and faith in Jesus. You will not have to answer any questions you don’t feel comfortable answering. Remember, as Christians we do not always have all the answers, and sometimes the best response to a question can be, “I don’t know.”
A Final Thought
We pray that this page has helped answer some of your questions and helped alleviate your fears. Our goals as a congregation are quite simple. We want to grow in faith and share that faith with people like you. All we do is meant to work towards those two goals. We pray that nothing more stands in your way from learning about your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Jesus is with you, and we look forward to seeing you in church.