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Messiah Lutheran Church and School Frequently Asked Questions |
8154 Atlee Road Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 746-7134 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Do I have to stand up in front of people? Will I know what to do during the Church Service? How How do I enroll my child in School/Daycare? How do I arrange to be married at Messiah Lutheran Church? How do I become a member of Messiah Lutheran Church? How do I find out about having Baptism for me or my child? What is being Lutheran all about?
Absolutely not! Come to our community and you will see some people in dresses and suits and others in jeans and tee shirts. All are welcome, no strings attached.
You are welcome to come to church to see what life is like in our community. As a guest, you are always welcome to join us anytime. You may receive a courtesy contact from one of our members or staff to answer any questions you may have after a visit to our church, but we wish to place no obligations upon you. We desire only to help you discern the congregation God is calling you to, whether at Messiah or another faith community.
Do I have to stand up in front of people? Some churches ask visitors to stand up and introduce themselves to the congregation. While we applaud their desire to get to know their guests, some people may not be comfortable doing this.
Will I know what to do during the Church Service? As Lutherans, we believe the congregation should actively participate in our worship. Our worship program has information in it about when we stand, when we sit, what songs we sing, even the day’s scripture passages and announcements. This is done to make worship with us as simple and easy to follow as possible.
All children are welcome in our community gatherings. We welcome children to gather and worship with us. We also offer a nursery staffed by trained leaders who will watch the fussy child or provide a safe place to care for your child if he/she should need a break.
How do I enroll my child in School/Daycare? You may contact the Director of Messiah Lutheran School/Daycare, Melinda Bowers, at 804-746-7134, or email at schooldirector@mlcas.org
You may ask for prayers by phone (804-746-7134), in person, or e-mail us at office@mlcas.org
How do I arrange to be married at Messiah Lutheran Church? Call our Church Secretary, Barbara Jennings, at 804-746-7134, or email her at office@mlcas.org, to check availability of dates and clergy. Our pastor will then schedule a meeting with you to review our wedding related policies and initiate premarital counseling with the couple.
How do I become a member of Messiah Lutheran Church? We offer many opportunities during the year to attend a set of new member orientations. You may become a member through baptism (for unbaptized persons), transfer (for Lutherans changing congregations) or affirmation of faith (for baptized Christians from non-Lutheran communities of faith). Information about the Lutheran faith and Messiah Lutheran’s shared ministry and fellowship is provided during this process. The schedule of orientation sessions is published in our newsletter and online. Contact Barbara Jennings at 804-746-7134, or email at office@mlcas.org, or contact our pastor at pastor@mlcas.org if you have any questions.
How do I find out about having Baptism for me or my child? Please contact our Pastor about baptism and what it means at 804-746-7134 or email him at pastor@mlcas.org. Our pastor will then arrange for a personal visit, offering helpful information and materials for this baptismal journey. A date for the baptism will be set during this process.
What is being Lutheran all about? Lutherans embrace the teaching of Martin Luther, a 16th century monk and preacher who began the reformation of the church. We are named after him in honor of what he helped us learn about the love and forgiveness of God. Luther came to understand from scripture that we can do nothing to get to heaven. God is the one who forgives us and welcomes us into life eternal through Christ alone. Because we are forgiven and loved, we are called to act as a follower, not to get into heaven, but out of thanks for what we are given.
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