Worship

What do I wear?

Wear what you are comfortable in. We have some members that wear suits and ties and others that wear Hawaiian shirts and shorts. These members sit down for coffee together almost every week and get along well. We're not concerned with your clothes, we're happy that you've joined us to worship Jesus.

When should I get there?

If you've got kids age 3yrs- 6th grade, Sunday Morning Faith Formation starts at 9:15 in the west education building. If you want to have coffee, donuts, and conversation before worship, they are available every Sunday starting at 9:45 in the basement. Sunday Worship starts at 10:30. People start to arrive 10-15 minutes before hand. You can usually find a seat to your liking up to ten minutes before we begin. 

Where should I park?

There is on street parking around the church and a large lot to the south. You are welcome to park wherever there is a spot. If you have mobility issues, there are some designated handicap spots to the east side of the building on Sycamore. 

Wow, that's a lot of stairs!

15 of them to be exact. If the stairs are too much for you, there is a spacious elevator available on the southeast corner of the building on Sycamore Street. If it's not there, ring the bell and it will be there shortly.

Should I take the communion elements that are available in the back?

We practice Holy Communion weekly at First Lutheran and you are welcome to receive. We practice an open communion table that invites all those who wish to receive Jesus body and blood to do so. We believe this is Jesus' meal given to us, not our meal in which we give Jesus to a chosen few. We offer the communion elements at the back of the church for those who wish to receive communion in their pews due to mobility or health concerns. We also offer communion in a continuous manner at the front of the church for those who are less restricted. However you would like to receive communion, we believe is fine by Jesus and therefore fine by us.   

How will I follow along with the service?

On the table at the entrance to the worship space there are bulletins available. The whole service is also projected on screens at the front of the church. If you prefer to sing with sheet music, we have several hymn books that we use. We try to point out which ones we are using during the service. 

Where should I sit?

​Sit where you like. Like many congregations, our regular attenders have a place where they usually sit, but we emphasize welcoming those we find sitting in our seats rather than chastising them. 

Let us know who you are.

When you are ready, there are several ways you can help us get to know you. At the beginning of worship, we take time to introduce visitors who want to be introduced. Also, in each of our pews, you'll find a small black folder. In this is a sheet where you can let us know who you are, how we might get ahold of you, any prayer concerns you have, or other matters you'd like to bring to our attention. You can also let us know who you are online, here.  The pages are collected on Mondays, we'll make sure to reach out to you if you leave contact information.  

Enjoy the space.

About 99.9% of people agree, the worship space of First Lutheran is beautiful! Built in the early 1900's with classic gothic architecture, the space contains massive stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Jesus. The high ceilings and soaring arches give one a sense of a transcendent God who is bigger than one can even imagine; while the woodwork and the light that filters in, offers a sense of warmth, intimacy, and closeness to that same God.