If you are new to our church, the Missouri Synod, Lutheranism, or Christianity in general, we are here to welcome you, and we would be happy to answer your questions. Here are some common ones:
St. Matthew's worship service is Liturgical, meaning it follows an ordered pattern of Biblical worship involving a pastor's leadership and the congregation's response. The order of worship will be printed in a bulletin available at the entrance to the sanctuary, where an usher will be handing them out. The songs will be hymns found by their number in the Lutheran Service Book. There should be several of these books on each pew for anyone to use during the service.
At each service there will be Holy Communion. Our statement on communion is as follows:
Membership in St. Matthew congregation is not required for partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Those who commune with us are those who are one with us in faith. We believe that the Lord’s body and blood are present in Communion together with the bread and the wine. We also believe God gives us forgiveness of sins through this means of grace and strengthens us for Christian living according to his will. Those who profess our belief, who have been baptized, who have been instructed in the meaning of this Sacrament, and who are able to examine themselves spiritually before partaking of this divine blessing are invited to join us in receiving Holy Communion.
Anyone may go to the altar during communion to be blessed. Simply cross your hands over your heart to indicate you wish to receive a blessing only.
Children are welcome in the service, but if you need to step out with a child, there is a changing station and cry room located just past the entry hall; go right as you are leaving the sanctuary, and you will see it on your left after you exit the hallway.
There is ample parking on all sides of the church.
Anything from everyday wear to traditional "church clothes" (dresses, skirts, slacks and button-up shirts and ties) is fine. This is the coast, and we keep it pretty casual.