What to Expect

Every Sunday morning

Liturgical Worship

St. Paul Lutheran, and most Lutheran churches, worship together as one large group. We follow a format (liturgy) that is shared by many ELCA churches. Whether you have it committed to heart or follow along with each step of the worship in the bulletin, the service provides us a way to praise God and to learn about Him through readings and teaching.

We offer several ways to follow along with the worship service:

• The words and music of all the prayers, readings, and songs are projected on a large screen at the front of the congregation.
• Hymnals are available in the pews, for those who prefer to sing from printed music instead of the projection screen.
• Printed bulletins (in large print) are available at church each Sunday, which include all the words of the service. The print bulletin also contains the page numbers of the week’s songs, for those who wish to sing from the hymnal.
• We also publish an e-bulletin on the website each week, which is similar to the printed bulletin, and can be viewed on your phone, tablet, or computer. This bulletin can be used either in person or by those who are attending the livestream.

You are also welcome to bring along your own Bible if you desire.

Welcoming to Worship

The congregation is welcomed to be seated in the sanctuary at any time before the start of service. Some people use it as a time of prayer and reflection and others celebrate the community of Christ by interacting with other members. As the prelude music concludes, the congregation is greeted and we share current events, happenings and upcoming activities in the church.

Admitting Sin and Asking for Forgiveness

As a community we admit that we are all sinners. We acknowledge that we have not always done what God has asked of us and ask God to forgive us through the grace of Jesus Christ who died for our sins.

Bible Readings

God’s Word continually reveals new things to us. We read a lesson from the Old Testament, New Testament and one from the Gospel. These lessons often center on a theme that informs the sermon.

Sermon

The pastor provides a sermon that brings God’s Word to life and applies it to our everyday lives. We hear God’s instruction for how we should live our lives, deal with our daily problems and the encouragement of the eternal life promised to us through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Praising God with Prayers

We praise God throughout the service through song and prayer. Hymns are either printed in the bulletin or found in the hymnals located in each pew. Occasionally the choir, handbell choir, or orchestra will offer up special music. The assistant minister also offers up prayers for the people of God and the church as a whole.

Communion

We profess our faith in the fundamental beliefs of Christianity through the creed. Everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord is welcome to celebrate. Communion is taken at the front by intinction (dipping) or through the common cup. If you have any questions about communion, don’t hesitate to ask the people sitting around you.

Sending

After communion, we receive a parting blessing, sing the closing hymn, and are sent into the world to do God’s will. After services we also typically enjoy fellowship and coffee with each other, building stronger relationships that will carry us until we meet again.

We Invite You

If you are searching for a spiritual home, please consider joining us at St. Paul. We are happy to meet you, wherever you are in your journey.