Worship FAQ

St. Paul’s gathers as a community for worship every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Worship at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church:

Who is welcome to worship at St. Paul’s? Everyone is welcome! The congregation is witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ, reaching out to all people.

Does this welcome include children? Yes! Absolutely! Families with children are encouraged to attend services at St. Paul’s. Activity bags that can be used in the pews are available for younger children with shorter attention spans.

Is there a dress code? Not really. Dress comfortably, remembering that there is, if you are able, a fair amount of standing during the service (please feel free to remain seated if standing is difficult or uncomfortable).

When are services held? St. Paul’s has a weekly service on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. There are also services for special occasions, including Christmas, Wednesdays in Lent, and Ascension Day. Some special services are held at other locations or with other congregations—details are always posted on our calendar page.

What is included in a typical service? The service is normally divided into four sections: Gathering, Word, Meal and Sending.

What is the Gathering? This part of the service is meant to prepare the worshiper for hearing the Word, and includes confession and forgiveness (group confession, not individual confession), prayers and songs.

What is the Word? This is an opportunity to hear the Word of God, usually including readings from the Old and New Testaments, the Psalms, and the Gospels. These readings are followed by a sermon, usually based on the Gospel of the day.

What is the Meal? This is Holy Communion, and it is shared at most services. All baptized Christians are welcome to the Lord’s Supper, sharing in fulfilling Christ’s commandment to “do this in remembrance of me.” Communion is offered either by Common Cup or by Intinction (dipping the bread or wafer into the wine).

What is the Sending? This is the conclusion of the service, and the beginning of taking Christ’s message into the world. It typically includes a blessing, a hymn, and the call to “go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

What is the music like during the service? Music is an important part of worship in the Lutheran church. Many of the hymns are traditional, but the service also often includes contemporary works. Most hymns are sung by all present, though some are sung by choirs, especially from fall through spring.

Is it easy to follow what’s going on during a service? Yes. Worshipers are given a “bulletin” that contains the order of the service, references to the hymnal being used, and the week’s Bible readings. The bulletin also contains helpful information about future events, special activities, and contact information if you have questions after you go home.

What if I have a question about what’s going on? Don’t be shy—ask. There are no secrets in what we do, and we’re happy to share whatever you need to know to make worship at St. Paul’s a good experience.