At Gethsemane Lutheran Church our worship emphasizes the grace of God that we experience through God’s Word and Sacrament. That grace is revealed to us in community through music, reading, prayer, preaching, and sharing communion and baptism with one another. Our worship whether contemporary or traditional is rooted in liturgical rituals that have been used by Christians for thousands of years. We also use new songs, world music, contemporary words, and new thoughts.

At Gethsemane, we know we are all imperfect people. We are sinners who are forgiven and have gathered together to worship God and try to live a life closer to Jesus Christ every day.

Wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you to worship with us at Gethsemane!

When is worship?
Worship is at 9:30am on Sunday mornings. It lasts about an hour.

What should I wear?
People at Gethsemane wear a whole array of things to worship: Shorts and flip-flops (if the weather agrees) as well as suits and ties. But most of the congregation tends to lean to the casual side. You should come in whatever you feel comfortable going to church in!

What if I’ve never been to worship before?
We give out an easy to follow bulletin and project the service on the front wall. If you get lost, don’t be afraid to ask someone near you what’s going on. They will be glad to help. We would also love it if you signed into the visitor’s book!

What hymn book do you use?
At Gethsemane, we mostly use Evangelical Lutheran Worship for our hymns and for the liturgy.

What is liturgy?
Technically, liturgy is “a communal response to the sacred through activity reflecting praise”. But it’s just the words that we say and repeat in worship. If you’ve been to a Lutheran, Roman Catholic or Episcopal church (or some Methodist or Presbyterian churches) you will recognize many words of our traditional worship service. Even our contemporary worship uses updated versions of ancient rites.

Is your worship traditional or contemporary?
We have a Traditional Worship service three times a month and a Contemporary Worship at least once a month.

When do you have communion?
We share communion every Sunday at Gethsemane.

Can I take communion at Gethsemane?
Yes! As Christ welcomed everyone to eat with him, we welcome everyone to take communion at Gethsemane. Whatever your age, denomination, background or where you are in your faith journey, you are invited to share communion with us.

What if I have children?
Children are welcomed to participate in all parts of our worship. There are activity bags that children can find as they come into the sanctuary. Close to the beginning of worship, the children are asked to come to the front of the church for a children’s sermon. There is a nursery for toddlers and younger, but we encourage children to participate in worship as much as they are able.

Can children take communion?
Children are welcomed to the communion table just as others are. You can read more about sharing communion with children here. Or you can talk to the Church Office.

What if I want to be baptized?
As a Lutheran Congregation, we baptize people of all ages: from infants to senior citizens and all in between. If you want to be baptized or you want your child to be baptized, contact the Church Office.

Do I have to give money?
Giving to the church is a spiritual discipline. It is a solid way that we show thanks and share our lives with God. The congregation uses these gifts in order to support all facets of our ministry. Members and regular attenders are encouraged to give what they are able. If you are a visitor, you do not need to give. No one will think any less of you!

What happens after worship?
After worship we have coffee and sometimes snacks in the atrium (up the stairs.) Then you are invited to join in one of our education opportunities for children, youth and adults.

How do I become a member?
If you have been coming to worship regularly and want to become a member, mark it on the sign-in card that are at the ends of the pew or contact the Church Office!