What to Expect

What to Expect

We are a congregation of the Southern District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. That means that we adhere to the Lutheran Confessions according to the same principles and guidlines established by the synod and we are accepted as such as a member congregation. We are congregational as an autonomous corporation in the State of Alabama and independantly elect our officers and call our pastors according to our own constitution as accepted by the Synod.

• What's a service like? Our worship services generally follow the orders of service given in our hymnal The Lutheran Service Book prepared by The Commission on Worship of the LC-MS. Our current practice is the use of Divine Service Two on Communion Sundays. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is provided at regular worship on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays and is included each Sunday during Advent and Lent and on Holy Thursday evening and seperately on Easter morning. Divine Service Four is generally used on non-communion Sundays.
• What's the music like? We generally use hymns from our hymnal but often use other hymns and songs of praise as alternatives as selected and approved by our Minister of Music and our pastor. On non-communion Sundays we usually sing several praise songs at the beginning and end of the services.
• How people dress? Informal casual dress is considered acceptable but should be decent and respectable as appropriate for entering the Church for the worship of our Lord.
• What about my kids? Children of all ages are entirely welcome. We include a Children's Message by our DCE in each service. A nursery is available if infants and small children need attention, however attendance is depended on parents or guardians.
• Can I take communion? All in attendance who have been confirmed either as youth or adults in any recognized Lutheran church body may receive Holy Communion. Unconfirmed children accompanied with their parents are invited to come to the Altar to receive a pastoral blessing. Adults who have read, understand and accept the statements in our bulletin regarding the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ received in, with and under the Bread and Wine of Holy Communion may come forward and receive them. Visitors are encouraged to speak with an Elder or Pastor before the service if there are any questions. We believe the Scripture in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 which says "Anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the Body eats and drinks judgement on himself."
• How can I get connected? There are many ways to get to know us beginning with greetings before and after the service, coming to our Sunday morning Bible class and Sunday School. We begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with an opeing for all ages then break into several classes for adults and age appropriate classes for children and youth. The Ladies Guild is an excellent way for women. Just come by the office during the week or call to make an appointment with the pastor. We have mid-week fellowship meals before Wednesday evening services during Advent and Lent. Let an Elder, the pastor or DCE know of your interest and we will assist you. Our bulletins and newsletters will keep you informed of current activities and the calendar in this website will give you our schedules. Former or current Lutherans from other congregations will be accepted into membership by Transfer or Affirmation of Faith. Adults wanting to join as first-time Lutherans are offered classes with pastor for Ault Confirmation. Youth Confirmation classes are given in a two year program with the DCE and pastor for 7th and 8th grade students.
• What's the music program like? An adult and youth choir provides anthems during worship throughout the normal school year. A men's ensemble called The Trinitones provide gospel hymns in the summer. Sunday School and Choir programs are conducted at Christmas time. Our Minister of Music, Choir Director and Organist is Mary Baldwin. She is always ready to talk to anyone interested in participating with us.
• Where do I park? Parking is plentiful along side our entrance and in the back of our church. Handicap parking is provided near the back entrance which is Handicap Accessable. Persons needing ready access may come directly to the front door under the canopy before the their driver parks the car.
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