What to Expect
A Warm Welcome: Athens is known as “the friendly city” and we aim to live up to that reputation in our congregation. We have many friendly people who would love to welcome you. If you have questions, any member would love to help out, so just ask! Please also let Pastor know who you are before and after service.
Traditional, Historical Worship: Our church conducts services according to the historical Lutheran liturgy. You can expect there to be some responsive chanting, prayers, hymns, a sermon, and the celebration of Holy Communion during each service. Hymnals are located underneath the chairs of our sanctuary if you wish to follow along, but we also show our liturgy on a powerpoint for those who struggle with vision. Feel free to sing, no matter how you might feel about your singing voice. We are called to “make a joyful noise unto the LORD,” it doesn’t have to be a perfect one!
A Word on Communion:
As a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we practice closed communion. Our belief, based on Jesus’ own words, is that in this Sacrament His body and blood are really present and that forgiveness of sins and assurance of salvation are offered to all who come confessing their sins and believing in Him and His words. Communion is offered to those who share our confession of faith, including members of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod or churches that maintain fellowship with our church body. This is not for the sake of exclusion, but guarding a gift and treasure of the Lord, holding it in reverence and with great care as we are called to do in the scriptures. Children who are not yet confirmed are invited to come forward with their parents to receive a blessing. Guests who may have questions about our Communion practice at Athens Lutheran Church are encouraged to talk with the Pastor before taking Communion. If you know you are coming ahead of Sunday, send Pastor an email and he can get in touch with you.
Accommodations: We have two sets of restrooms for men and women in the fellowship hall, one toward the front and another in our education wing. Changing tables for infants and small children can be found in our nursery and women’s restrooms. For those who commune with us, if you are unable to walk to the front, Pastor and the Elders are happy to bring the gifts of the Lord back to you wherever you are seated, simply let the usher know and sit towards the end of an aisle if possible.
Children: Jesus says “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them.” Children are a gift from God, and are welcome here at Athens Lutheran Church. It’s okay if they are loud or restless, we want them to stay, they need to hear the Word of God too! But if you are feeling uncomfortable or need to take children out for a moment, we have a nursery available in the education wing.