What to Expect

What's the service like?

At Trinity, we come before the LORD of heaven and earth as repentant sinners. Thus, worship at Trinity is joyful yet reverent. 

Traditional

The Lutheran Reformers were not innovators seeking to create a new church. They wanted to continue in the tradition of the church catholic (universal) with worship cleansed from error. Lutherans rejoice in our continuity with the church from the Apostolic age and the faith the church fathers passed down. 

Liturgical

The Church from the beginning has worshipped liturgically. The LORD Himself prescribed the liturgy of the Tabernacle. In the book of Acts, the first Christians in Jerusalem are described as "dedicated to the doctrine of the Apostles, the communion of the breaking of the bread, and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). The early Christians combined the service of the Jewish synagogue (three Scripture readings, Psalms, sermon, and prayers) with the Lord's Supper. This became the basis of the Divine Service, which has two parts, the service of the Word (three Scripture readings, Psalms, sermon, and prayers) and the service of the Sacrament (thanksgiving, Lord's Prayer, Holy Communion). At Trinity, we celebrate the Holy Communion every Lord's Day and on other festivals, according to the liturgical settings found in Lutheran Service Book.

At Trinity, you will find a stable liturgy for an unstable world - an ancient faith for today's people.

What's the music like?

Our liturgy (order of service) is a combination of spoken and sung responses all of which are clearly printed in our hymnal - The Lutheran Service Book.  Congregational singing is done with traditional hymns ranging from old favorites to more recent additions.  All congregational singing is accompanied by our organ.  We are often graced by special musical offerings by some of the talented young people of our congretation.  

How people dress?

Sometimes people wonder how they are expected to dress at a church they’ve never visited before. Because the Bible presents no dress code, aside from simple decency and Christian humility, Trinity congregation doesn’t make any rules either.  We do hope to present ourselves in God's presence with as much dignity as we can manage.  When a person dresses out of love for God, the choice of dress – casual or more formal – is acceptable to God . . . and us.

What about my kids?

Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes everyone and understands the issues of caring for small children.  If you do require a place to take your child if he or she becomes noisy, we have a Narthex which is located directly behind our worship area.  The service may still be seen and heard via window. 

Can I take communion?

The Lord’s Supper is celebrated at this congregation in the confession and  glad confidence that, as he says, our Lord gives into our mouths not only bread  and wine but his very body and blood to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of  sins and to strengthen our union with him and with one another. Our Lord invites to his table those who trust his words, repent of all sin, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as he forgives and loves us, that they may show forth his death until he comes. 
 
Because those who eat and drink our Lord’s body and blood unworthily do so to their great harm and because Holy Communion is a confession of the faith which is confessed at this altar, any who are not yet instructed, in doubt, or who hold a confession differing from that of this congregation and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and yet desire to receive the sacrament, are asked first to speak with the pastor or an usher.

Seating

As our guest, you may sit wherever you feel most comfortable.  If you have young children and need to, you can easily take them to the Narthex, and still see and hear the service.

Offering

“When will they take the offering?,” “How will it be collected?,” “How much am I expected to give?,” and “Do they want visitors to contribute too?” These are some common thoughts concerning church offerings.

The Bible teaches that our offerings to God should reflect our belief that all we have is His gift to us.  It teaches us that with our offerings we worship and honor God.  Like most Christians, our members bring offerings to God through their church.  Since offerings are gifts of love for God, no one dictates what each person is to give.  We pass an offering plate during the service so that our worship may include bringing gifts to God.  A child may bring the quarters and dimes his parents give him.  Someone older may write a check.  Both are remembering Jesus and giving their gift out of love for Him. You may desire at first to learn more about our ministry before bringing your offerings to God through our church, but you are welcome to participate as your heart leads you to give.

Special needs

There are access ramps to aid entry into all the buildings on our campus.  Hearing assistance devices are also available for use during worship.

"What's the worst that could happen . . . ?"

Attending church somewhere for the first time can be intimidating.  Here are some common concerns:

“I hope they don't make me stand up and say something.”  We assure you we don’t want to embarrass you in this or any other way. We want you to feel comfortable and at home with us.  Church should be an enjoyable and uplifting experience.  We promise to do all we can so you can learn about your Savior.

“I know I'll feel out of place.”  We hope that this information will ease your mind, but if you have a question, please ask someone for help.  Don’t hesitate to say, “I'm new. What's this about?”|

“Everyone will know I'm new; I won’t know what to do.”  Each Service follows a written plan and uses the hymnals in the pews.  You will receive a bulletin as you enter that will have instructions and page numbers to follow.  Song numbers for the hymnal are either within the bulletin or listed on display boards in the front of the sanctuary.  Pastor will also instruct the congregation when it is time to stand or sit.

“I'm afraid I'll say or do something wrong.”  All of us have felt this way when in a new situation.  But we hope you see the people of Trinity Lutheran to be ordinary people like yourself.  We want to accept you as you are and help you become what Christ wants you to be.

“I just want to watch at first and I know they'll try to involve me or sign me up.”  It's unpleasant to be pressured or to be part of a “membership drive,” isn’t it?  We believe that church membership should be a voluntary thing.  It takes time for this to be cultivated.  People need time to evaluate and decide if they desire further involvement and we believe we should respect that need.

“I don’t know that much about the Bible.”  Church and Bible Study are opportunities to grow in our knowledge and understanding of the Bible and faith in Jesus.  You won’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to answer.  And remember, even our wisest members often say, “I don’t know.”
 
We hope this material has answered most of your questions about worshiping God with us at Trinity Lutheran Church.  If we didn't answer all of your questions, feel free to phone or e-mail us, or ask a greeter as you enter church on Sunday.  We hope to see you soon!