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Thank you for your interest in Holy Trinity! Whether you are visiting and just passing through or looking for a church home, we hope you find what you seek here.
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Wondering what to expect during worship at Holy Trinity?
From name tags to the dismissal at the end of the service, this guide will hopefully help you to know what to expect when worshiping at Holy Trinity on Sunday mornings. When you are welcomed at the door by a greeter or usher, feel free to ask them any other questions you may have!
Celebration of Holy Communion
We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday during worship, as long as Pastor Rich or another ordained minister is present to administer the sacrament. All baptized believers in Jesus Christ are welcome to the Lord's Table, when directed by the usher to come forward by pew.
As Lutherans we believe that Christ's body and blood are truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine when joined by the Holy words spoken by Christ at the Last Supper. How can this be? Simply put, it is a matter of faith. Jesus said "this is my body, given for you" and "this is my blood, shed for you." Jesus does not mislead or deceive. Faith in these words means having faith that Jesus Christ died for us on the cross. We are justified by this faith, and therefore receive by the grace of God forgiveness of our sins and salvation.
The congregation is invited forward, directed by the ushers, to receive the host and a small cup of wine. Grape juice is offered as well if preferred.
Name tags
Before entering the sanctuary for worship, please wear a nametag sticker so that Pastor Rich and the congregation may greet you by name. Many of our members wear nametags every Sunday so you may also greet them by name.
Following Along
As you enter the sanctuary, an usher or greeter will provide you with a bulletin which outlines the order of worship for each service. The service makes use of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW red hymnal) which is provided at each seat. It's usually a good idea to mark the pages and hymns using the bookmarks available in each ELW prior to the service.
Confession and Forgiveness
Near the beginning of each service, we confess our sins to God in unison (following the bulletin) and in silent reflection, before receiving assurance of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Prayer is an essential element in every worship service at Holy Trinity. Some prayers are spoken in unison during worship, while others are offered by Pastor Rich or an assisting minister.
Children's Message
All children are invited forward for a short children's message and prayer. Parents are welcome to escort young children forward to join the children's gathering.
Scripture Readings
Several passages from God's Word are usually read by a lector during every worship service. The Gospel reading, for which we stand as able, is usually read by the presiding minister.
We might also read a Psalm responsively during some services. This means that a lector or cantor will read, or sing, the first half of each verse, with the congregation responding in unison with the second half.
Proclamation of the Word
Immediately following the Gospel reading, sit back and let your ears do the hearing as Pastor Rich proclaims the Word of God.
Sharing of the Peace
We always share Christ's peace during each Sunday service at Holy Trinity. First, the presiding minister will share the peace with the congregation, to which we respond "and also with you." We then take a few moments to share that peace with our neighbors. Feel free to roam around the sanctuary if you feel called to share the peace far and wide. Don't know what to say? A simple "peace be with you" will do just fine, or respond "and also with you." We're a very friendly congregation and many of our members will make their way around the sanctuary to share the peace with everyone!
Offertory
We offer our gifts to God as ushers pass the offering plate throughout the pews. The yellow information card found in your bulletin is also collected at this time by placing it in the offering plate as it passes.
The Dismissal
Each Sunday service is closed with a benediction and reminder of our mission:
Go in peace, serve the Lord.
Time for Fellowship
After the service, please join us in the "Gathering Place" Fellowship Hall for coffee, juice, and snacks. This is a wonderful time for the congregation to enjoy fellowship and catch up with each other.
From name tags to the dismissal at the end of the service, this guide will hopefully help you to know what to expect when worshiping at Holy Trinity on Sunday mornings. When you are welcomed at the door by a greeter or usher, feel free to ask them any other questions you may have!
Celebration of Holy Communion
We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday during worship, as long as Pastor Rich or another ordained minister is present to administer the sacrament. All baptized believers in Jesus Christ are welcome to the Lord's Table, when directed by the usher to come forward by pew.
As Lutherans we believe that Christ's body and blood are truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine when joined by the Holy words spoken by Christ at the Last Supper. How can this be? Simply put, it is a matter of faith. Jesus said "this is my body, given for you" and "this is my blood, shed for you." Jesus does not mislead or deceive. Faith in these words means having faith that Jesus Christ died for us on the cross. We are justified by this faith, and therefore receive by the grace of God forgiveness of our sins and salvation.
The congregation is invited forward, directed by the ushers, to receive the host and a small cup of wine. Grape juice is offered as well if preferred.
Name tags
Before entering the sanctuary for worship, please wear a nametag sticker so that Pastor Rich and the congregation may greet you by name. Many of our members wear nametags every Sunday so you may also greet them by name.
Following Along
As you enter the sanctuary, an usher or greeter will provide you with a bulletin which outlines the order of worship for each service. The service makes use of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW red hymnal) which is provided at each seat. It's usually a good idea to mark the pages and hymns using the bookmarks available in each ELW prior to the service.
Confession and Forgiveness
Near the beginning of each service, we confess our sins to God in unison (following the bulletin) and in silent reflection, before receiving assurance of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Prayer is an essential element in every worship service at Holy Trinity. Some prayers are spoken in unison during worship, while others are offered by Pastor Rich or an assisting minister.
Children's Message
All children are invited forward for a short children's message and prayer. Parents are welcome to escort young children forward to join the children's gathering.
Scripture Readings
Several passages from God's Word are usually read by a lector during every worship service. The Gospel reading, for which we stand as able, is usually read by the presiding minister.
We might also read a Psalm responsively during some services. This means that a lector or cantor will read, or sing, the first half of each verse, with the congregation responding in unison with the second half.
Proclamation of the Word
Immediately following the Gospel reading, sit back and let your ears do the hearing as Pastor Rich proclaims the Word of God.
Sharing of the Peace
We always share Christ's peace during each Sunday service at Holy Trinity. First, the presiding minister will share the peace with the congregation, to which we respond "and also with you." We then take a few moments to share that peace with our neighbors. Feel free to roam around the sanctuary if you feel called to share the peace far and wide. Don't know what to say? A simple "peace be with you" will do just fine, or respond "and also with you." We're a very friendly congregation and many of our members will make their way around the sanctuary to share the peace with everyone!
Offertory
We offer our gifts to God as ushers pass the offering plate throughout the pews. The yellow information card found in your bulletin is also collected at this time by placing it in the offering plate as it passes.
The Dismissal
Each Sunday service is closed with a benediction and reminder of our mission:
Go in peace, serve the Lord.
Time for Fellowship
After the service, please join us in the "Gathering Place" Fellowship Hall for coffee, juice, and snacks. This is a wonderful time for the congregation to enjoy fellowship and catch up with each other.