What To Expect At Worship
Visiting Us For The First Time?
“Whether you’re joining us for the very first time, or returning after some time away, we’re glad to have you. We know that visiting a church can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to have questions.”
For example,
- What will the service be like?
- Will I have to do anything during the service?
- What do I do with my children?
Unknown factors like these can make church intimidating. We hope we can answer some of the questions you might have about our church before you visit us for our Worship Hour. We’d like to make your visit with us relaxed and enriching. Please let us know if there are questions not answered. We want to add whatever will be helpful to you. Our deepest wish is that when you visit Grace Lutheran, you will hear about your Savior Jesus, and come to know the grace and love of God more and more.
Children In Worship
We look forward to children joining us for worship. Our service includes timeless truths for young and old alike. We have a “Children’s Message” on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
Order of Service
Our services usually include the following parts in a variety of forms:
The Invocation – We approach our God in worship with confidence of our identities as baptized children of God.
Admitting sins and finding forgiveness – Because of the power that Christ gives to his Church, we have confidence that when it is declared “your sins are forgiven” that we are truly forgiven of our sins.
Bible Readings – Three selections from the Bible are read every Sunday. The first reading is typically from the Old Testament of the Bible. The second reading is typically from one of the New Testament books of the Bible. The third reading is called “the Gospel.” This is a reading from one of the books of the Bible that covers Jesus’ earthly life and ministry.
Sermon – Our pastor preaches on one of the three Bible readings for the Sunday. In this message, he will point us to see how we have sinned against our God by sharing the law. Then, he will point us to see the forgiveness that is ours for Jesus’ sake by proclaiming the gospel.
Response to the Word – We respond with offerings and prayers for the things He has promised to us and for strength to do what He has asked.
Confession of Faith – For thousands of years, Christians have confessed their faith through the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed. We continue this tradition by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ with these confessions of faith.
Prayers for people in various situations and circumstances – The Bible tells us that our prayers are powerful and that God wants us to pray for people in various situations and circumstances. For this reason, we include the prayer of the church in which we pray for friends and family of Grace as well as many other people and events.
The Lord’s Supper – Jesus gave the Lord’s Supper, otherwise known as Holy Communion, as a gift to his church. In this meal, we receive the true body and blood of Jesus in, with, and under the bread and wine. This is given to us for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus instructed us to receive this gift often.
Parting Blessing – From the priests in the temple to the modern Christians, believers have closed worship services by having the threefold blessing spoken upon them. This is a great way to end a worship service and be sent out to serve God throughout the week.
Throughout the service, the people encourage one another by proclaiming God’s grace to each other through the form of congregational singing. These songs include historic songs from Scripture, classic hymns, and new Christian songs.