When visiting a church for the first time many people ask these questions: "What should I wear?" or "Do you have nursery care during worship?" or "What will the service be like?" Going to a new church for the first time can be very intimidating with these unknown factors. It is our hope that this visitor's guide will help you get better acquainted our church, its facilities, and worship style.
Location: We can be found at 1406 W. Cherry Lane in Meridian just east of corner of Linder Road and West Cherry Lane. Click here for a map.
Sunday Worship--Often times we are asked if our style of worship is a "tradition" Lutheran worship service or if it is more "contemporary." Our services are a bit of both. Generally we follow a tradition Lutheran order of worship where special prayers, readings, and liturgies (or responsive readings) are used. Our hymns are sung from the Lutheran Worship hymnal, The Lutheran Hymnal, and the Lutheran Service Book and accompanied by organ or piano. Contemporary music including folk hymns are also used to enhance the worship experience.
Holy Communion is offered at both services on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Communion is generally not offered at the evening service during the Lenten and Advent seasons. For more about our beliefs regarding Holy Communion, please feel free to contact Pastor Cutler at the church office (208) 888 -1622 or email him at christlc72@msn.com.
Our summer worship service begins at 9:00 AM with Holy Communion offered on the second and fourth Sundays. Nursery care available during the worship service for infants and children over 5 years old. Fellowship time follows worships at 10:00 AM.
Dress--The Bible instructs us to come as we are before God; So we invite you to do the same. The Bible offers no dress code for worship aside from decency and humility. We simply ask that you come in something that is comfortable for you and honoring to God. For some this means suits and ties, dresses and high heels. For others it means shorts and flip-flops or jeans and sneakers.
Offering--An offering to God is usually taken during each worship service. God's holy Word teaches us: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Since our offerings are gifts of love for God, we believe that no one should dictate what each person is to give. While we pass an offering plate at nearly every service, no one is obligated to give. Gifts of love to the Lord are a private matter known only to Him.
The second Sunday of each month our LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) collects pocket change for their monthly Mite Box offering. This special offering goes to LWML to reach out with the love of God through various mission projects throughout the world.
Prayer--Prayer requests are also taken during the Offering time. Please feel free to ask for prayer for anyone including yourself. Prayer request forms are available from any usher.
The What "If's"
What if they make me stand up and say something? Please be assured that we will not put you in an awkward and uncomfortable position by embarrassing you in this way. We want your visit to Christ Lutheran to be an uplifting and enjoyable experience. We promise to do all that we can to help you to know more about your Savior, Jesus Christ.
What if my child is going to be noisy? We offer nursery care for children during our worship service on Sunday mornings. Activity bags with crayons, books, and other children's activities are available to help during the worship service. A very special part of our worship service is the Children's Sermon where all children are invited to come to the front of the sanctuary for a special message just for them.
What if I will feel out of place? We hope this visitor's guide will ease your mind, but if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask someone for help. Just say, "I'm new here. What is this about?" Any of our members will be more than happy to help you feel at home at Christ Lutheran. We understand that many times those visiting here for the first time like to watch and see what we are all about before getting involved. No one will try to pressure you to join the church or volunteer for something. Church membership is a voluntary thing and the most important reason for being at a church should be trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation. We respect your need for time to evaluate and decide if you wish to be further involved with our congregation's ministry.
What if I don't know much about the Bible? We all are here at Christ Lutheran to learn more about God's holy Word, the Bible. Attending a Bible study class or even a worship service is the best way to do just that. Whether young or old, this is how we grow in knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Finally. . . It is our hope that this Visitor's guide has helped answer some of your questions and alleviate your fears. Our goal as a congregation is to grow in faith and share that faith with people like you. We pray that nothing will stand in your way from learning more about your Savior.
Please do not hesitate to call or email us if you have any further questions about Christ Lutheran Church.
Location We are located just east of the corner of Linder Road and W. Cherry Lane in Meridian, Idaho. Our church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Mountain time).
1406 W. Cherry Lane
Meridian, ID 83642-1517
(208) 888-1622 (Church Office)
Email:
