Atonement Lutheran Church & School

Visitors

Thinking of visiting us and don't know what to expect?

At Atonement Lutheran Church and School we welcome visitors and want to make sure everyone feels part of what's happening.  We enjoy being together, worshiping and learning how to walk through our Christian life.  We want you to feel the same way.  You may even wish to come regularly to the church and join in some of our activities.

We have tried to anticipate your questions so that you can feel more comfortable during a visit.

Where do I park?
- There is usually space in the parking lots on the North and West of the church.  On occasion we will use the overflow lot located to the South.  There are also many handicapped spaces just outside the entrance.

What will happen when I arrive and where do I go?
- Services begin at 8:00am and 10:30am.  We have greeters who are outside the West Entrance.  They will be happy to direct you to the sanctuary.
- If you arrive early for the second service you may find others gathering in Narthex, just inside the entrance, waiting for the Adult Bible class to finish. You are welcome to wait there or head in to the sanctuary for quiet meditation.
- If you require a large print bulletin please ask an usher.  We also have assistance for those with hearing difficulties.

What happens during the worship service?
- We enjoy music and song as a way of expressing our praise to God.  Our service is traditional using the Lutheran Service Book.  The service and page for the week is posted in the bulletin along with the hymns.  Hymn numbers are also posted on the wall boards.  Please take a moment to sign the attendance record book located in each pew.
- Our service can be followed in the Hymnal.  You'll notice we stand and sit at different points.  Just watch your neighbor for the cues.  And don't worry - we all miss the beat on occasion.
- After Pastor's message (the sermon), children are invited to gather at the front for a children's sermon.  We love to have the children with us in worship but there is also a nursery available to parents who would prefer to have young children in the nursery during worship service.
- After the message we take an offering where we give our money to support the Church Ministries.  This is really for our church members.  Don’t feel compelled to give.  Many give once or twice a month so it wont be strange not giving when the time comes.  You can place any special prayer request in the offering plate.
- We then offer up our prayers to God.
- We have communion (bread and wine) on the second, fourth and fifth Sunday of each month.  Please feel free to join us if you have the same beliefs but also don’t feel compelled to take communion.  There is a mix of people who pass on taking communion on various Sundays so you won’t stand out.
- We usually finish by around 9:00am (11:30am for the 2nd service) with announcements from Pastor.  We invite you to greet Pastor and introduce yourself.

Do I have to sing?
- We enjoy singing and expressing our beliefs.  However, we don’t expect visitors to join in unless they feel comfortable.  During the service people will often sit and contemplate so it won't be odd if you want to just sit and watch.  Then again, if you join in you may find you enjoy it!

How do I dress?
We are a diverse group.  Some of us will dress in suits and ties, others wear casual clothes.  Some wear jeans and occasionally shorts.  We don’t think what you wear on the outside is nearly as important as what goes on within us.

Does Atonement Lutheran cater to a specific age group?
- There is a blend of many age groups at Atonement.  We enjoy the family atmosphere that the age diversity creates.

What happens after service?
- After 1st service you are welcome to join us for snacks, juice, coffee, and tea in the Fellowship Hall.  About 9:15am our Sunday School classes begin.  We will be happy to direct you to the Adult Bible Class or a Sunday School class for your child.
- This is a perfect time to meet people and learn more about our church and ministries
- Adult Bible Class and Sunday School finishes around 10:15am.