worship

New to Atascocita Lutheran Church?

If you are new to ALC, we certainly welcome you warmly and are glad that you have decided to be a part of this faith community for a worship service, a class, or any other special event. Coming into a new place like a church can feel awkward, but we really want you to feel welcome and comfortable at ALC. Listed below are some tips and insights that might help you feel at ease as a newcomer.

Our Building

As you enter the main doors of our building off the parking lot on Sunday mornings you will be welcomed by a greeter into our Fellowship Hall. We use this space for informal gatherings as well as coffee and donuts on Sundays as a way to get acquainted with new people or renew friendships with others. The greeter will be happy to direct you to our Sanctuary or to classrooms for the Sunday School hour. We also request that you sign our guest book as a way for us to get to know you.

Sunday Worship Services

Worship is the heart and soul of who we are at Atascocita Lutheran Church. From the earliest days of the ancient Church, Christian worship has been marked by a pattern of Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending. These basic elements – revealed in the New Testament and the writings of the early Church - make up the center of our worship.

Worship Opportunities

Sundays

8:00 a.m. Holy Communion with a mix of contemporary and traditional music

9:15- 10:15 Sunday School / Akaloo

10:30 a.m. Holy Communion with a mix of contemporary and traditional music

Child care is provided during both morning worship services including the Sunday School Hour from 9:15-10:15 a.m

Children in Worship, the Nursery and Sunday School

Children are welcome in worship and are invited to take an Activity Bag (located outside the Sanctuary) if they choose, to help occupy their attention during less active times of the service. There is a also a Children's Sermon during each of the services and children's bulletins will be handed out to all those who come forward at this time.

A nursery is available during both service hours as well as the Sunday School hour for children up to five years old. The nursery can be found in the main hallway leading to the Sanctuary. When checking your child into the nursery you will be issued a pager so that you may be reached easily if your child needs you. The nursery is staffed by a paid staff person, parent volunteers who are on call during the worship service, and volunteer youth from our congregation.

Sunday School is available for children two years old (by September 1) through High School during the education hour from 9:15-10:15 a.m. - September through May. If you are interested in having your child experience Sunday School, you can check with our greeters at the Information Center as you enter the main doors for more information and location of classes. During the summer months we provide an inter-generational Sunday education time that takes place in the Fellowship Hall.

The Offering

An offering will be collected during the services but we do not expect newcomers to participate in the offering. We believe stewardship and financial support of the ministry is the responsibility of those who call ALC their home faith community. During the time of the offering visitors are encouraged to turn in a blue visitor card - located on the back of the church seats. This card is also a place to let us know about prayer requests for both members and visitors. No prayer requests are made public via these cards, but rather are prayers that are lifted up by a small prayer group each week.

Communion

Holy Communion, one of two Sacraments acknowledged by the Lutheran Church, is celebrated during both the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services. Sacraments are ways in which we experience God’s undeserved love through earthly elements, which Christ himself instituted. At ALC, both elements of bread and wine are received. After receiving the bread as you come forward, you will have the option of receiving either the red colored wine or the white colored grape juice from individual cups. The empty cups will then be placed in the baskets provided as you return to your seat. We celebrate Communion as a way to remember who we are and whose we are, and all baptized Christians are welcome to the table. If a child has received instruction on receiving Communion, he or she is welcome to come forward for Communion, but to help the servers, a child should be reminded to hold his or her hands out to receive the bread or wafer. If a child has not previously been instructed on receiving Communion, that child is invited to come forward for a blessing.

Baptism

Baptisms are performed during worship services. Baptism, which is the second Sacrament celebrated by the Lutheran Church, is a special time when a child or adult is welcomed into a new relationship with God and we celebrate this in the context of a worshiping community of faith. We therefore ask that family members and friends of the baptized person refrain from taking flash photography during the worship service in which the baptism is taking place. If you are interested in more information about Baptism, you may contact Pastor Anholt at 281-852-7333.

Adult Learning

Two adult learning opportunities are offered each Sunday during the education hour from 9:15-10:15 a.m. For more information visit our Adult Ministries page.

For More Information

The Information Desk is available for you to gather additional information about ALC as you desire. There are many resources and pamphlets available which help to inform you of opportunities in our church and in our community. The Sunday morning greeters can also assist with information or getting you connected with someone who can provide additional guidance. The ALC Newsletter "Seeds of Grace" is also available at the Information Desk. This is another great way in which people can learn about the ALC faith community. If you would like to receive Seeds of Grace in the mail, please call the church office at 281-852-7333.