Worship at Trinity
Worship
What is Lutheran worship, you ask?
Dr. Norm Nagel offers perhaps the best description in the introduction to the Lutheran Worship hymnal. He writes:
The rhythm of our worship is from him to us, and then from us back to him. He gives his gifts, and together we receive and extol them. We build one another up as we speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Our Lord gives us his body to eat and his blood to drink. Finally his blessing moves us out into our calling, where his gifts have their fruition. How best to do this we may learn from his Word and from the way his Word has prompted his worship through the centuries. We are heirs of an astonishing rich tradition. Each generation receives from those who went before and, in making that tradition of the Divine Service its own, adds what best may serve in its own day – the living heritage and something new.
Dr. Norm Nagel, Lutheran Worship hymnal
Worship Times
Sunday
8:30 a.m. / 11:00 a.m.
Monday
6:30 p.m.
Christian Education for all ages every Sunday at 9:45 a.m.
Service Descriptions
At Trinity, we offer three opportunities to come together for worship. The subject and content of Pastor Bill Crowe’s sermon is consistent in all three of our services. His messages are informative and uplifting, straight from the Bible for living today.
Sundays
8:30 a.m.
Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion
Our Traditional services at Trinity can best be described as an “Easter celebration every Sunday.” In this service, we unabashedly project the historic liturgy on the wall and enthusiastically participate in the Divine Service with upbeat hymns led by our organ, with all the energy you would expect on Easter morning. If you are familiar with and love traditional worship, this service is for you. If the term “historic liturgy” means nothing to you, but you love Scripture and an honest approach to who we are and what we are here for, you will quickly fall in love with this service.
Sundays
11:00 a.m.
Contemporary Worship Service with Holy Communion
Our Contemporary services at Trinity can best be described as “old and new.” In this service, it’s old in that it still has the rhythm of a church service (because it still is church!) We have maintained all the traditional components of worship. However, it is also new in that we have updated the language and music to make it more accessible for people who are new to the church or just prefer a more modern experience . If you like radio-worthy Christian Contemporary music done with excellence, and you love church, this service is for you. If you are a traditionalist, but the late service is a better fit for your schedule, you may be surprised how easy it is to have fulfilling worship at this service.
Mondays
6:30 p.m.
Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion
Our Monday Night services at Trinity can best be described as “relaxed retro.” In this service, the entire liturgy is sung, just like it would have been in the early church. However, that does not mean this service is stiff and antiquated. This service is a lot smaller, not in a hurry, and offers an opportunity to hear the Word of the Lord in a new and thoughtful way. If you are unable to attend weekend church, or are looking for a weeknight escape from the drama of the world to experience the peace of the Lord, you will love this service.
In All Services
Children are welcome. Come as you are. Go in peace and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Ready to visit?
We would love to have you join us! Sometimes visiting a new church can be a bit overwhelming. Below you will find information to help you feel more at home.
Our Core Values Include:
- Word and Sacrament Ministry- proclaiming a message of hope and eternal salvation through grace alone, faith alone, and scripture alone.
- Christian Education- Biblical values are taught and reinforced by our members, families, teachers, and pastors.
- Relational- welcoming, forgiving, caring, and fostering loving relationships.
- Service- empowering and equipping people to make a difference in the world
Trinity Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. To learn more about what that means, click here.
Communion is celebrated every Sunday. We want you to feel welcome, loved, and know that we care deeply about you, your salvation, and your spiritual health. Therefore, we adhere to a communion policy that is in accordance with God’s Word and our understanding of it as Missouri Synod Lutherans.
God’s Word teaches that partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner can result in God’s judgement instead of a blessing. So, we urge those who wish to participate to examine themselves as the Scriptures direct (1 Corinthians 10:14-22, 11:23-34). The Lord’s Supper is celebrated in the confession and confidence that our Lord gives us not only bread and wine but His very body and blood to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of sins and to strengthen our union with Him and with one another. Our Lord invites to His table those who are baptized, trust His words, repent of all sin, set aside any refusal to forgive and love as He forgives and loves us, and desire with God’s help to conform their life to His Word.
Participation in Holy Communion is also a profound proclamation of unity in faith (1 Corinthians 10:15-18; Acts 2:42-47). In sharing Christ’s body and blood at this altar, we indicate our common commitment to the teachings of Christianity as taught in this congregation. Anyone who is not yet instructed in the faith, in doubt of or in disagreement with what our church teaches is welcome to come forward and signal their desire to receive a blessing by crossing their hands over their heart.
We invite you to prepare with the following questions:
- Do I admit that I am a sinful person in need of God’s love and forgiveness?
- Do I trust that Jesus is God’s Son my Savior?
- Do I believe Jesus’ promise – that with the bread and wine He declares, “This is My Body, given for you…This is My Blood, shed for you”?
- Do I desire, by the Holy Spirit’s power, to live in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ?
How do I get to the church?
We are located at 15160 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road. Our entrance drive is just east of the large Trinity sign and white fence, towards Jones Creek. As you enter the campus, the road will split; keep to the right and look for the two buildings in the back. The building to the right contains our sanctuary. The main entrance is facing the courtyard between the two buildings. You may park in any of the lots on campus. Please note that the loop is one-way, so you will not exit by going back the way you entered. Instead, continue to follow the loop around in the same direction until it rejoins and leads back to S. Harrell’s Ferry.
Do you have handicapped parking?
We have designated handicapped spaces in front of our sanctuary.
What should I expect after I arrive?
As you enter the double doors, ushers will be there to welcome you and answer any questions you may have before worship. If you arrive early, we welcome you to join us for coffee and fellowship in the Narthex area outside of the Sanctuary. Sanctuary seating is first-come, first-served.
In each seat, you will see a pocket with various papers and a pen on the back of the seat in front of you. We like for everyone, members and guests, to fill out a Connection Card from this pocket and place it in the offering plate. This gives you a chance to let us know more about you and if you would like anyone from the church to connect with you. There are also Prayer Request cards in this pocket for your use.
Below the seat in front of you, there is a basket with a Bible and a Hymnal for your use during the service, but everything will be projected on the two large walls up front. You can also ask the ushers for a paper Worship Guide when you arrive, if you prefer.
Communion is served every Sunday. If you are not sure what this means, please read our Communion Policy. If you determine that you will not be receiving Communion, you may still come forward and signal your desire to receive a blessing by crossing your hands over your heart. You are also welcome to remain in your seat during this time.
At the conclusion of each service, you will exit using the same doors through which you entered. You will have the opportunity to greet Pastor Crowe as you exit.
What should I wear?
You will see some people in suits and dresses and others in jeans, shorts or other casual attire. In any form, modesty and appropriate attire is appreciated. We are glad you have chosen to worship with us!
What do children do during worship services?
All children are welcome to stay and worship with their families. There is a special time during the service for a Children’s Message where children are invited to come forward and participate in a message just for them. We know that sitting through church with a little one can sometimes be difficult, so there is a wiggle room where you can still participate in the service even if your child has the “wiggles.” This room is located to the right of the sanctuary as you enter, near the women’s restroom.
Do you have Christian education for adults?
There are several Bible Studies that take place during the Christian Education hour, from 9:45–10:45 a.m. There are also special interest classes held periodically, such as New Member classes. The topics and locations of these studies change, so ask an usher what is available that Sunday if you are interested in attending.
There are also several Bible Studies that meet throughout the week, both in person and online. Many, but not all, of these are on the calendar on our Events page. Call our office at 225-272-3110 for help finding the right group for you. Some groups have limited meeting space and may not be able to accommodate new members immediately.
Do you have Sunday School for children?
Sunday School and Bible Classes for children and teens begin at 9:45 each Sunday morning. These classes are held in the Trinity Lutheran School classrooms, which is the first cluster of buildings you reach after turning in to the campus from S Harrell’s Ferry.
If you have additional questions or would like to speak to someone at the church, call our office or use our contact form on the Connect page. Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you in worship soon!