Worship at St. Paul is traditional but not “high church.” Several liturgies (orders of worship) are utilized in a rotating order. This allows for the opportunity to worship without it becoming the “same old thing.” The order of worship service is formal, planned, and deliberate, and not normally spontaneous. We do not seek to entertain or mimic the culture, nor will you find gimmicks, stunts, or fads. We're not gathering to be ‘in’ or popular in the sight of our culture or society. We look to revere God and His Word and give Him thanks and praise. The point is not pomp and circumstance, rather, our reverence is driven directly by our conviction that God Himself is truly present. It's not about our preference, but it is about reverence and respect.
What's the music like?
St. Paul is blessed to have talented organists, who joyfully use their gifts to provide the vast majority of the music generally in the form of traditional hymns from the Lutheran Service Book. In addition, we have a bell choir and a bell soloist, as well as a choir that add to the beauty of worship. Occasionally, we have a voice soloist to further add joy to our worship and thanksgiving.
How should I dress?
In reverence to the Lord, the members of St. Paul generally put on their “Sunday best.” The definition of which varies from casual to more formal or business-like. We encourage respectful attire, such as clothing that is not too revealing or otherwise inappropriate for worship, but no one will be turned away because of clothing.
What about my kids?
We love children and offer Sunday School from September to May especially for them. Sunday School begins right after worship service. We certainly enjoy having children join us in praising the Lord. Worship is for the whole family.
Will I be able to receive Holy Communion?
We believe Holy Communion to be the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, given for repentant sinners to receive forgiveness of sins. Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. -Matthew 26:26-28 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. -1 Corinthians 11: 26
Additionally, it is a public confession of agreement with the beliefs and teachings of the congregation distributing the Sacrament. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? - 1 Corinthians 10:16-18
Being mindful of the Scriptural teachings concerning the proper understanding and practice of Holy Communion and for the spiritual welfare of all, this congregation practices closed communion. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. - 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
We take very seriously the responsibility to commune only those people who are members of our confessional fellowship to prevent anyone from taking Communion to their condemnation instead of the great blessing it is intended to be.
Visitors are asked to speak with our pastor or an elder before communing. We freely welcome all communicant members of the LCMS, who are in good standing, to join us in this Holy Sacrament, and we want to express our sincere welcome to all of our guests. We invite you to join us in prayer and worship and also to pray with us for the unity of all Christians. Visitors are also welcomed to come forward and receive a blessing during communion, but please let the pastor know before service. We thank you for honoring the Biblical practice and ancient tradition of closed communion.