What should I wear?
There is no dress code of any kind at Trinity Memorial. Those who attend worship at Trinity Memorial can be seen in a wide range of clothing. Men wear anything from suit and tie to dress jeans and a polo. Women follow the same range wearing anything from a Sunday dress to dress jeans and a nice top. The important thing to remember is you are going to church to be in the presence of God; so dress accordingly.
Do I just walk in and find a seat?
When you walk into Trinity Memorial you usually will be greeted by one or several members of the congregation. At the top of the steps there are usually a number of members to greet you with a smile and welcome you. There is also an usher posted by the door to the sanctuary to provide you with a Sunday bulletin and any directions you may need. If you are the kind of person who would prefer to avoid conversation during your first visit don’t worry, you can easily get to a seat in the church with only a few handshakes and a “good morning”.
How long is Worship?
We do not have a time limit on our service; however, the typical service is just over an hour long. We find that this time frame allows us to adequately be fed through God’s Word and to respond with praise and thanks while still allowing us plenty of time for fellowship and further Bible study or Sunday School on a Sunday morning.
Is there anything after the service?
After most Sunday services, we have Bible Study that begins within about 30 minutes after the service concludes in our Conference room. Here you will find an opportunity to grab a cup of coffee and have fellowship with all those studying God's Word.
What if I get lost in the service?
We try to do everything we can to guide people through our worship service by announcing page numbers as we progress through our hymnal. However, for those who are not used to our worship service it can seem difficult at first, so we encourage you to ask the help of those sitting around you. Everyone is willing to help keep you on the right track. We also have fully printed services for those who may be unfamiliar with our liturgy.
I just don’t like to go to new places alone.
Visiting a new church can seem overwhelming and a bit scary; the best advice we can give is to come with a friend. If you know a member of our congregation plan to arrive with them and sit next to them during the service. If you do not know a member, just bring a friend along so you feel more comfortable. Hopefully, you will enjoy your visit and keep coming to worship with us; that way we will get to know you and you will find a congregation who will soon become your new family.
How do I take Communion?
“Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” (Matt. 26:26-28)
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayer.” (Acts 2:42) “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” (1 Cor. 11:28-29)
In keeping with the doctrine and practice of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), we practice a Close Communion. That is, we normally offer Holy Communion only to those with whom we have Altar Fellowship. Therefore, we invite those members of other LCMS congregations and those who are in table fellowship with the LCMS to the Lord's Tables.
Members of other congregations along with those who are unconfirmed, are invited to mediate on God’s Word during this time or you may also come to the railing (with arms crossed over your chest in the shape of an X) to receive a blessing from the pastor.
If you have further questions, please speak with the pastor or freely take from our information rack, “A Simple Explanation of Fellowship in the Lord’s Supper”, and/or “A Simple Explanation of Holy Communion”.
Please Note: The center cups of the individual tray contain denatured white wine for those who wish to refrain from alcohol.
Do you have a children's church or daycare for my child?
No. With the words of Christ, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14) we invite all ages into our worship service. From the music to the speaking, to the sights throughout the sanctuary, there is a lot for each to learn. We invite you to bring your children and sit up front as we have found that children become more attentive sitting up closer as they are able to see much more and understand what is happening throughout. We do have a crying room for those who need to step out with a child who needs to be changed or fed during the service in private.
Will I be announced as a visitor?
No, we do not call out visitors to announce themselves nor to make introductions. We just ask that you come and worship with us, hear God's wonderful Word and join us praising Him for all he has done for us.
We thank you for joining us and we pray that you will consider visiting with us again.