WHAT TO EXPECT
When is Your Worship Service?
On Sunday mornings we offer worship in our sanctuary at 8:15 am and 10:45 am. Throughout the church year, we do also hold occasional mid-week services (e.g., Ash Wednesday, Lenten Wednesdays, Maundy Thursday, Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve). Additionally, a few times a year we adjust our Sunday schedule for special events, so be sure to check our calendar each week for upcoming worship service details. For persons unable to attend in person, we also offer online worship. Click Here for more information.
What Happens at a Typical Worship Service?
Worship is the time when we honor the God who created us and gives us life. Our morning worship services have four “movements”: gathering, Word, meal, and sending. As we gather in God’s name, we confess our sin, sing, and pray. We listen for God’s Word through scripture, children’s sermon, sermon, song, statement of faith, prayer, offering, and choir anthems. We share in the Lord’s Supper. We are sent out through blessing, song and dedicating ourselves to Christ’s service.
You’ll receive a worship guide (bulletin) prior to the service which will outline the plan for that Sunday’s worship. Most of the service, including the prayers and responses to be spoken by the congregation, are included in the bulletin. Hymnals are available at each seat so you can sing along with the hymns. We typically stand, as we are able, for prayer and singing hymns and sit at other times.
How Long is a Typical Worship Service?
Most worship services last about an hour.
What Kind of People Attend Holy Trinity Church?
The people of Holy Trinity Church represent a mixture of people from the local area. We have young and old, singles and families, rich and poor, churchy and not so churchy. We strive to be a welcoming congregation to all.
How do People Dress for Services?
Many people like to dress up, while others prefer to dress informally. There is a lot of variety and this is purely a matter of personal preference and there is no “dress code.”
What About Children?
Children of all ages are welcomed to worship in the church and there is a children’s sermon at most worship services.
What About Communion?
At Communion time, the congregation is invited to come forward to stand or kneel at the communion rail in front of the altar and receive the elements. As Lutherans, we believe that the bread and wine contain the real presence of the Body and Blood of Christ. We also offer both grape juice and gluten free wafers. You do not have to be a Lutheran to receive Communion. If you prefer not to receive Communion, you are invited to come forward to receive a personal blessing from the pastor.
Does it Matter if I Believe or What I Believe?
Your faith or lack of faith – your religious background or lack of religious background – all of this makes no difference in your welcome to Holy Trinity. Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and we encourage everyone to ask questions as your faith journey continues.
Where do I Park?
There is a small parking lot that can be accessed from the back of the church. Additionally, there is on street parking in Downtown Irwin; on Sundays street parking is free.