What is the Lutheran liturgy like? Liturgy means "work of the people." It is what we do when we get together to worship. The center of our service is the Word of God and the sacrament of Holy Communion. We believe that the message of God comes to us through them, enlivening the Gospel. We retain the liturgy of the universal catholic church which includes: scripture reading and preaching, prayers of intercession and thanksgiving, offering, the Lord's prayer, and Holy Communion. Our catholic heritage is reflected in the creeds we confess and the hymns and prayers we use. The liturgy proclaims the center of our faith is God's grace, which comes to us through God's unconditional love, mercy and forgiveness. We may change the way we sing or speak or dramatize the traditional form if a new way allows us to proclaim the Gospel more clearly. Recent examples of this include contemporary language and hymns (including hymns that reflect cultural diversity), inclusion of lay ministers as assistants to the Pastor, and, since 1970, ordination of women to the ministry.
Is the church accessible to those with a handicap or needing assistance to climb stairs? Yes, there is an elevator entrance located on the Brayton Street side of the church (church is located on the corner of Brayton and Division Street). Those wishing to use this entrance may park in the reserved handicap parking area on the street near the elevator entrance.
Through Baptism you are incorporated into Christ and into his body, the church. Marked with the cross of Christ forever, you are given the gift of the Holy Spirit and set aside to be a minister with all other Christians to proclaim the good deeds of God. At Holy Communion we share the bread and wine with the communion of saints, including all believers. In this meal we recall that it was by a broken body and poured blood that Christ saved us. Christ is present for us to forgive our sins and nourish us for discipleship. Both sacraments were commands of Christ - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…" Matthew 28:19. "Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'
And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." Luke 22:19-20
When do we hold worship services? Our weekly worship services are on Saturday evenings at 5:00 P.M. and Sunday mornings at 8:00 and 9:00 A.M. An educational hour for all ages (pre-school through adult) follows the Sunday morning worship. We also hold special worship services on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Wednesdays during Lent.
What sacraments are celebrated in the Lutheran Church? There are two sacraments - Baptism and Holy Communion. They represent the promise of God connected to the physical elements of water, bread and wine.
Our distribution of the sacrament through Holy Communion is open to all. We believe that all people can receive God's grace as a gift; we need only to accept it. We invite you to learn more about us by attending our worship or educational programs .
118 Division Road East Greenwich Rhode Island 02818
