We were all new here once, whether as a baby born into the congregation or a new member of the community, we learned how to worship here. And as individuals and a community we are constantly renewing ourselves. The best way to learn about worship at First Lutheran is to join us for a service. Here’s some information that might help you feel at home for your first visit.

What is worship like? How will I know what to do?

We follow a liturgical pattern of worship, which means our worship follows a regular pattern that varies by church season. We pray together, listen together, sing together, receive communion together, and confess together throughout the service. Sometimes we sit and sometimes we stand. We follow along with the paper bulletin as a guide, and sing from a hymnal.

If you’re new to this style of worship you may feel a little lost at first, or overwhelmed. It may feel like a lot to keep up with, or you may love it right away. Most of us remember this feeling and it’s ok. We’re here to help and we’re definitely not judging your lack of experience. We hope you come to find this form of worship as fresh and meaningful as we do.

What about my kids?

Bring them! Children, no matter how rambunctious, are welcome in the service. You may sit in a regular pew or in the family-friendly “Prayground” at the front left of the sanctuary. Parents who want a bit of a break may also choose to use the nursery for children up to Kindergarten age. (For more information check out our nursery page.) We commonly give a Children’s Time just before the Sermon. Several families take their younger children to the nursery after Children’s Time, then bring them back to the Sanctuary for Communion.

Childrens’ Sunday School classes are offered at 10:45am on Sundays, directly following the 9:30am worship times. For more information check out our Sunday School program.

Photo by Lewis Geyer

Where do I park?

We have more parking than you might imagine for a historic downtown church! Parking is available at any of the following locations:

  • On the streets around the church: 3rd Ave, Terry St, and Pratt St,
  • In the small walled parking lot in front of the church,
  • In the parking lot accessible on Pratt St just south of 3rd Ave,
  • In the underground parking garage next to the Pratt St lot, and
  • In the Ahlberg Funeral Home Parking lot, accessible from Terry St north of 3rd Ave.

Photo by Lewis Geyer

What Do I Wear?

Clothes please! You will see us worshiping in anything from casual wear to suits.

Photo by Lewis Geyer

I’ve attended a service and I’m interested in learning more about First Lutheran. How can I receive a call from a staff member?

Fill out the blue pew card and place it in the offering plate and someone will reach out to you.