What to Expect
Visiting a new church can bring up many questions. We’ve put together this guide to help you feel at ease and know what to expect when attending service at our Trinity Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregation.
The "What to Expect" page addresses common questions people have before visiting our church for the first time. Here's information the most common questions.
The Divine Services at an LCMS church follow a liturgical format, meaning they adhere to a set structure filled with rich traditions. Worship services follow the Lutheran Service Book and weekly bulletins.
Invocation: The pastor begins by invoking God's name, often making the sign of the cross to remind the congregation of their baptism. This typically includes a Trinitarian formula, invoking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Prayer: The congregation joins together in prayer.
Confession and Absolution: This is a key part of the service, when the congregation confesses their sins and receives forgiveness.
Scripture Readings: There are readings from both the Old and New Testaments, following a lectionary that ensures a wide range of Bible passages are covered over time.
Sermon: The pastor delivers a sermon based on one of the day’s scripture readings, aiming to apply biblical teachings to everyday life.
Singing: Congregational singing is a vital part of worship. You’ll experience a blend of traditional hymns and liturgical choruses.
Eucharist: The Eucharist, or Lord’s Supper, is central to Lutheran worship. Some LCMS congregations practice closed communion, meaning only those who have received Lutheran catechetical instruction can participate. This practice reflects the importance of shared beliefs about the sacrament.
The order of service that helps point guests and members how to follow along.
Music in our services are traditional hymns.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) includes a variety of music in its services, including hymns, psalms, and other types of music:
Hymns
During services, the congregation often sings the melody line of a hymn while the organ plays all four parts. The LCMS Hymn Selection Guide lists the Hymn of the Day for each Sunday, festival, and occasion.
Psalms
The LCMS hymnal includes psalm tones in the major, minor, and double key. Major key tones are "cheerful and bright" and are used for psalms of praise and thanksgiving. Minor key tones are "somber and austere" and are used for psalms of penitence and lament. Double tones are used for longer psalms and reduce the number of times the tone is repeated.
Reference: Church Music - LCMS Worship - The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
There’s no strict dress code, so you’ll see a variety of attire from casual to more formal. Come as you are!
Children are always welcome! We offer child care during the service for younger children and for the littlest ones.
As an LCMS Church we practice closed communion, so if you’ve received Lutheran catechetical instruction, you’re welcome to participate. If you are a member of another LCMS church and are attending Trinity, please speak with an Elder or pastor before the service about taking communion. If you are not a member of an LCSM church, we welcome you to join us in worship but please do not partake in communion. If you’re not sure, feel free to speak with the pastor or elder before the service.
We encourage newcomers to introduce themselves to the pastor or a member of the congregation. We also offer various groups and activities throughout the week for all ages.
Where Do I Park?
Parking is available on-site, along the street, or in the lot. For your convenience, look for visitor spaces near the entrance.
The LCMS places a strong emphasis on liturgical worship, which means the services follow a set structure that includes many traditional elements12.
1: LCMS Worship 2: Missouri District LCMS