So, what’s up with all the fancy robes, candles, & rituals?

Don’t worry, we can explain everything we wear, say, and do. We do not worship the way we worship because we want to live in the past; rather, because we want to live faithfully in the present through these great rhythms.

Many Christians around the world worship God in a variety of beautiful ways. These different ways of gathering for service are called “liturgies”. Liturgies, at their most basic definition, mean “public religious services”.

In our faith tradition, we have been given something beautiful that transcends time and space: the Divine Service.

We want to share the beauty of our liturgy with everyone who worships with us while keeping it approachable and down to earth. If it feels strange and mystical it is because it’s supposed to be that way. And if it feels relatable and inviting it is because it’s supposed to be that way too!

Here is an explanation of every step of the liturgy so that you may be familiar with it!

Service of the Word

Procession

The procession of a crucifix and a Gospel Book with the celebrant, liturgist, and altar servers are is used to for two purposes. First, to invite the congregation to acknowledge the presence of the risen Christ. Second, to direct the congregation's attention to the altar.

Invocation

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” From the Latin, "to call upon." Used at the beginning of many, though not all, services. It serves as a reminder of Baptism and may be accompanied by the sign of the cross.

Confession & Absolution

We confess our sins to God and one another. Following the confession of sins, the Absolution pronounces God's forgiveness either in a direct form ("I absolve/forgive you") or in a declarative form ("God forgives you all yours sins"). The word comes from the Latin, absolvere, which means "to loosen, set free, or absolve" (Jn 20:23).

Kyrie & Prayer

From the Greek, it is a direct address to God, meaning "Lord, have mercy." The ten lepers, blind man Bartimaeus, and others addressed Jesus with these words.

A concisely written prayer that “collects" the prayers of the people. The Collect of the Day is prayed toward the beginning of the Divine Service, prior to the reading of Holy Scripture. The collect usually follows a pattern of: address to God, basis for the prayer, petition, desired benefit or result, and Trinitarian conclusion.

Scripture Readings

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the Gospel. The Epistle expands our understanding of the Gospel. The good news about our redemption abounds in the Gospel. The reading collections are grouped in a three-year cycle and adhere to the liturgical calendar. During every season, except Lent, the Gospel is read from the middle of congregation to symbolize the Word of God amongst His people.

Gospel Procession

Refers to the reading of one of the evangels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) in the Divine Service. The reading of the words of Jesus is given the highest place of prominence by being read last. At services when the Lord's Supper is celebrated, the congregation stands for the reading. The Gospel may be read from the center of the nave, symbolizing what it means that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The movement to and from this location is referred to as the Gospel Procession.

Sermon

The congregation meets around the Word and Sacrament: the pulpit and the altar. The pastor preaches the sermon, much as Peter did in Acts Chapter 2. He proclaims Christ's mission and extends it to our lives.

Confession of Creed

Though not written by the apostles (a common assumption in the Middle Ages) the Apostles' Creed faithfully summarizes the apostolic teaching of Holy Scripture. Its origins date back to the second century where it developed as a statement of faith in conjunction with Holy Baptism. In most churches it is still used at every baptism.

Prayers of the Church

Church prayer is one of the most critical acts of worship performed by the faithful. The congregation here agrees on earth on what God in heaven may do for it. Petitions and thanksgiving are said for all those in positions of leadership as well as those in need. As we plan to partake of the Sacrament, we assemble in church prayer to support one another.

Peace

This is a time for reconciliation with another member of our church whom might have offended you or who you might have offended. Offer peace and receive peace.

Offerings

We answer to God's demand on our lives by tithing as an affirmation of worship. It is proper to return a portion of what He has given us. That is an act performed with dignity and thankfulness of spirit. The altar is being prepared for Holy Communion now. The collection helps in funding the building and various ministry outreach programs.

Service of Holy Communion

Proper Preface & Sanctus

The opening dialogue between pastor and people that begins the liturgy of Holy Communion. These words, dating from the second century, are likely the most ancient part of the Divine Service.

“Sanctus translates into holy. The meaning of Benedictus is blessed. The Sanctus and Benedictus have two purposes in preparing us for the Lord's Supper. The Sanctus recognizes the glory of the Lord, whom we worship.

Consecration

Those are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ on the night He was betrayed. They consecrate and set aside the bread and wine for this sacred meal (Holy Communion aka the Eucharist). “Do this in memory of me," Jesus told his Church. As a result, the Church draws together to partake of His body and blood.

Peace & Agnus Dei

We hear the peace the resurrected Christ gives to His church.

This Latin title translates as 'Lamb of God.' Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb of God, died on the cross to atone for all sins. We receive the body and blood of Christ, who offers grace, which is now present in His Supper. This hymn helps us to be worthy recipients of the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Distribution

We remember the essence of holy communion and the seriousness of which Paul warns against inappropriate acceptance before receiving it. As a result, we consider our desire for salvation, including our sure belief that this is Christ's flesh and blood for our gain.

Post Communion Prayer & Dismissal

We see a divided emphasis as we near the end of the liturgy, thinking back over the service and ahead to the remainder of our week. Any of these church prayers start with a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings received in God's Divine Service and end with a prayer for God to bring us into our new lives refreshed by His gift of forgiveness.

Benediction

God told Moses to give this blessing to Aaron and his sons to use while they performed their priestly duties. That was to be the grace bestowed upon all Israelites. A benediction or blessing has long been part of the Divine Service. However, the Aaronic blessing is exclusive to the Lutheran Church. The Christian Church has the same pledge of God's gracious presence in their lives.

Recession

During this time, the candles of the altar are turned off, the pastors and the altar servants recess out of the chapel with the crucifix in front. Through this, the laity is empowered to go out of the chapel and bring the gospel to their context.

FOR THOSE WITH CHILDREN

We love kids at Trinity! No, like really. It’s not an overstatement to say that half of our congregation are kids! We believe children are also part of the church and want them part of as much of the service as possible.

Children stay in the service the entire service, except for an optional Pre-K to 2nd grade Sunday school lesson during the sermon time. They are welcome to stay with their parents or go for the lesson.

We also offer an optional nursery care for crawlers-2 year olds by two professionally trained sitters throughout the service.

We value including children in the worship service, so we welcome you to keep your kids in the service for as much of it as you prefer. Activity sheets and books are available on the welcome table.