Invitation To Worship
It can be hard to go to a church for the first time. There are so many questions that aren't answered in mailings and newspaper ads. I hope to answer some of the questions you might have about our church before you visit. I'd like to make your visit with us relaxed and enriching. My deepest wish is the when you visit St. John's, you'll hear about your Savior, Jesus, and come to know the grace and love of God more and more.
Sunday Worship
St. John's Lutheran Church has two worship services on Sunday. To find out more...Sermon Series...Worship Times
Dress
Sometimes people wonder how they are expected to dress at a church they've never visited before. Since the Bible presents no dress codes, St. John's Lutheran Church doesn't make any rules either. But dress is a personal matter of worship before God. One may dress casually and rejoice that we have God who accepts us as we are. Another may dress to reflect the awe and reverence we have for our Savior King.
On Sunday at our church you may see running shoes and high heels, jeans and suits, open collars and ties. When a person dresses out of love for God, the choice of dress is acceptable to God...and us.
Offerings
The Bible teaches that our offerings to God should reflect our belief that all we have is His gift to us. It teaches us that with our offerings we worship and honor God. Like most Christians, our members bring offerings to God through their church. Since offerings are gifts of love for God, no one dictates what each person is to give.
We pass an offering plate during the service so that our worship may include bringing gifts to God (offering envelopes are available in the pews to keep your gifts private). You may wish at first to learn more about our ministry before bringing your offerings to God through our church. But you are welcome to participate as your heart leads you to give.
The Worst That Can Happen
Attending church somewhere for the first time can be intimidating. Here are some common worries:
"I would just die if they made me stand up and say something." I assure you, we won't embarrass you in this or any other way. We want you to feel comfortable and at home with us. Church should be an enjoyable and uplifting experience. we promise to do all we can so you can learn about your Savior.
"I know my child is going to be too noisy." We welcome your children to attend our services, but if you feel uncomfortable with the noise level, we do offer a "cry-room which is located in the back of the sanctuary. We also offer children's church during the second service for 3yrs-5th grade in the Fellowship Center and nursery care is also provided for 0-47 months in the Yellow room.
"I know I will feel out of place." I hope that this visitor's guide will ease your mind, but if you have any questions, we have greeters and elders at the front of the church every Sunday to help you out.
"I'm afraid I will say or do something wrong." All of us have felt this way when in a new situation. But I hope you see the people of St. John's to be ordinary people just like yourself. We want to accept you as you are and help yo become what Christ wants you to be.
"I just want to watch at first and I know that they will try to involve me or sign me up." We believe that church membership should be a voluntary thing, and that the most important thing is to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation. It takes time for this to be cultivated. People need time to evaluate and decide if they wish further involvement. We believe we should respect that need.
"I don't know that much about the Bible." Church and Bible study are opportunities to grow in our knowledge of the Bible and faith in Jesus. You won't have to answer any questions you don't want to answer. And remember, sometimes the wisest words we say are, "I don't know."
A Final Thought
I pray that this has helped answer some of your questions and alleviate your fears. our goals as a congregation are quite simple...we want to grow in faith and share that faith with our people like you. Everything we do is meant to accomplish these two goals. I pray that there is nothing that stands in your way from learning about your Savior, Jesus.
Please don't hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do for you.
God's blessings to you, and I look forward to seeing you in church.
Pastor Dennis Stueve