Frequently Asked Questions
The following information may be helpful if you are a newcomer to St. 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 St. 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 at 8:30AM as we prepare for Bible classes and Sunday School. Please join us!
What kind of worship do you offer?
At St. 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. Pastor often includes a special children’s message as part of the worship service. 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. For those times when sitting through church isn’t possible, we do have a dedicated nursery with toys, comfortable seating, and a speaker that broadcasts our service. Ushers are always available to help with directions.
Are there Christian education opportunities for youth and adults?
St. Paul has 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 and online.
Do I need to be a member for my child to attend Sunday School?
All children ages 4 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, contact the Minister of Parish Life, Barbara Haar, who can be reached by calling 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 St. Paul?
The Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper) is a sacred act established by Christ Himself and given to the whole Church. God’s Word teaches: “Let a person examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” (I Corinthians 11:28-29). Therefore, in accordance with Holy Scripture, and out of loving concern for all, we believe that those who commune should:
- Be baptized Christians who have been instructed in God’s Word, especially regarding the Sacrament;
- Confess and sincerely repent of all their sins; (1 John 1:8-9);
- Believe that through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God forgives their sins and gives them newness of life (Isaiah 53:4-6; Romans 6:23; II Corinthians 5:17);
- Believe that in and with the bread and wine they receive in a miraculous way not merely a symbol but the true Body and Blood of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and the strengthening of their faith (I Corinthians 10:16; Matthew 26:28); and
- Recognize that participation at His table is a “proclaiming of the Lord’s death” (I Corinthians 11:26) and indicates a public agreement and unity with the Biblical teaching of the Sacrament and the faith we confess in this congregation.
In Christian love and care, and because of pastoral responsibility, anyone wishing to commune here for the first time and is not a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church or a sister Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation, is requested to speak to the pastor or an elder in advance at 410-747-1897 before participating in the Lord’s Supper. Members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who have already given their public testimony that they agree with our teachings by virtue of their membership in another LCMS congregation are welcome to commune with us, not because they are more worthy, but because they are already members of our commun(ion)ity.
Who do I contact for assistance or to get answers to my questions?
You may contact the Pastor, the Minister of Parish Life 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 St. Paul. What do I do next?
You can become a member of St. 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 interested in building a marriage relationship around a shared commitment to Jesus Christ. Members and non-members may schedule a meeting with the pastor. Please contact Pastor as soon as possible, certain pre-wedding requirements may take some time to fulfill.
Are there counseling sessions with the pastor before being married?
Pre-wedding counseling sessions are arranged with Pastor. Counseling consists of at least four sessions (one hour each).