When you arrive, you'll be greeted at the door and given a booklet which contains the entire service. All responses by the congregation are clearly marked in Bold print.

In the narthex ("lobby"), you'll find a Visitor's Book where you're welcome to leave your name and address. A Special Prayers notepad is also located in the narthex where you can request a special prayer for a loved one.

Take a seat where you feel comfortable. Microphones are used so you should be able to hear the service without problem. If you have young children, you might want to take note of the Luther Room located to the right just before you enter the sanctuary. There is space for little ones to play quietly. The service can still heard through the PA system. (A staffed nursery is also available during service.)

Service starts with brief announcements. Visitors are asked to raise their hands so they can be given a Welcome Pack.

Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness - through the grace of God, we are forgiven for things we've done and left undone

Processional Hymn - song sung by all as the cross is carried up the aisle

Greeting and Hymn of Praise- a prayer offered by the Pastor and praises sung by the congregation

Prayer of the Day - special prayer for this particular day, said by the Pastor

The Reading and Gospel - taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. The passage is read by a member and the Gospel is told by the Pastor

The Message - sermon by presiding minister

Apostle's Creed - a declaration of our faith, a part of Christian services across many denominations

The Prayers - the response is usually "hear our prayer". It does vary but will be printed in the booklet.

The Peace - a sharing of God's peace with each other (greet your neighbors with smile, a hand shake, and the words "Peace be with you" or similar)

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The Offering - with special music, the offering plates are passed through the congregation by the ushers. No one is required to give an offering. This is followed by a hymn of offering and a prayer of thanksgiving for all our Lord gives us.

The Eucharist - this is a remembrance of the Last Supper. The Lord's Prayer is included as part of this celebration. We welcome all baptized to join us in communion at the Lord's table who share the faith that Christ's body and blood are received for the forgiveness of sins. Those not taking communion may indicate a desire for a blessing by folding their arms across their chest . It is also acceptable to remain seated during communion if you feel you aren't ready to partake of these gifts from God.

During communion, ushers direct worshippers towards the front of the church. Those with health concerns may ask an usher who will arrange for communion to be brought to them.

The Pastor will place the bread (wafer) into your hand. Wine and grape juice is distributed by lay persons. Wine is available in three ways: intinction (dipping) of the wafer into wine, drinking from the chalice, and individual cups. If you prefer intinction, wait your turn at the chalice. If drinking wine by chalice is your preference, guide the chalice by it's base, assisting the lay person who should maintain a hold on the chalice. Grape juice is available in the center ring of the individual cup tray. Wine is in the outer two rings of the individual cup tray.  Your empty cup will be collected by the last lay person helping with the distribution of communion.

Communion ends with a canticle sung by all, followed by a prayer.

Benediction - a blessing by the Pastor

Recessional Hymn - Candles are extinguished. The Pastor and assistants recess. Pastor greets everyone in the narthex. Depending on the service attended there may be light refreshments in the Werner Heritage Hall after service.

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