What to Expect When You Worship With Us: A Visitor's Guide to LPC

Before...

Our service begins at either 10:00 (winter schedule) or 9:30 (summer) and lasts about an hour. Attendees dress anywhere from casual to suit-and-tie (with casual being the rule during warmer months), so come dressed however you feel comfortable. There is a coat rack near the front door. Restrooms are down the hall to the left.

As you enter the sanctuary, you will receive a bulletin from an usher. You may generally sit wherever you like. (We don't call attention to visitors, so no need to find an unobtrusive spot.) Sometimes seats are reserved for special events, but these are well-marked. If you have special seating needs, ask an usher for assistance.

You will find a hymnal and Bible on the shelf beneath the seat in front of you. We also have large print bulletins, hymnals and Bibles in the back of the sanctuary. Please ask an usher for a copy. In each row of seats, there is a Friendship Pad, which all worshippers are encouraged to fill out.

Professional child care is provided year-round for children under four. If you would like to use this service, ask an usher for directions to the Nursery. Some parents prefer to keep their children with them during the service, and that's OK, too. We're a kid-friendly congregation, so you're more likely to see sympathetic smiles than scowls when a baby becomes fussy. Also, to help children participate more meaningfully in worship, we provide children's bulletins and activity clipboards. These are stored near the sanctuary door.

The bulletin explains the worship service and contains other useful information. If you have any questions, feel free to ask someone sitting near you. Don't worry about feel silly for asking -- all of us were newcomers at some time or other and probably had the same questions!

During...

The service is a lively blend of Scripture readings, prayers, music, and an inspirational message, which usually elaborates on one of the readings. Members of the congregation play active roles as choir members, lectors, ushers, and acolytes, and all worshippers participate as a group through song, prayer, and responsive readings.

Early in the service, we "pass the peace" -- a simple handshake and greeting to the people around us. Many services include a Children's Message, during which children are invited to come up front. Following the Children's Message, children through Grade 2 may be dismissed to church school classes. Older children (whose classes are held before the service) return to their seats.

Later in the service, ushers pass the collection plate. We consider the offering of tithes and gifts to be a key part of our spiritual commitment. However, offerings are voluntary and visitors should not feel obliged to contribute.

On the first Sunday of each month we celebrate Communion, which is open to all who have been baptized, including children. The format varies, sometimes with ushers bringing the bread and cup to the seated congregation, sometime with congregation members coming forward to receive. Instructions are in the bulletin.

Services often feature an invitation for the congregation to voice any joys or concerns that are on their minds. The Minister then includes them in the Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession. Members and visitors alike are welcome to participate in this tradition.

The service closes with a blessing, during which everyone holds hands.

After...

Following the service, refreshments are served. We hope you'll plan to stay and socialize a bit. If you are looking for a church home and would like to explore the meaning of membership, this is also a good time to speak with the Minister or a church member. You can also specify in a Friendship Pad if you would like to be contacted at a later time.