What to expect when you visit Advent

ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

“With joy and thanksgiving we commit Advent Lutheran Church to be the Welcome Place, where through God's Grace, we Gather, Forgive, Grow, and Care."

WELCOME TO ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

Visitors are Welcome!
What to expect when you visit Advent on Sunday morning

Check out what we have to offer on Wednesday evening as well!

Since visiting any church for the first time can be a little intimidating, we've put together the following information that we hope will answer your questions and reduce any anxiety that you may have about what to expect when you visit Advent. To learn more, just browse around the rest of the site, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.


	Getting Situated You can check out our map for directions before you head out Sunday morning, and once you get here you'll find plenty of parking, including handicapped spaces in front of the church. The building is fully wheelchair-accessible. The restrooms are in the Narthex (the Lobby). Greeters and ushers in the Narthex will give you a bulletin, gladly answer any questions you have, find you a seat, and help you if you need assistance getting in.

	We will not make you stand up or embarrass you! Relax, we will greet you with smiles and handshakes, and welcome you to worship with us.

	What should I wear? God accepts us as we are - no matter who we are, what we do, or how we dress. We do not have a dress code. Worshipers at Advent wear anything from jeans and tee shirts, to slacks and golf shirts, to suits and ties. Please wear whatever you feel is most comfortable for you in this setting.

	What about the kids? Our nursery is located in the Narthex (the Lobby). Children under the age of three are welcome to stay for the entire service or "drop in" when needed. Children of all ages are always welcome to attend worship at any time! The children are invited forward during most Sunday Services to hear a special message. Don't worry if you need to take your child out of the sanctuary during the service, you can re-enter whenever you are ready. You will be able to see and hear what is happening in the Sanctuary on the flat screen in the Narthex.

	What about the offering? At some point after the sermon, offering plates will be passed around. This is an opportunity for our regular members to actively respond to all God has given them by freely giving to support his church through the ministries at Advent. We certainly do not expect or require visitors to put anything in the offering plate, though you are welcome to if you like. You may fill out one of our information cards, found in the pews, and place it in the plate, if you would like us to contact you with more information.

	Will I be able to follow along with the service? Basically, everything you need in order to follow the service is in the bulletin or on our screens. There's no need to juggle multiple books and papers - even the hymns are included! You can leave your bulletin in the pew after early service to be reused or drop-off your copy in our recycling bins located by the door on your way out after the late service. Click on the picture to see a sample copy of our bulletin

	Can I take Communion, and how does it work? We have an open table fellowship at Advent. All Christians are welcome to commune believing in the real presence of Jesus Christ in, with, and under the elements of bread and wine/grape juice. Those not communing are invited to come forward for a blessing (please fold your hands across your chest to indicate your desire for a blessing). After the sermon and the offering, ushers will indicate when it's your row's turn to approach the altar. If you choose to participate, join the line in the center aisle, and when you reach the front, there will be one of two options. On the first Sunday of the month there will be communion at the Altar rail. Kneel or stand at the rail as space comes available. The pastor will hand you a wafer and say "the body of Christ, given for you." The communion assistant will present a tray with individual glasses and say, "the blood of Christ, shed for you." The inner circles contain white grape juice. On the second, third, fourth (and fifth) Sundays of the month there will be communion by intinction. The pastor will hand you a wafer and say "The body of Christ, given for you." Take the wafer and dip it in a chalice. The communion assistant will say, "the blood of Christ, shed for you." The blue chalice contains wine; the white chalice marked with a cross pendant contains grape juice. If you wish to take communion but are unable to walk to the front of the church, just notify the usher, and the pastor will bring the bread and wine to you in the pew.