What to Expect

We know that coming to a church for the first time can be a bit of a courageous act so we would like to address common questions people might have before visiting Grace Lutheran Church for the first time.

What's a service like?

Here at Grace we enjoy traditional Word and Sacrament ministry that has been passed down through the ages. We follow the liturgy developed over 2000 years of common church life as we experience the back and forth of God's Word given to us and then spoken back to Him. We use the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) to direct our worship and are comfortable with settings 1,2,3 & 4.

What's the music like?

The Lutheran church has often been called the singing church and that is alive and well here. We sing the hymns of historic church authored by the great hymn writers of the past six centuries, including this one. Our voices are lifted with the resounding tones of a nine rank Wicks organ that has graced the sanctuary since 1966.  We have seasonal choirs and an increasing number of congregational cantors to highlight special musical offerings.

How do people typically dress?

Like many places fashion has a wide range, we are no exception. Business casual might be a good middle ground where ties are not the standard but neither are they out of place. You are not too likely to see women in hats but they might have on a new " Sunday dress." However you choose to dress we are very happy to see you as our guests and look forward to greeting you with a smile.

Can I take communion?

Together with Holy Scripture and the early Christian church, we Lutherans confess that in the Lord’s Supper, our Lord gives into our mouths not only bread and wine, but His very body and blood to eat and drink for the forgiveness of our sins and to strengthen our union with Him and with one another. We value your presence among us and are genuinely interested in your spiritual welfare.  Because those who eat and drink our Lord’s body and blood unworthily do so to their great harm (1 Corinthians 11:27-30) and because Holy Communion is a confession of faith which is confessed at our altar (1 Corinthians 10:17), any who are not yet instructed, in doubt, or who hold beliefs differing from that of this congregation, and yet desire to receive the sacrament, are asked to first speak with the Pastor. May God’s richest blessings be yours through Jesus Christ our Lord. If you take an individual cup, please hold it until the Common Cup passes.  The Pastor will then know who wants the Common Cup. If you require gluten free wafers and/or grape juice, please speak with the Pastor.

What about my kids?

Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged in worship.  Indeed, from ancient times they have been an important part of the worshipping community (Joel 2:15-16).  If needed, however, there is a nursery available in the East Wing (near the main entrance). There is a regular children's Sunday school each week between the services, about 9:20 am. Sunday school is also in the East Wing. If you need directions please ask anyone, they would be more than happy see you to the right place.

Where do I park?

Parking is usually available in the main parking lot on the north side of the church on Simms Drive. The spaces near the entrances are marked for visitors and we encourage you to use them. We have two entrances facing the parking lot, the main one is on the left leads to the sanctuary and both East and West Wings. The East Wing is the children's education wing while the West Wing houses the church offices, fellowship hall and adult education ares. The right hand entrace puts you in the fellowship hall area near the offices and adult eduacation. If the lot is full you are free to use the parking area south of the church but is a longer walk as there are no entrances available on that side. (Just come a bit early if you can :)