We know that coming to a church for the first time can be a bit of a courageous act so we would like to address common questions people might have before visiting Grace Lutheran Church for the first time.
Here at Grace we enjoy traditional Word and Sacrament ministry that has been passed down through the ages. We follow the liturgy developed over 2000 years of common church life as we experience the back and forth of God's Word given to us and then spoken back to Him. We use the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) to direct our worship and are comfortable with settings 1,2,3 & 4.
The Lutheran church has often been called the singing church and that is alive and well here. We sing the hymns of historic church authored by the great hymn writers of the past six centuries, including this one. Our voices are lifted with the resounding tones of a nine rank Wicks organ that has graced the sanctuary since 1966. We have seasonal choirs and an increasing number of congregational cantors to highlight special musical offerings.
Like many places fashion has a wide range, we are no exception. Business casual might be a good middle ground where ties are not the standard but neither are they out of place. You are not too likely to see women in hats but they might have on a new " Sunday dress." However you choose to dress we are very happy to see you as our guests and look forward to greeting you with a smile.
We want everyone to commune with us, but we understand that not everyone is ready at this time. Those who share the Lord’s Table must also share the Lord’s teaching (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 16:17). Therefore, if you are not yet a catechized member of a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation, we invite you to first learn what we believe, teach and confess (from Luther’s Small Catechism) and make this confession of faith your own. We would love the opportunity to share our teachings with you so that you might share our confession of faith and share the Lord’s Table with us in the future.
Please contact Pastor Armstrong about instruction and any questions you may have.
jwarmstrong@gracecolumbus.org or text
812-314-1208.
For those not communing today: if you have not yet received instruction in the Small Catechism, we invite you to receive a blessing at the Communion rail. To receive a blessing, simply bow your head and cross your hands over your chest. If you do not want to receive a blessing at this time, there is no obligation to come to the Communion rail.
For those communing today: we offer Individual and Common Cup. If you prefer the Common Cup, simply let the Individual Cups pass by and extend your hand to receive the Common Cup.
Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged in worship. Indeed, from ancient times they have been an important part of the worshipping community (Joel 2:15-16). If needed, however, there is a nursery available in the East Wing (near the main entrance). There is a regular children's Sunday school each week between the services, about 9:20 am. Sunday school is also in the East Wing. If you need directions please ask anyone, they would be more than happy see you to the right place.
Parking is available in the main parking lot on the north side of the church on Simms Drive. If the lot is full you are free to use the parking area south of the church.
Welcome back to in-person worship in the community of Grace Lutheran Church. The objective of these procedures is to allow corporate worship with Holy Communion while abiding by Indiana state guidelines and ensuring the safety of our members and visitors to the best of our ability.