The Lutheran Reformation was conservative in scope.  In Article XXIV of the Augsburg Confession the Lutheran reformers were bold in writing, "... that the Mass is celebrated among us with greater devotion and earnestness ..."  The Mass is a structured, formal way of worship.  From the foundations of the early Church a liturgy came forth, forming a rite where the Word is fully proclaimed and the holy Sacraments fully administered. To this day the western eucharistic rite is observed among Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Lutherans - the three great sacramental churches in western Christendom.  Lutherans in particular have contributed a wealth of music which greatly enhances the worship life for the whole church.  Being traditional, certain things happen when Lutherans gather for the Holy Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Lord's Supper).  Reverence for the Word, reverence in the community's worship space, reverence at the Altar as the Bread and Cup are consecrated, reverence at the Baptismal Font as the water becomes empowered by the Word of God - these things are part of the ceremonial of the church.  Listening to the Word, and eating and drinking this Word which is our Lord Christ - these are marks of the church.  Certain portions of our Service are chanted, our Pastors wear the historic vestments of the Church, and the tenor of our eucharistic gatherings can truly be called "catholic" and "evangelical. 

 

     At Saint Paul's the Lutheran Book of Worship continues to be our guide for our corporate Sunday and weekday gatherings. We also use as a supplemental source With One Voice and portions of material from Renewing Worship for experimental use as the ELCA (our parent church body) continues to prepare new resources for Christian worship.  Holy Communion, Morning Prayer, and Evening Prayer are the most familiar patterns guiding our worshiping assemblies. The Sunday gatherings for the Holy Eucharist (eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning "giving thanks") conform to the shape of the western eucharistic tradition as follows:

 

GATHERING

Remembrance of Holy Baptism (Confession or another rite)

Entrance Hymn

Kyrie, or Trisagion (depending on the season of the Church Year)

Hymn of Praise ("Glory to God in the highest" or "Worthy is Christ")

Prayer of the Day

 

WORD

First Reading (generally taken from the Old Testament)

Psalm for the Day

Second Reading (generally from the New Testament)

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel (a reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John)

Sermon

Hymn of the Day

Creed (the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed)

The Intercessory Prayers

 

EUCHARIST ("Our Lord took ... blessed ... broke ... and gave ...")

Greeting of Peace

Presentation of the Gifts

Great Thanksgiving

"Our Father" (the Lord's Prayer)

Holy Communion

Canticle (depending on the Liturgical season)

Final Prayer

 

SENDING

Blessing - also called the Benediction

Sending Hymn

Dismissal

 

     When you visit St. Paul's you can expect this format.  We are proud of our heritage and our tradition.  Our Service proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of the love of God our Father for us.  We admit to Holy Communion all who are baptized.  As Lutherans we believe that Christ Jesus, crucified and risen, is really and substantially present in the bread and cup we share, given us what he promises: his Body and his Blood..

 

Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer are used during weekdays. During Lent Evening Prayer is sung on Wednesdays, accompanied by a Sermon or meditation based on a theme.

 

We cordially invite you to worship and prayer with us!