What to expect when you visit our church...

You'll Be Welcome.

We extend a cordial welcome to you to worship with us.  Here is a brief introduction to Church of Messiah.

The Place of Worship

The central items in our sanctuary are the altar and the cross. This helps turn our focus to Christ and to God, whose house the church is. On or near the altar there are candles to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world" (John 8:12). Flowers behind the altar beautify God's house and recall the resurrection of Jesus.

The Act of Worship

We begin with praise and worship, led by our praise team.  Songs include up-tempo praise songs, traditional hymns, and devotional worship.  Words for all the music are projected in the front of the church.  After the singing, we generally have a time when we listen for the Lord’s guidance.  Sometimes people will read a scripture, pray, or give a prophetic word.

 In the seats you will find liturgical booklets, which enable the congregation to share fully in every service.

Communion

We celebrate the eucharist, or holy communion, at each service.  All who love the Lord Jesus and are baptized are welcome to receive communion with us.  Ushers dismiss the congregation row by row to line up and go toward the front of the church for communion.  You will receive a wafer, which you may then dip in the cup of wine.  Some people prefer to eat the wafer immediately and then drink from the common cup.  Either way is acceptable.  Children who love the Lord and have been baptized are also welcome to receive.

The Church Year

Our church observes the traditional Christian calendar. [The Lutheran Church does also.] The season of Advent, during which we prepare for Christmas, begins on the Sunday closest to November 30. Christmas itself lasts twelve days, after which we celebrate the feast of Epiphany (January 6).

Lent, the forty days of preparation for Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday. Easter season lasts fifty days, concluding on the feast of Pentecost.

During these times the Bible readings are chosen for their appropriateness to the season. During the rest of the year---the season after Epiphany and the long season after Pentecost (except for a few special Sundays)---the New Testament is read sequentially from Sunday to Sunday. The Old Testament lesson corresponds in theme with one of the New Testament readings.

Coming and Going

Ushers will greet you, hand you a bulletin, and may escort you to a chair, if you like. They can answer any questions about the service, location of restrooms, children’s Sunday School, and the nursery. Following the service, the pastor greets the people as they leave.