At Grace of God Lutheran Church, we are a small, friendly church. When you arrive (for a worship service), someone will greet you at the door and welcome you. Choose any place to sit - and relax!
Our worship services (Sundays, 9:30am) are structured, and "timeless" (although they're usually an hour long). They contain elements used by the first believers some 2000 years ago, as well as elements from today. Our worship guide will walk you through every step of the service, with a few explanatory notes. Worship generally includes the following components:
Confession of Sins, and Absolution: We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy. The pastor announces the forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus, our Savior, who lived a perfect life, suffered and died for us as our substitute.
Songs of Praise: The hymns we sing during the service are thematically chosen based on the Bible verses we study that day, and remind us of the wonderful things the Triune God has done for us.
Scripture Readings, and Sermon: The pastor reads three selections from the Bible: from the Old Testament, from the New Testament epistles (letters), and one from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). The pastor offers insight, encouragement, and instruction through a longer "speech" (about 20 minutes). Expect to hear God’s guidance for dealing with the problems of life, along with the promises of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven.
Response to the Word: We respond with prayers, thanks, and offerings. We ask for the things God has promised us and for strength to do what he has asked us to do. We bring our concerns and prayers to God, who cares about us and has promised to hear us. In every service, the pastor asks if the congregation has any special prayer requests, too.
Holy Communion: We celebrate the Lord's Supper almost every Sunday. Before receiving this sacrament in worship, we ask any visitor to please speak with the pastor. (See the column, below, about the Eucharist which explains this further.)
Blessing: At the end of the service, we hear a beautiful assurance of God’s care for us, his guidance and his love.