Worship Services

We aspire to have worship be one of those thin places where divine and human intersect.  We value good preaching, wondrous music, the liturgical seasons and high holy days, blessings for our daily lives, and worship that enlivens us.  We seek to be creative and engaging of all our senses.  We invite everyone to participate, if they so desire.  People come as they are—some dress up, some come in jeans.  We are happy that people come and hope they leave having tasted God and inspired to live as Christ’s people in the world.

Holy Communion

Gathering at the table every week is central to who we are- Here we receive Christ’s forgiveness and presence given for us.  Here we experience a foretaste of the feast to come. Here we become what we eat: the body of Christ broken and given for the world.  Here we receive sustenance for the journey ahead.

We practice an open table—everyone is welcome to receive.

We, as Lutherans, believe Christ is present in, with, and under the bread and wine.  Children are welcomed to receive prior to any instruction with their parents’ acceptance.  It is common to see toddlers receiving communion at First Lutheran.  Those who do not want to receive may receive a blessing.

Participatory Worship

Everyone is welcome to share in leading worship; we all have a role to play not just the clergy! What joy there is in serving!  Our goal is to have everyone play a part in this great drama of forgiveness, grace, and divine love come down to earth. Offer to read the lessons, serve communion, light the candles, assist at the altar, or carry the cross. We invite participation not perfection unless it’s the perfection of accepting imperfection with grace. You don’t need to be a member to participate!