The Divine Service
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As believers, Christ is at the center of everything we do. This is especially true when believers gather together for worship. Without Christ, we would have no reason to gather for worship. We would be separated from God and each other. We would cower in shame in the presence of God. But Christ, our Savior, has restored our relationship with God. This fact brings us two-fold joy. We open our hearts to receive his saving and empowering gospel. We also open our arms to offer to Christ our thanks, our lives, our everything.
This cycle of receiving from God and giving to God characterizes each of our lives. It also characterizes the way we worship when we gather together. To accomplish this, we use a form of worship that traces its roots to the apostles themselves. It’s called liturgical worship. Christ is at the center of liturgical worship. Some parts of the liturgy stay the same each Sunday. This is to make sure that Christ is proclaimed and praised during every service. Some parts of the liturgy change every week. These changes are based on the appointed calendar of the church. This calendar makes sure that we cover the important events and teachings of Christ every year. Scroll down for a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and further explanation of our Sunday services! |
A Few Questions
Who may attend a service?
Our services are open to all people—members and visitors alike. People of all ages are also welcome to attend.
What about my children?
Parents with small children are certainly welcome at St. Paul's. Jesus wants the little children to hear his Word, too. Children are always welcome in worship, because they’re part of the "all nations" who need to hear about their Savior too. The worship service is the best place for parent(s) & child(ren) to meet God together.
Will I be expected to give offerings?
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about offerings and giving to a church. Here's the reality: The Bible teaches our offerings to God should reflect our belief that all we have is His gift to us (Psalm 24:1). We believe that with our offerings, we worship and honor God. With that in mind, the members of St. Paul's bring regular offerings collected during the service to express their thanks and love to God. These offerings are used to support the work of our congregation and similar work that is being conducted by other churches throughout the world.
Because the Bible sets no specific amount one must give, again, neither do we. Rather, the Bible tells us that each person should give God whatever he/she is willing to give from the heart. Not out of obligation, however, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
As our guest, you might want to learn more about our ministry before you contribute to it with your gifts. Therefore, you should in no way feel forced to give an offering on Sunday morning. That being said, you are certainly free to do so if you choose. For us, it is enough that you are our guest in worship.
What about the Lord's Supper?
We believe that participation in the Lord’s Supper should be preceded by instruction in the teachings of Scripture and of our church, concerning this sacrament and other important articles of faith. We also believe that such participation serves as a public testimony of unity in faith among those who are communing together. Therefore, we practice "member Communion" and do not follow an “open Communion” practice. Yet, even if you are not communing with us today, God’s grace is still offered to you through the Gospel, as it is proclaimed in the Scripture readings, in the sermon, and in the hymns.
On the other hand, if you would like more information about "member communion." please, talk to Pastor Hansen. He will be happy to visit you about it.
Our services are open to all people—members and visitors alike. People of all ages are also welcome to attend.
What about my children?
Parents with small children are certainly welcome at St. Paul's. Jesus wants the little children to hear his Word, too. Children are always welcome in worship, because they’re part of the "all nations" who need to hear about their Savior too. The worship service is the best place for parent(s) & child(ren) to meet God together.
Will I be expected to give offerings?
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about offerings and giving to a church. Here's the reality: The Bible teaches our offerings to God should reflect our belief that all we have is His gift to us (Psalm 24:1). We believe that with our offerings, we worship and honor God. With that in mind, the members of St. Paul's bring regular offerings collected during the service to express their thanks and love to God. These offerings are used to support the work of our congregation and similar work that is being conducted by other churches throughout the world.
Because the Bible sets no specific amount one must give, again, neither do we. Rather, the Bible tells us that each person should give God whatever he/she is willing to give from the heart. Not out of obligation, however, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
As our guest, you might want to learn more about our ministry before you contribute to it with your gifts. Therefore, you should in no way feel forced to give an offering on Sunday morning. That being said, you are certainly free to do so if you choose. For us, it is enough that you are our guest in worship.
What about the Lord's Supper?
We believe that participation in the Lord’s Supper should be preceded by instruction in the teachings of Scripture and of our church, concerning this sacrament and other important articles of faith. We also believe that such participation serves as a public testimony of unity in faith among those who are communing together. Therefore, we practice "member Communion" and do not follow an “open Communion” practice. Yet, even if you are not communing with us today, God’s grace is still offered to you through the Gospel, as it is proclaimed in the Scripture readings, in the sermon, and in the hymns.
On the other hand, if you would like more information about "member communion." please, talk to Pastor Hansen. He will be happy to visit you about it.
