Our Liturgy
Worship Ministry | The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church is a liturgical church. Why? Because it is biblical. The word liturgy tends to be thought of today in reference to the formal order of worship in liturgical churches. It is often assumed that such language has come down to us from the Catholic or the Anglican church, however, the word liturgy is a biblical word. It comes from the Greek word λειτουργία, which means “service.” In the New Testament, it is used broadly to speak of our service to God (Rom. 12:1–2) or our service to others (Phil. 2:30). It is also used to speak of service in relation to the formal worship of God when his people gather together (e.g. Heb. 9:21; 10:11). So, liturgy is a Bible word before it is a church word.
The Lutheran Reformers of the sixteenth century were not sectarian innovators who set out to create a new church, but they acknowledged, and rejoiced in, their continuity with the "church of the apostles" and ancient church fathers. They recognized that many of the centuries-old liturgical customs which they had inherited were both useful and beneficial, and most importantly, biblical.
The Book of Acts indicates that the corporate worship of the Christian church has always been liturgical in character. The Christians in Jerusalem “continued steadfastly in the teaching of the apostles and in the communion of the breaking of the bread and in the prayers” (Acts 2:42); an on one occasion the Holy Spirit spoke to the Christians in Antioch “while they were engaged in the liturgy of the Lord” (Acts 13:2, NAB).
The New Testament encourages all Christians to “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings” (Hebrews 13:7-9, NASB). In the forms for public worship which they employ, Lutherans do indeed “remember” and “imitate” those who have served the cause of Christ’s unchanging Gospel throughout the church’s history. The main elements of the historic Lutheran Liturgy are not distinctively “Lutheran” and do not simply reflect the culture of sixteenth-century Germany. They do reflect however the faith and devotion of God’s people of all times and places.
First Time Visitor?
Each Sunday morning at Zion, we follow one of five different "settings" or liturgical services from the Lutheran Service Book (LSB). Typically the entire service is printed and available in the church bulletin each Sunday, but can also be followed through the LSB. For an example, click here to see the Divine Service Setting One.
Holy Communion
God’s Word teaches the real presence of Christ’s body and blood invisibly in, with and under the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins. We take seriously the spiritual care of those who commune at our altar. The Word of God states that no one offend against Christ and His Word by denying His true presence and its promise and seal of forgiveness. Because those who eat and drink our Lord’s body and blood unworthily do so to their great harm (see 1 Cor. 11:27-29), and because Holy Communion is a confession of what is taught and believed at this altar (1 Cor. 11:26), Zion Lutheran Church practices what's called "closed communion". We offer the Sacrament of the Altar only to those with whom we agree in all articles of Christian doctrine. Therefore, except in cases of emergency and pastoral care, we invite only those who are communicant members of congregations that are part of, or in official fellowship with, the LCMS to join us at the Lord's Table.
Visitors from sister congregations who wish to commune are asked to speak to the pastor prior to the service. All others who desire to come forward for a blessing are encouraged to do so, kneeling and crossing their arms over their chest signifying they wish to receive a pastoral blessing. If you would like to schedule a meeting with our pastor to discuss this matter, please fill out the Contact form here...
Parts of the Liturgy
To learn more about each part of our liturgy, click here.
The Lutheran Reformers of the sixteenth century were not sectarian innovators who set out to create a new church, but they acknowledged, and rejoiced in, their continuity with the "church of the apostles" and ancient church fathers. They recognized that many of the centuries-old liturgical customs which they had inherited were both useful and beneficial, and most importantly, biblical.
The Book of Acts indicates that the corporate worship of the Christian church has always been liturgical in character. The Christians in Jerusalem “continued steadfastly in the teaching of the apostles and in the communion of the breaking of the bread and in the prayers” (Acts 2:42); an on one occasion the Holy Spirit spoke to the Christians in Antioch “while they were engaged in the liturgy of the Lord” (Acts 13:2, NAB).
The New Testament encourages all Christians to “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings” (Hebrews 13:7-9, NASB). In the forms for public worship which they employ, Lutherans do indeed “remember” and “imitate” those who have served the cause of Christ’s unchanging Gospel throughout the church’s history. The main elements of the historic Lutheran Liturgy are not distinctively “Lutheran” and do not simply reflect the culture of sixteenth-century Germany. They do reflect however the faith and devotion of God’s people of all times and places.
First Time Visitor?
Each Sunday morning at Zion, we follow one of five different "settings" or liturgical services from the Lutheran Service Book (LSB). Typically the entire service is printed and available in the church bulletin each Sunday, but can also be followed through the LSB. For an example, click here to see the Divine Service Setting One.
Holy Communion
God’s Word teaches the real presence of Christ’s body and blood invisibly in, with and under the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins. We take seriously the spiritual care of those who commune at our altar. The Word of God states that no one offend against Christ and His Word by denying His true presence and its promise and seal of forgiveness. Because those who eat and drink our Lord’s body and blood unworthily do so to their great harm (see 1 Cor. 11:27-29), and because Holy Communion is a confession of what is taught and believed at this altar (1 Cor. 11:26), Zion Lutheran Church practices what's called "closed communion". We offer the Sacrament of the Altar only to those with whom we agree in all articles of Christian doctrine. Therefore, except in cases of emergency and pastoral care, we invite only those who are communicant members of congregations that are part of, or in official fellowship with, the LCMS to join us at the Lord's Table.
Visitors from sister congregations who wish to commune are asked to speak to the pastor prior to the service. All others who desire to come forward for a blessing are encouraged to do so, kneeling and crossing their arms over their chest signifying they wish to receive a pastoral blessing. If you would like to schedule a meeting with our pastor to discuss this matter, please fill out the Contact form here...
Parts of the Liturgy
To learn more about each part of our liturgy, click here.
The Lutheran Liturgy Explained
The following video was recorded during an LCMS service in Texas where the pastor breaks down each section of the liturgy to explain both the biblical relevance and purpose behind each part. You will find our services at Zion closely resemble the service recorded in this video, (minus the explanations). This is a great video that will familiarize yourself with our services and provide you with the important biblical foundation to our liturgy. God be praised!
