Worship at St. John is traditional, liturgical, and dynamic! Grounded in the ancient liturgy, permeated with God’s Word, themed with our Lutheran heritage, and enhanced with superb music and musical groups – what a great way to receive God’s gracious gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation in Jesus each week!
THE DIVINE SERVICE: AN EXPLANATION
Our worship before God is based on what He has taught us through His Word, the Bible. Since it is God who graciously gives us life and salvation, we first gladly receive from Him and then respond in prayer and praise. This is called “Divine Service” because in it God serves us His Word and Sacraments. He serves us His gifts, and we thankfully receive. Our worship stems from our faith, and speaks the words of faith given us by God.
Liturgy describes the order and structure of a church service. Our Church follows the basic liturgical orders used by the church for the last 2000 years. It has roots in Old Testament worship practices and is based on the teaching and very Words of the Bible.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LUTHERAN LITURGY
To learn more about our liturgy, please visit the Parts of the Liturgy page on the website of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
Communion Practice
The Lord’s Supper is God’s gift for Christians who are properly instructed. We practice close[d] Communion. This means that as you receive Holy Communion you affirm with each communicant that Jesus is your Savior and Lord and that you share the confession of faith professed at Lord of Life by Lutheran Christians. The statements below reflect our beliefs.
The Communion Confession
- I recognize and confess that I am a sinner. I repent of my sin and ask God’s forgiveness. With His help I will amend my sinful life.
- I believe that Jesus Christ is my only Lord and Savior from sin, Satan and death.
- I believe that the risen Christ is really present in the Sacrament and, under the form of the bread and the wine, I receive His true body and blood for the forgiveness of my sin and the strengthening of my faith and life.
- I resolve to dedicate my life to the service of my Lord by regular group worship, sacrificial giving, thankful living and sharing the Gospel with others.
Children who are not confirmed are urged to come to the altar for a blessing. If you are e member of an LCMS congregation you are welcome to come to receive the very Body and Blood of Jesus. If you are not a member of an LCMS congregation or are uncertain of whether or not you should take Communion, please talk with Pastor or an elder at the church before worship. Adults who are not able to commune may also come to the altar for a blessing.