Frequently Asked Questions
The following information may be helpful if you are a newcomer to Saint Paul Lutheran Church. If you have other questions please feel free to contact the church office or ask one of our members when you are at Saint Paul.
What time are your services?
Sunday Services are regularly at 10:00AM with Bible classes and Sunday School at 8:45AM. Holy Communion is generally celebrated each Sunday. Service hours may vary when there are holidays or special events. Coffee and goodies are served after the worship service. Please join us!
What kind of worship do you offer?
At Saint Paul the most important thing about worship is that it be founded on the Word of God as given to us in the Holy Scriptures. For this reason, preaching the good news about who Jesus is and what he has done for us takes a prominent place in every service. In keeping with what the Bible teaches, the Lord’s Supper is also the heart of who we are as a worshiping community.
Our services also make use of the reading of Scripture, the joining together of our hearts in prayer, the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with texts that helps us to rejoice together in the Gospel of Christ. In keeping with this, we usually follow one of the orders of service as printed in the Lutheran Service Book (LSB).
Where do I park?
There is parking on the street, as well as a parking lot behind the church. Handicapped parking, limited other spaces, and a handicapped-accessible entrance are available in front of the church’s red doors on Lee Drive. To enter via the fellowship hall, park behind the church and enter through the glass double-doors, proceeding up the stairs to the sanctuary one floor above the fellowship hall.
Is there childcare during services?
At St. Paul we rejoice in family and children as a special gift of God to His people and His Church. For this reason, we encourage parents to keep their children with them during worship, as they help their children grow as members of our worship community. Many of our young families prefer to sit up front where their children can see more fascinating elements of worship, such as the use of the Baptismal font and the lighting of candles. When children are encouraged to enjoy the entire experience worship, it’s amazing how quickly they begin to grasp the power of worship and learn to participate.
When children do become riotous enough to cause a distraction, most parents will simply walk with them to the narthex (the outside rear of the church) where they can continue to participate. The Media Center is also available to use. Turn right when you leave the sanctuary and follow the hall around to the Media Center. The service will be livestreamed in the Media Center so that you can still see and hear the worship service.
Are there Christian education opportunities for youth and adults?
Saint Paul has a very strong Sunday School and Bible Class ministry that offers a variety of opportunities for learning and growth. Course topics, dates and locations vary but are listed in the weekly announcements.
Do I need to be a member for my child to attend Sunday School?
All children Kindergarten age and up are welcome to attend. Sunday School meets at 8:45AM. Classroom locations are listed in the weekly printed announcements, or feel free to ask our members to point you in the right direction. If you have specific questions, please contact the church office.
Can my child start attending Sunday School at any time?
Yes. Near the beginning of each school year students move up to the grade that coincides with their school grade. At that time, parents have the opportunity to meet teachers and accompany children to their new classroom. However, children may join their corresponding class throughout the year, and we are always glad to welcome them.
How do I set up a baptism for my child? Do I need to be a member?
Members may call the church office to arrange a baptism date and time. Non-members need to meet with Pastor prior to scheduling a baptism.
May I commune (receive The Lord’s Supper) at Saint Paul?
The Lord’s Supper is celebrated at Saint Paul in the confession and glad confidence that, as He says, our Lord gives into our mouths not only bread and wine but His very body and blood to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of sins and to strengthen our union with Him and with one another. Our Lord invites to His table those who trust His words, repent of all sin, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as He forgives and loves us, that they may show forth His death until He comes.
Because those who eat and drink our Lord’s body and blood unworthily do so to their great harm and because Holy Communion is a confession of the faith which is confessed at this altar, any who are not yet instructed, in doubt or who hold a confession differing from that of this congregation and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and yet desire to receive the Sacrament, are asked first to speak with the pastor or an elder. For further study, see Matt. 5:23f.; 10:32f.; 18:15–35; 26:26–29; 1 Cor. 11:17–34. (Non-alcoholic wine is available in the center of the communion trays.)
Who do I contact for assistance or to get answers to my questions?
Feel free to contact Pastor Alms or the church office for assistance.
When is the church office open?
The church office is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
How do I schedule an appointment with pastor?
To schedule an appointment, please contact the church office.
I’ve decided that I want to join Saint Paul. What do I do next?
You can become a member of Saint Paul by:
- Attending Pastor’s Adult Information Class. This is encouraged for all new members and is required for adults who are not transferring from a sister LC—MS congregation; or
- Transfer of membership from a sister LC—MS congregation. Please speak with our pastor to discuss whether this option pertains to your situation.
How do I schedule a wedding? Do I need to be a member?
Weddings are conducted for couples who are members and who are interested in building a marriage relationship around a shared commitment to Jesus Christ. Members may schedule a meeting with the pastor. Please contact Pastor as soon as possible, as certain pre-wedding requirements may take some time to fulfill.