What to Expect

What to Expect
When You Visit

Walking into a church for the first time can feel like a big step. We want you to feel prepared, comfortable, and welcomed — not guessing your way through the morning.

Here’s what you can expect when you worship with us.

Our Worship

Worship lasts about 65 minutes and follows a structured Lutheran worship service, with music, prayer, Scripture readings, a sermon, and either Holy Communion or a service centered on prayer and healing.

Music is an important part of our life together. Worship is led by piano and organ, with hymns and sung prayers primarily from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings. We sing a lot — and we sing well — but participation is always optional. Listening is full participation.

Each week also includes a special musical offering, which might be shared by our choir, bell choir, youth musicians, instrumentalists, or offered as a solo or ensemble piece. No two Sundays sound exactly the same.

Verbal directions are given throughout the service, and cues for standing or sitting are shown on the screen and printed in the bulletin. Worship leaders guide the flow as we go, so you don’t need to worry about knowing what to do.

What People Wear

Most people dress neatly or casually dressed up, but you’ll also see jeans every week. There is no dress code. Wear what helps you feel comfortable showing up.

Communion & Healing Services

We celebrate Holy Communion most Sundays.

On months that include a fifth Sunday, we hold a service focused on prayer and healing rather than Communion. This service follows a familiar worship pattern with music and Scripture, and includes space for quiet prayer and optional individual blessing.

Communion Details

Communion is open to all. You do not need to be a member, and you do not need to be Lutheran.

When it’s time for Communion, worship leaders first serve Communion within the pews, tending to those with mobility concerns or those who prefer to receive Communion while seated. After this, ushers will gently invite each row forward to receive Communion near the front of the sanctuary.

You’ll receive a wafer and your choice of red wine or white grape juice, served in individual cups. We also offer gluten-free and soy-free wafers, which are handled separately to avoid cross-contamination. You’re welcome to ask for these as you come forward.

On some high holy days, Communion is shared a little differently. Instead of coming forward individually, small groups gather together at the front of the sanctuary, either standing or kneeling at the communion rail. Communion is then shared together as a group before returning to your seat. You’ll be guided through this step-by-step.

If you prefer not to receive Communion, you’re invited to remain seated while others come forward — or you may come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing instead.

If any part of Communion feels unfamiliar, that’s okay. You will be guided, and you’re free to participate — or not — in ways that feel right for you.

Children & Youth

Children are welcome in worship — fully and joyfully.

You’ll hear noise. You may see movement. Perfectly behaved children are a rarity here. One of our youngest members is known for running behind the altar during the children’s message, and we consider that part of the life of the church.

Our youth presence is small but mighty. Young people regularly serve in worship as readers, communion assistants, musicians, and leaders in ways that reflect their gifts, not just their age.

Our Community

We are a small congregation, worshiping with about 60–80 people each week. Many of our members have roots in Scandinavian Lutheran traditions, and our community includes longtime members alongside children and youth who are actively engaged in the life and leadership of the church.

We love God and one another fiercely, and we are intentionally growing in how we welcome people from different backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. You do not need to look like us, sound like us, or have your faith figured out to belong here.

When You Arrive

Parking is available in the lot behind MidWestOne Bank – click here for Entrance and Parking map. The church building is clearly visible from the parking lot. Walk toward the building and follow the accessible ramp to the main entrance. Our sanctuary is handicap accessible.

Before worship begins, many people greet one another and visit as they gather. You’re welcome to join in or simply find a seat and settle in at your own pace. Bulletins are available to help you follow along, and verbal guidance is given during worship to help orient everyone.

One Last Thing

You don’t need to know what to do here.
You don’t need to have the right words.
You don’t need to fit a certain mold.

Come as you are. We’ll walk together.