English Lutheran Church

WHAT OUR GUESTS CAN EXPECT
Since visiting any church for the first time can be a little intimidating, we've put together the following information.  We hope it will answer your questions and reduce any anxiety that you may have about what to expect when you visit English Lutheran Church.

Getting Situated
You can check out our map for directions before you head out Sunday morning.  Once you get here you'll find plenty of parking, including spaces for the handicapped. The building is fully accessible with a large elevator located to the right of the stairway as you enter. There is a coat hall and unisex restroom to the left at the top of the stairway.  Greeters and ushers will welcome you, give you a bulletin, and gladly answer any questions or help you if you need assistance.

We will not make you stand up or embarrass you!

We promise not to embarrass you or make you feel uncomfortable. We will greet you with smiles and handshakes.  We'll respect that your relationship with the Lord is a personal matter, and that your attendance is not for our benefit but for yours. We ask everyone, members and guests alike, to complete a Welcome Card.  Place the card in the offering plate as it is passed as your gift to us.  No one will call on you at home without your permission.  Whether you are a growing believer or merely checking out our church, we hope you feel a fresh expression of God’s love. 

What should I wear?
God accepts us as we are - no matter who we are, what we do, or how we dress. We do not have a dress code. Worshipers at English Lutheran Church wear anything from jeans and tee shirts, to slacks and golf shirts, to suits and ties. Please wear whatever you feel is most comfortable for you in this setting.

What about the kids?
We always welcome children but we also want parents to receive the greatest benefit from worship. Parents who would like assistance may entrust children (ages 0-4) to the care of our dedicated and loving nursery workers. Ask the ushers to direct you to the nursery located a short distance from the main entrance on the lower level. Pam Pazdernick (see photo) is our Nursery Supervisor.  Experienced and licensed in child care, Pam loves kids and would be pleased to help parents with their little ones, age 4 and younger. Middle school youth serve as helpers.  The nursery is staffed from 7:45 - 11:45 a.m. on Sundays.

What about the offering?
At some point after the pastor's message , offering plates will be passed. This is an opportunity for our regular members to actively respond to all God has given them by freely offering their resources in support of his church. We certainly do not expect or require visitors to put anything in the offering plate, though you are welcome to do so if you choose.

Will I be able to follow along with the service?
If you're attending our 8:00 a.m. traditional worship service,  everything you need in order to follow the service is in the printed bulletin. Hymns are found in the green Lutheran Book of Worship or the blue With One Voice worship book.  If you're attending our 9:15 or 10:30 contemporary service, you need only follow the order of service as it is projected on the screen at the front of the sanctuary.

Can I take Communion?   How does it work?
All baptized believers, including guests, are invited but not required to receive communion. Ushers will direct those who wish to commune up to the altar by the center aisle. You may stand or kneel for Holy Communion. Receive the bread in your palm saying "Amen." Receive the wine in the glass saying "Amen." Grape juice is available as an alternative to wine. Simply ask the server for grape juice.  You may pause for prayer and then return to your pew by the side aisle. If you wish to take communion but are unable to walk to the front of the church, notify the usher and a server  will bring the bread and wine to you where you are seated.