What to Expect
Our Vision Statement proclaims St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church will be a ‘dynamic worshipping community.’
To meet that vision we offer a blended worship style, welcoming many genres and worship expressions. In order to grow in love and appreciation for various modes of the Spirit we rotate settings between the seasons of the church year (a setting is an arrangement of worship elements that complement the meaning of the liturgical season).
What does this mean?
It means we understand worship as simultaneously local and global, shaping us into followers of Jesus. We intentionally practice mutual appreciation of our distinct differences. Blended forms of worship don’t feed all of us all of the time but we choose to honor distinct worship expressions that may feed the person next to us.
On any given Sunday we may have medieval-sounding chant next to a hand-clapping, black Gospel arrangement. You may experience a Gospel-country song played by our band next to a stunning Bach chorale facilitated by a string quartet. Operatic solos and acapella call-and-response, electric guitar and djembe, organ and handbells, violin and vibra-slap—all these expressions are rooted in the promise of the book of Revelation. The writer asserts all the peoples of the world will worship together one day with great joy (Rev. 7:9).
If our destiny is to be together at the revealing of Christ’s justice, mercy, and grace, then we figure we might as well begin practicing for it, now.
In other words: We may not have it all together as God’s people. But together, we have it all!
When you arrive you will be welcomed and offered a bulletin to follow along with the service. We use two different types of song books and sometimes print special music in the bulletin.
We move around a lot during worship, but you are not required to do so, depending on your ability. The presiders often say, ‘Please rise as you are able or with your spirit.’ We stand in body or in spirit to honor God’s word from the Gospels, the statements of faith and creeds, to sing, to dance…and we looooove to share the peace (a ritual action of reconciliation with one another) each Sunday. Your metabolism, both physical and spiritual, will be engaged!
After worship we enjoy a time of conversation, welcome, coffee, drinks, and snacks. During the program year (September – May) we also offer Christian education to all age groups.
All generations are welcome to worship at our church as you are. We offer communion each Sunday, with bread and a common cup of wine, a dipping option (called, ‘intinction’) with both wine and grape juice, and a gluten-free option.
For more information on the shape of Lutheran liturgy and the seasons of the church year, please visit: https://www.elca.org/our-work/congregations-and-synods/worship