Our Worship at Emanuel Redeemer
Every church has its own style of worship. We think you’ll enjoy the service here at Emanuel Redeemer, but, as in any church, you should expect it to take a couple of services to become accustomed to our way of praising God together.
Our worship is liturgical, which means that we have a set order of worship every week. Every Sunday we consistently focus on God’s Word and Sacrament because only through the words of Scripture and in the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion does God freely offer us the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. These things are the only source of our spiritual lives and spiritual growth.
Music is also an important part of our worship. Through our singing of hymns and other songs we express our thanks to God for his wonderful salvation. As Lutherans we are blessed with a rich heritage of excellent hymns. These powerful hymns remind us of the many wonderful things our Savior has done for us and for our salvation. They take some time to learn, but once you’ve learned them you’ll never forget them!
In our worship we use traditional forms along with modern language and applications. The traditional features of our worship bring us the best from God’s Church throughout the ages, while the contemporary features remind us that God’s promises of forgiveness, guidance and peace still apply to our daily lives. We pray that through our worship your faith will be strengthened in those promises!
OUR WORSHIP USUALLY INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
- The Confession of Sins – We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.
- The Announcement of Forgiveness – The pastor announces the forgiveness of sins won for us by the perfect life and innocent sufferings and death of Jesus, our Savior.
- A Song of Praise – These songs of praise remind us of the wonderful things God has done for us, not the least of which is the salvation he gives through Christ.
- Prayer of the Day – The Church brings her concerns and prayers to a loving Father in heaven, who has shown great mercy and promised to hear our cries for help.
- Scripture Lessons– The pastor reads three selections from the Bible. They usually include one selection from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament epistles (letters), and one from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John).
- Sermon – The pastor offers instruction and encouragement in a sermon, usually based on one of the three readings. Expect to hear God’s guidance for dealing with the problems of life, along with the promises of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven through Jesus.
- Response to the Word – We respond with offerings and prayers for the things God has promised us and for strength to do what he has asked.
- Holy Communion – Currently we celebrate Holy Communion on the first and third Sunday of each month. Before communing, however, we ask our visitors to please speak with the pastor.
- Final Blessing – We hear one last assurance of God’s guidance and love.
We pray that this has helped answer some of your questions and alleviate your fears. Our mission as a congregation is quite simple. We want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all people on the basis of the Holy Scriptures. Everything we do is meant to accomplish that one goal. We pray that there is nothing that stands in your way from learning more about your Savior at Emanuel Redeemer Lutheran Church.