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Thinking of visiting us for worship and don't know what to expect?
At Atonement Lutheran Church and
School we welcome visitors and want to make sure everyone feels part
of what's happening. We enjoy being together, worshipping and
learning how to walk through our Christian life. We want you to
feel the same way. You may even wish to come regularly to the
church and join in some of our activities.
We have tried to anticipate your questions so that
you can feel more comfortable during a visit.
Where do I park?
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There is generally
space in the parking lots on the North and West of the church.
On occasion we will use the overflow lot located to the South.
There are cones marking the lot. There are also many
handicapped spaces just outside the entrance.
What will happen when I
arrive and where do I go?
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Services begin at 8:00
am and 10:30 am. We have greeters who are outside the West
Entrance. They will be happy to direct you to the
sanctuary.
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If you arrive
early for the second service you may find others gathering in
Narthex, just inside the entrance, waiting for the Adult Bible
class to finish. You are welcome to wait there or head in to the
sanctuary for quiet meditation.
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If you require a large
print bulletin please ask an usher. We also have assistance
for those with hearing difficulties.
What happens during the
worship service?
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We enjoy
music and song as a way of expressing our praise to God. Our
service is traditional using the Lutheran Service Book. The
service and page for the week is posted in the bulletin along
with the hymns. Hymn numbers are also posted on the wall
boards. Please take a moment to sign the attendance record
book located in each pew.
Our service can be
followed in the Hymnal. You'll notice we stand and sit at
different points. Just watch your neighbor for the cues.
And don't worry--we all miss the beat on occasion.
After Pastor's message
(the sermon) children are invited to gather at the front with
Pastor for a children's sermon.
We love to
have the children with us in worship but there is also a nursery
available to parents who would prefer to have young children in
the nursery during worship service.
After the
message we take an offering where we give our money to support
the Church Ministries. This is really for our church members.
Don’t feel compelled to give. Many give once or twice a month
so it wont be strange not giving when the time comes. You can
place any special prayer request in the offering plate.
We then offer
up our prayers to God.
We have
communion (bread and wine) on the second, fourth and fifth Sunday of
each month. Please feel free to join us if you have the same
beliefs but also don’t feel compelled to take communion. There
is a mix of people who pass on taking communion on various
Sundays so you won’t stand out.
We usually
finish by around 9:00 am (11:30 am 2nd service) with
announcements from Pastor. We invite you to greet Pastor
and introduce yourself.
Do I have to sing?
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We enjoy
singing and expressing our beliefs. However, we don’t expect
visitors to join in unless they feel comfortable. During the
service people will often sit and contemplate so it won't be odd
if you want to just sit and watch. Then again, if you join in
you may find you enjoy it!
How do I dress?
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We are a
diverse group. Some of us will dress in suits and ties. Many of
us wear casual clothes. Some wear jeans and occasionally
shorts. We don’t think what you wear on the outside is nearly
as important as what goes on within us.
Does Atonement Lutheran
cater to a specific age group?
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There is a
blend of many age groups at Atonement. We enjoy the family
atmosphere that the age diversity creates.
What happens after
service?
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After first
service you are welcome to join us for snacks, juice, coffee,
and tea in the Fellowship Hall. About 9:15 am our Sunday
School classes begin. We will be happy to direct you to
the adult class or a class for your child.
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This is a
perfect time to meet people and learn more about our church and
ministries
Sunday School classes
finish about 10:15 am.
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