Is this ‘contemporary’ or ‘traditional’ worship? We believe that all worship is both ‘contemporary’ (that is, it is happening right now) and ‘traditional’ (that is, it has familiar/ancient/cultural roots). At this congregation, we follow the ancient order of “Gather-Word-Meal-Send” We also strive to include a diversity of hymns and language that are meaningful for a broad assembly of people – and accessible for visitors. Music is often played on a piano or an organ. We also have a band and special music on some Sundays.

How should I enter? All are welcome to "come as you are”. That includes those of you with kids. The “noise” of children in worship means that there are children in worship and that is something to be celebrated!

Why so much standing? Lutherans believe that worship is participatory; we do not gather to watch, we are all involved in making worship happen. We invite the members of the assembly to stand when they are active participants in worship (especially praying and singing). If you are uncomfortable or have difficulty standing, you are always welcome to remain seated.

Does this church recognize women as pastors? Indeed! Our community of Lutherans has been enjoying the gifts of ordained women for over 45 years, and the Church on Earth wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for bold women preachers who shared the Good News of the Resurrection with the other disciples. 

Why doesn’t the pastor do everything? One of the hallmarks of the Reformation (the movement that gave birth to the Lutheran church) was a desire for laypeople to be more involved in worship and that includes leadership. There are portions of the service that are typically reserved for lay people – readings, prayers of intercession, prayers before and after communion, among others. We enjoy broad lay participation in leading us in worship.

I don’t know if I consider myself a “believer” am I still welcome? Of course. The other disciples still welcomed Thomas when he didn’t believe the same as the rest of the group. Church should be a place where you can come to seek the answers to the tough questions, not a refuge for people who think they have it all figured out.

Why does the pastor turn away from us when we confess our sins? Is he/she ashamed? No, the pastor has sins to confess just like everyone else. He/she isn't turning away from you, but turning to face the same direction as you - facing the cross. When the pastor turns back around he/she is communicating God’s forgiveness to those gathered, including him or herself. 

What’s with the water? At times – particularly on festival days or during festival seasons (especially Christmas and Easter) – the presiding minister will lead the assembly in a “thanksgiving for baptism,” which may also include sprinkling the assembly with water. We do this because baptism is one of the two “sacraments” of the church – the most radical examples of God’s amazing grace. Since baptism happens only once in a person’s life, it is important to find ways to remember that gift, and the “sprinkling rite” is one of those ways. Martin Luther traced the sign of the cross on his forehead every morning while washing his face to remember his baptism; when the water hits you, you are invited to make the sign of the cross as well.

What’s a “Kyrie”? At times, especially during solemn seasons (Advent and Lent), instead of a hymn of praise we often sing a setting of “kyrie eleison, christe eleison, kyrie eleison.” This is Greek for “Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.” It is a plea for mercy to the One who promises to respond with grace and life.

What are we reading? We follow the Narrative Lectionary – a calendar of assigned texts read by Christians from all over. Each service may include one or many readings (sometimes four or more!), often from the Old Testament; the psalms; the letters of Paul or other readings in the New Testament; and/or a Gospel reading, drawn from one of the four gospels. 

Why is the Gospel sometimes read in the aisle? The central claim of our faith is that “the Word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14). Proclaiming the Gospel text (the one most clearly about Jesus, the “Word made flesh”) from the heart of the assembly enacts this promise of the Word coming into the heart of the world. During this time, you are welcome to face the Word as it is being proclaimed, as we literally center our lives around the Gospel.

What’s a Sermon? As Lutherans, we are committed to proclaiming “the gospel” – that is, “good news.” The sermon is an opportunity to hear the Living Word of Jesus Christ and God’s limitless grace and mercy proclaimed. A good sermon should include a clear statement of “good news” – something that moves us to respond with “Thanks be to God!” If you don’t understand the message, please let the pastor know – feedback is always appreciated!

Why so many prayers? Most worship services include a long litany of “prayers of intercession.” To “intercede” is to pray “on behalf of” others—and there are a lot of needy people and places in the world for whom we pray. We pray for the church, for creation, for those who are sick or hungry, for nations and leaders, and for those who have died. Public prayer challenges us to remember to pray for all things, not just ourselves or those we love. And then we leave, ready to help God answer those prayers in word and deed.

In the Creed, why do we say we believe in the “holy catholic church”? Isn’t this a Lutheran church? The word “catholic” (with a small “c”) simply means “universal.” Although we are not a part of the Roman Catholic Church, we very much believe that the Church of Jesus Christ is “one” Church, broken on earth but united in eternity. We use the word “catholic” to suggest that we do not wish to be separate or different from Christians in other denominations, but rather strive for greater understanding and partnership in our common faith and life.