What to expect on Sunday

1. 1Gatheringabout 10 minutes
2. 2Wordabout 25 minutes
3. 3Mealabout 15 minutes
4. 4Sendingabout 5 minutes

Every congregation does this a little differently: the music, whether communion is every week, how people come forward. The shape underneath is the same, and nothing in it requires you to know what you are doing. People who have gone for sixty years still follow the bulletin.

1Gathering

What happens

Music begins, often an organ or piano, and many congregations start with a short confession and the words of forgiveness. Then a gathering hymn, a greeting, often a sung song of praise, and the prayer for the day.

What you do

Stand when others stand, or stay seated; nobody will notice either way. The words you say together are in bold in the bulletin or the hymnal, or on a screen.

What it feels like

The first hymn is usually the loudest moment of the service. If the organ is hard for you, sit away from the pipes or the speakers, often toward the back.

2Word

What happens

Readings from the Bible: a first reading, a psalm and a second reading, then the Gospel, followed by a sermon of ten to twenty minutes, a hymn, the Creed said together, and prayers for the church and the world. It ends with the peace.

What you do

Most people sit for the readings and stand for the Gospel. At the peace, people turn to those nearby and say Peace be with you. A nod, a wave or a smile is a complete answer.

What it feels like

The peace is the most social moment: handshakes and some hugs, and people may move around for a minute. Staying where you are is ordinary.

3Meal

What happens

An offering is collected, the table is prepared, the pastor gives thanks and says Jesus’ words from the Last Supper, everyone prays the Lord’s Prayer, and communion is shared.

What you do

The offering plate or basket may be passed along your row; passing it on without giving is completely normal. For communion, ushers usually guide each row forward in turn.

What it feels like

This is the part with the most movement. You may be asked to stand in a line or kneel at a rail. You can stay seated and let people step past you.

4Sending

What happens

A blessing, a final hymn, and a short sending: Go in peace, often answered Thanks be to God.

What you do

Many people stay to talk afterward, sometimes with coffee. Leaving right away is just as ordinary.

What it feels like

The last hymn can be loud again, and the room gets busy and chatty at the end. It is fine to slip out during the final hymn.

Communion, plainly

The ELCA invites all baptized Christians to receive communion. You do not need to be a member, or a Lutheran. You will be given bread or a wafer, and wine or grape juice; many congregations offer grape juice and gluten-free bread, and an usher can tell you which is which.

If you are not baptized, or would rather not receive, you can come forward with your arms crossed over your chest, and in many congregations the pastor will say a blessing instead. Staying in your seat is always fine. Why communion happens in person.

Before you go

• Check the congregation’s own website for the service time, and whether they stream it if you would like to watch once first.
• If you need a step-free entrance, a hearing loop, large-print bulletins or a quiet space, call or email ahead. Most churches have these and are glad to be asked.
• Arrive ten minutes early and sit near an aisle or the back if you might need to step out. Stepping out and coming back is normal; parents with small children do it every week.
• The hymn numbers in the bulletin are from the hymnal in the pew, usually Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Look up a number here.
• Nobody will ask you to speak, stand up alone, or say who you are. A greeter may offer a guest card; filling it in is optional.