When is Worship? Traditional Service is held at 8:15 a.m. and Blended Service is held at 10:30 a.m. Starting in November 2006, there will be a worship service at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday evenings.
Is there music? Yes, we sing. Lutheran worship has as a hallmark vibrant congregational singing. Often, this is led by our organ, though we use other instruments as well. Periodically, worship is led with acoustic and wind instruments. Our Saturday evening service utilizes simplified music led by pre-recorded music.
How many people attend? Our Sunday morning worship regularly averages between 150 and 200 worshippers. Our Satuday evening service is a new service in November 2006.
How should I dress? We welcome all people, and our community dresses for worship in a variety of ways. You will see people in everything from very casual to quite formal attire.
Are children welcome in worship? Absolutely! Children are welcome and encouraged to participate in all aspects of our congregational life. A nursery is provided for children under 3 years and is staffed each Sunday. Sunday school is offered for children 3 and up during the worship service. The nursery and Sunday School are not offered Saturdayevening, but children are most welcome at this service as well.
What are your communion practices? We Celebrate: All people are invited to join in the communion meal. Holy Communion is a special way that Lutherans affirm God's love and forgiveness. All are welcome to receive the body and blood of Christ offered in communion throught the earthly forms of bread and wine. However, it is reserved for baptized Christians and for children who have been instructed in the meaning of Holy Communion.
How long is the service? The full Sunday liturgy lasts 60 minutes. The simplified Saturday evening liturgy lasts 45 minutes.
What resources are used? The Sunday liturgy regularly makes use of resources and hymns from Lutheran Book of Worship, With One Voice, and Worship and Praise. Liturgical settings come from these sources as well as others. We strive for variety and consistancy in both style and content.
What language is used? We are striving toward a more gender-inclusive use of language that remains true to the best ecumenical practice of the church. This is an on-going process. You will hear in hymns and liturgy traditional formulations (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) as well as other biblical and inclusive names for God.
Are your facilities accessible? Yes. With an older building (nearly 125 years old), accessibility with an elevator from the inside and outside of the building. Both the main and lower level of our building are accessible from the outside, and accessible restroom facilities are available on the main and lower levels. The sancuary entrance provides steps and the office entrances allows you access to the elevator. The elevator can also be accessed from the east side of the building.
Do you have fellowship? Yes. Following the 8:15 a.m. service, we have coffee and refreshments in the basement. Fellowship is an important part of the Lutheran Church. We certainly hope you will stay for a few monents that we might welcome you to First Evangelical Luterhan Church, get to know you better and answer any questions you might have.
