What to expect when you visit . . .
Since visiting any church for the first time can be a little overwhelming, we have put together the following information. We hope it will answer your questions and reduce any anxiety that you may have about what to expect when you visit Trinity Lutheran Church.
Service Times.
Sunday 10:30 AM (from the third Sunday in September through April. May through Labor day we worship at 10:00 AM
Sunday FUNDAY @ 9:10 AM (from the third Sunday in September through the last Sunday in April) Meets in Social hall
Adult Bible Class @ 9:20 AM (from the third Sunday in September through last Sunday in April) Meets in Fritsch Room
The following is intended to give you some idea of what to expect when you visit. While you are with us, please ask someone if you are unsure of what is going on at any time.
Where do I park?
We have a parking lot on West Chester Pike between Manoa and Eagle Roads. Street parking is also available on Sunday.
What is the best entrance into the building?
Any glass door will get you into the building on Sunday morning. We have an elevator and the church is accessible for all. People attending Sunday School will often use the glass door under the canopy. Sunday School begins in the chapel (up one flight of stairs and to the left).
We have a Church Nursery on Sunday mornings for infants through 6 years old — just ask an usher, who will point you in the right direction. We have a Nursery attendant who has had a background check and clearance. Of course, your children are always welcome to worship with you.
When you arrive for the Sunday morning worship, you will be greeted and given a printed bulletin, giving you an easy guide of that day’s service along with information about upcoming events.
Where do I sit to worship?
Pick a pew — any pew! Pastor always prefers for folks to sit towards the front, but feel free to sit anywhere you like. Towards the back there is a space where a pew was removed, giving space for a wheel chair, or for families with young children who need some room to move about.
When you sit down in the church itself, you will find two different hymnals in the pew. One is the Lutheran Book of Worship, a hardback green book, and the other is With One Voice, a paperback blue hymnal. These contain the hymns we sing during the service. They also contain prayers and other helpful devotional materials.
The Service
At the start of the service, Pastor will make general announcements, and we will take a few moments to prepare our hearts and minds for worship during the Prelude (an introductory piece of music that sets the tone for the day). After the Prelude, Pastor will invite you to stand, as you are able, for prayer asking for God’s forgiveness. The announcement of God’s forgiveness is then normally followed by the opening hymn. Everything you need to know is printed in the bulletin.
Each Sunday we share the Peace of the Lord with each other. We greet the other worshipers with the words, “The Peace of the Lord be with you.” They respond, “And also with you.” Trinity’s people enjoy passing the peace and tend to get out of their pew and share God’s peace with many folks.
For those of you who are germ conscious, we have that covered too. On each windowsill there is a bottle of hand-sanitizer.
Every Sunday we share the Lord’s Supper, also known as Holy Communion. This is the family meal. On most Sundays, we will receive Communion by Intinction; that is, dipping the wafer into the wine or grape juice. You do not need to be a member of Trinity to receive Holy Communion, but we do ask that you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior.