Calvary Lutheran Church

What to expect when you join us for worship

What do I wear?

Wear whatever is most comfortable. Some of our members wear their “Sunday best” and show up in suits and dresses. Others wear t-shirts and jeans. Most are in-between – a polo and khakis or a sweater and dress slacks.

What will happen when I enter the church?

You will be warmly greeted by members who might be standing in the entrance area. You will be handed a service folder which you will need to participate in worship.  You may sit anywhere in the church that you find convenient to see and hear.

How big is your church?

We have a membership of about 60. Depending on the service and time of year, you can expect 30 to 50 people at a worship service. The church itself seats over 100, so there will always be room for you and your family to join us.

What are worship services like?

Our church services last about one hour. We praise the Lord with traditional and more contemporary hymns, songs, and liturgical responses; we confess our sins and receive absolution; we read the word of God from the Old Testament, Epistles, and Gospels; we hear a sermon usually based on one of the readings; we join in the confession of our faith; we pray for the Church, the government, and each other; and we pray the Lord’s Prayer. On the first and third Sundays of the month our communicant members celebrate Lord’s Supper.

What is your communion practice?

Like the Christians in the book of Acts and the early Christian church, we follow the practice of close communion in which only our members, who have been thoroughly instructed in all the Bible’s teachings, come forward to receive the very body and blood of the Lord in the Lord’s Supper. This takes only a few minutes during which time we ask our visitors and non-communicant members to just wait patiently. Anyone wishing to join in the communicant membership of the church may speak with the pastor.

What about having children in the worship service?

Children are welcome to be present throughout the worship service. A child’s worksheet based on a Bible story is available for those children who wish to have something to occupy their minds during the service or at home.

What if my young child becomes fussy during the service?

A Parents’ Room is located at the back of the sanctuary for your convenience if a child becomes loud or needs special attention.

Will I have to say anything, sign anything, give anything, or be singled out in any way?

We will not make you wear a visitor badge or stand up so that everyone can see you. We do not ask visitors to make a contribution when we pass the offering plate, unless they wish to do so. We would like you to sign the guest register and provide your street and email addresses in the back of the church so that we have a record of your attendance with us and may keep you informed about upcoming events and worship opportunities.