When you visit St. Luke's for worship, you can expect to be welcomed from the moment you step foot in the building. Here are some tips for making your first visit a great experience.
Visitor FAQs:
Q: What should I wear?A: People come to St. Luke's from all walks of life, and you can see it in the way they dress. God accepts you as you are, not as you're dressed.Q: Are kids welcome? Is there a daycare during the service?A: Children are certainly welcome at St. Luke's. Child care is provided during the service for those who want to us it. If your child needs to move around during the service, there is plenty of space to do that.Q: Will I have to introduce myself?A: Relax and be yourself - you won't be asked to stand and say your name. Since St. Luke's is a small, growing community, you can expect to be greeted warmly when you walk in the door. After every service there is an opportunity to meet others over coffee/hot chocolate and snacks.Worship FAQs:
Q: What happens at a typical worship service?A: Worship at St. Luke's follows a pattern as we celebrate the story of God's love for all creation (including us!). Each week we take time to gather, we listen to God's Word, we share a small meal of bread and wine/grape juice, and we are sent out for service in the world.Q: How do I know what's going to happen during the service?A: You'll be given a worship guide when you walk in. The bulletin will tell you everything you need to know, with little explanations in the margins about why we do certain things in worship.Q: When do I stand or sit? Do I have to stand?A: The worship leader will invite you to stand and sit throughout the service. You can also tell by looking for the asterisk (*) that indicates that you may stand, as you are able.Q: Why do people turn and face the cross when it is carried into the worship space at the beginning of the service?A: Worship is an opportunity to encounter God, to enter into a conversation. When the cross is carried in, we turn and face it to recognize the presence of God among us, in the same way that you turn and face the person you are addressing when you enter a conversation.Q: Will I have to sing in worship?A: St. Luke's has a strong tradition of singing hymns in worship. You are invited to join in singing when you feel comfortable.Q: Do I have to put money in the offering plate?A: You don't have to give anything. Offering is a chance to give from your abundance. It's a way to acknowledge the many gifts that God has given us. If you do share a gift, you can be sure it will be used for God's work in the neighborhood and shared with brothers and sisters in need across the nation and around the world.Q: Do I have to be Lutheran to take communion?A: At St. Luke's, anyone who desires to encounter the real presence of God is welcome to come forward for communion. You don't have to be a member, you don't have to even be Lutheran.Q: What do I do at communion?A: You will receive a piece of bread and can either dip the bread into wine/grape juice or you can drink directly from the wine or grape juice cup. When you have received food and drink, you may return to your seat.Q: What if I have other questions?A: You can ask anyone at the service, or you may also send an e-mail to Pastor Erik Christensen, pastorerik@stlukesls.org, any time. Be sure to sign the guest book and leave your e-mail!
