WHAT TO EXPECT

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We welcome you to Evangelical Lutheran welcomeChurch! We recognize that visiting a new church can be a scary and intimidating adventure and would like to help make it a great experience.  Here are the answers to a few common questions, but please feel free to ask the ushers or our members any questions you may have.  We are glad to have you worship with us.

Wondering what Evangelical is like on weekends? 

We've assembled answers to the most common questions.  Read up to learn more about Evangelical, and then come be a part of our family!

Q&A

When you experience our Evangelical family, you'll find: 

Casual Atmosphere

Friendly faces who will help you find your way around

Refreshing worship and engaging teaching directly from the Bible

You matter to God and to Evangelical

Photo by Nicola Fioravanti

How should I dress?  

Evangelical has always been a 'come as you are' church.  Jeans or ties are equally welcome.

How do we worship at Evangelical? 

We believe true, heart-felt, liturgical worship should lead to an encounter with God. Worship is not a consumer event, but something for everybody in the community to participate in.

When do we meet for worship?

Worship Service begins at 9:00 am every Sunday morning throughout the year.  The Adult Study begins at 10:30 am. Grab a cup of coffee and a snack at our fellowship time and join us.  Sunday School begins at 11:00 am til noon.  Youth & Young Adult Study, Pre-Confirmation, and Confirmation classes all begin at 10:30 am.  We gather for a time of fellowship, coffee, tea, snacks, conversation following worship and prior to classes.  Join us.

What is Worship like at a Lutheran Church?

We're glad you're checking us out!  We are Christian first, and worship in a Lutheran tradition, which follows a format for Scripture readings, hymns, creeds, and prayers, etc.  Our services are a blend of traditional and contemporary worship.  Whether you've attended church your whole life, or never stepped foot in a church even once, Evangelical is a safe place to bring your doubts, questions and curiosity, regardless of your beliefs or background. We invite you to take a look around our website and see some of our opportunities. With wonderful programs for children, youth, and adults alike, there is a place for you to get connected.  

What's available for my kids? 

We love kids here at Evangelical.  We have an abundance of Children's programs running throughout the year designed just for them. Kids in Children's Ministry programs learn about God's love for them every week in a vibrant way.

What if my kids get noisy during the service? 

Children are always welcome in the Sanctuary and we encourage parents to share worship with their children to teach them as they grow.  Should children become restless or noisy and you desire to step out from worship, a chair is available in the narthex (the front entrance) where you can still hear the service. Also, if you need to nurse or for other reasons leave the sanctuary, you may sit in our Council room or large Parish Hall.  There are also Children's Worship Bags available full of coloring books, crayons, reading books and other quite things to play with during service.  Ask an usher to direct you to them.

What's available for my teenager?  

We offer several exciting opportunities for students to engage with one another and with God.  Confirmation and pre-Confirmation meet Sunday mornings, September through June.  Teens participate fully in the total life of the congregation.  Youth Group and many other activities throughout the months, such as retreats and outings, and mission trips are also great places where they can learn, grow, and fellowship with others.  Summer Camp is a great summer event also. Many other events are scheduled during the year for fun, fellowship, service, and worship. 

How often do we have Communion? 

We now celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays of each month, and also at other special services such as on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and other special days.

Due to COVID, Holy Communion is being served with pre-packaged grape juice and wafers and distributed prior to the service. 

Who is welcome to participate in Communion? 

All who are baptized Christians who believe that Jesus Christ is their personal Lord and Savior are welcome to participate, regardless of whether you are a member, regular attendee, or visitor at Evangelical.  Children who have not yet received communion instruction may come forward for a blessing. 

What if I'd like to pray with someone? 

There's ministry time offered during each service with one of the members of our prayer team.  They are also available to pray with you before and after every service, if you wish.  Speak with an usher for directions to someone who will pray with you.  The altar area is always open to you to kneel and pray also.

What if I'd like to pray for someone or have prayers lifted up for someone?

Prior to worship, a prayer request page on a clipboard is circulated in the congregation. You may write the person's name or situation for prayer, or leave it anonymous and general, and it will be lifted up during the 'Prayers of God's People" in the worship service. (Due to HIPAA laws, we request that specifics not be revealed unless the particular person knows beforehand.) 

Tithes & Offerings 

There is a difference between tithes and offerings.  Tithes, 10% of one's income and increase, are given as an act of worship, faith, and thankfulness to the Lord for His provision.  Offerings, above and beyond one's tithe, are given as an act of worship for attendees who consider Evangelical their home.  For visitors, we want you to be blessed by the worship and to give as God inspires you.