What to Expect

Visitors are welcome

Seeing and hearing are the best ways to learn about living the Christian faith.  Whether you have grown up Lutheran, in another Christian denomination, or are interested in learning about Christianity, we invite you to come.

Printed worship service

We print the order of service in a bulletin which helps guests and members follow along.  We use historic services which include prayer, confession of sins, announcement of forgiveness, Scripture readings from the Old and New Testament, sermon, and liturgical choruses.  

Lutheran Service Book

We use orders of worship from Lutheran Service Book, rotating between Divine Service 1, 3, 4, 5, Matins, and the Service of Prayer and Preaching. Shorter liturgies are used for evening services during Advent and Lent.

Traditional hymnody with organ

We sing traditional hymns accompanied by organ, drawn from Christian traditions throughout the world.  Additional music is provided by our hand bell choir, adult choir, children, and instrumental soloists.

Children stay with families

Families worship together.  Children remain with parents during the whole service.  An unattended cry room is at the back of the Sanctuary where parents may still see, hear, and participate in the Divine Service.

Holy Communion practices

By partaking of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, we give public confession to our unity in the Christian faith.  We invite members of St. Matthew, or members of other LCMS congregations to commune. If visiting, please introduce yourself to our pastor. 

If you are not a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, we invite those who wish to commune to learn more before receiving. Guests typically arrange personal visits with the pastor or attend an Adult Information Class.

Most church bodies practice closed communion--that is, only members of their denomination commune together.  We who commune confess we have a Redeemer in the person of Jesus Christ, true God and true man, who gives His body and blood for the forgiveness of sin.

We offer both the common cup and individual cups at every service using regular wine.  The center ring in each tray contains a cup of water with a single drop of wine for those who abstain for health or conscience. Gluten-free wafers are available in a separate holder inside the bread tray.

Begin with prayer and a desire to serve the Lord

Being present in worship is an essential part of spiritual life.  We hear God's Word.  We take part in community.  We share.  We ask our risen Lord, Jesus Christ, to pardon our sin and lead us through this life until He comes again. 

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