Welcome, to Resurrection Lutheran Church!

How many “first days” have you had in your life? When you start counting: the first day at preschool every year until graduation, the first day at a new job, the first day as a new parent you’ll find you have had plenty of first days. First days are exciting with new opportunities, but first days can be a bit uncomfortable. Will I know what to do? Will anyone talk with me? Will too many people talk with me? What will happen when I walk in the building for the first time?

When you come to Resurrection Lutheran Church for the first time friendly people will greet you, but more importantly you will find a place to hear of God’s unconditional love. In prayers, songs, traditional words of liturgy, Bible readings and sermon, the people gathered acknowledge our common need and we are reminded of God’s grace. It’s an important first day of the week, or of a life-time.

To help you enter into the first day of worship at Resurrection you’ll find below a description of what to expect when you visit. I hope you will take the first step to be a first time visitor at Resurrection Lutheran Church.

What to Expect at Worship

If you are new to Resurrection or a stranger to the Lutheran style of worship, the following hints might help you feel more comfortable when you worship with us. At our traditional services currently held at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sundays, you can expect:

GREETERS - when you enter the worship area, friendly members of Resurrection want to shake your hand and greet you. We hope you will feel comfortable with their hospitality. Our ushers will give you a bulletin to help you find the pages and responses we use in worship.

WORSHIP SPACE - At both service times we worship in the sanctuary also called a nave. As you enter you will see our beautiful stained glass windows behind the altar. On the altar there is a large worship book, and Holy Communion will be set under white linens.

"CHURCHY" LANGUAGE - You will hear the worship leaders and the worshipers using words and phrases that may sound unfamiliar to you. Churches are a lot like a family. Church members, like family members, become accustomed to ways of talking with each other. These expressions are ways we remember who we are and how God has blessed us. Your presence is a blessing to us and we hope you will feel welcomed into our church family.

WORSHIP BOOKS – Our red worship books contain spoken and sung parts of our service, along with psalms and hymns. Page numbers such as “p.145” indicate the front portion of the book. Hymn numbers such as “# 556” are easy to see in the back of the book.

SHARING GOD'S PEACE - Early in the worship service, the pastor will share God's peace with you and invite you to share that peace with your neighbor. You are welcome to participate in this greeting by shaking hands with those around you and speaking a word of greeting to them.

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSES - You will hear people around you say "Amen", “Hear our prayer, O Lord”, or “And also with you” along with other responses throughout the service. The "back and forth" between worship leaders and the congregation helps everyone get involved in the act of worship. It is OK just to listen at first.

BIBLE READINGS – All the Bible readings for a given Sunday are printed on an insert in the bulletin. You will be able to read along from the insert or listen as the lessons are read.

OFFERING - After the sermon ushers will pass offering plates throughout the congregation. Members of Resurrection Lutheran Church give money to support the mission of our church. Giving a financial offering is one of the ways we respond to God's many gifts to us.

HOLY COMMUNION - Holy Communion is a sacrament in our church, meaning that we believe it conveys God's grace and forgiveness. People are invited to knee around the altar to receive a piece of bread or a small wafer, and wine or grape juice as the body and blood of Jesus. The pastor will place the bread in your hand. An assistant will offer the wine or grape juice. Resurrection Lutheran welcomes all baptized Christians to receive Communion. If you prefer to receive a blessing instead of the sacrament, simply fold your hands and the pastor will give you a blessing. If you would feel more comfortable remaining in your seat while others come forward, you are welcome to do so.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE – We would love to send you more information about Resurrection Lutheran Church. If you did not see and sign the attendance slip in the bulletin, please do find the guest register near the front door.