Thanks so much for checking out our website.  Here you can find out more about experiencing the heart and core of what we do on Sunday, especially what it's like to visit Messiah for the first time. We hope you will learn a bit about what we do and why we do it.  However, it can't tell you everything. The most important and worthwhile part - worshipping together, growing together, and doing life together - you'll have to experience in person.  After you have taken a look around, we hope you can come and be a part of what's really worthwhile.

Worship is one of the most important things Christians do. Our service at Messiah has one focus: our Savior, Jesus. Worship is centered on God coming to us with the message of the gospel: the good news about everything Jesus has done for us. That message saves us and changes us. We focus on the reading of his message of salvation and singing hymns full of rich content and meaning.

Each service lasts just under one hour.  A typical service which you can expect to experience every Sunday has a pattern to it to help you follow:

1. Greeting: The pastor greets everyone and introduces the theme of the day to everyone.
2. Opening Hymn: We open by singing a hymn which introduces the theme of the day and sets the tone for the whole service.
3. Confession & Absolution of Sins: We know we can't approach God all by ourselves. We can't appreciate Jesus and his work if we don't see our need for him. That is why the first thing we do is confess our sins and hear the proclamation of God's forgiveness to us. With all our sins gone and our relationship to God restored, we can joyfully stand before God at peace.
4. Scripture Readings: Reading God's Word is one of the most essential parts of the service.  There are typically three readings, which are unified to form one central theme for the service: one from the Old Testament, one from the Epistles in the New Testament, and one from the Gospels.  The last reading from the Gospels that shows us the words and works of Jesus forms the theme for the day.
5. Psalm of the Day: The book of Psalms in the Old Testament was the songbook of the ancient church. Still today we sing fresh settings of these songs from the Bible which match the theme for the day.
6. Hymn of the Day: This is the central and most important hymn. It is typically rich in content and teaches the theme for the day which comes from the truths of the Gospel lesson. It is sung between the Gospel lesson and the sermon.
7. Sermon: This message by the pastor is based off of one of the Scripture readings and helps explain the theme of the day.  After hours studying the lesson in its original language (Hebrew in the Old Testament and Greek in the New Testament), the pastor crafts a message that not only helps explain the meaning of the text but also gives us a relevant application to our lives as Christians.
8. Offering: After hearing and being motivated by the good news of Jesus, our members gather an offering out of thankfulness. We give of God's gifts to us so that others might hear that same life-changing message of Jesus. We  do not compel anyone to or expect our guests to contribute. This service is our free gift to you.
9. Prayer of the Church: The Bible teaches us to bring all of our requests to God. Here we boldly and confidently bring forth our requests, thanksgiving, and special prayers for those in need.
10. Lord's Prayer: This simple yet profound prayer Jesus himself taught his disciples is included in every service.
11. Blessing: This is the oldest part of the service, which has been said in worship for over 3500 years.  Ever since the Old Testament, the Lord has wanted his people to depart with the confidence that he is with us as he gives us his blessing, grace, favor, and peace.  This is the best encouragement and strength as we leave to live for him during the upcoming week.   

We know stepping into a church for the first time can be intimidating. We hope these questions and answers are helpful to you as you consider attending our church. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. We hope to see you in worship soon! 

What time are the services?

We worship on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and on Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:15 am. (7:45 and 9:30 am from Memorial Day to Labor Day).

What should I wear?

There is no dress code in God's house. Some come right from work and wear their hospital scrubs or their office clothes. Feel free to come as you are. We're just glad you're here.

Where should I sit?

Feel free to sit anywhere you'd like and feel comfortable.  We won't make you sit up front.  Ushers can help you find an open seat, no matter when you arrive.

What about kids?

We love to have kids & young families join us!  Please don't feel bad if kids get restless.  They're kids - that's what they do.  There are coloring activity handouts before you enter worship, children's books in the library, or the nursery where you can see and hear the worship service.

Will I be able to follow the service?

We use an orderly form of worship that is easily followed page by page in the front of our hymnals. Usually, each hymn is announced when it's time to sing. If you don't know the tune, just follow the words and when you feel comfortable, join in singing. It's not a performance - it's your personal praise of your Lord.

What about the offering?

The members of Messiah gather an offering out of thankfulness, not out of compulsion, from the blessings God has first given to us. This thank offering supports ministry in our city and around the world. We don't expect guests to contribute, so please don't feel pressured to do so.

What about communion?

In order to make sure everyone receives the sacrament to their spiritual benefit and not harm, we invite members to come forward.  If you haven't communed with us before, please talk with the pastor before joining us.

Is Messiah handicap accessible?

Yes, Messiah is handicap accessible. All entrances have ramped access. There are no stairs to climb. There are special spaces available in the worship area for individuals or families with wheelchairs.

Will I be welcomed?

Yes, you will be welcomed warmly by several people as you enter church. They won't put a big badge on you stamped "Visitor" nor will we ask you to get up in front of everyone and introduce yourself. But, you can expect a "good morning" and an offer for a cup of coffee.