|
Dear Friend,
If you are visiting this page, you probably have questions and are looking for answers. We understand that it can be hard to visit a new church for the first time. You might be asking yourself...
|
|
What can I expect during worship?
- Every Sunday you will find our worship outlined in one of our hymnals. Sometimes the entire service is printed in the worship folder.
All our services focus on readings from God's Word - the Bible. Music and singing also play important parts of our worship. Loud or soft, in monotone or rich harmony, traditional or contemporary, all our music praises the Lord. Our worship uses traditional forms blended with contemporary songs, modern language, and life application. This "blended" style of worship brings out the best from God's Church throughout the ages. We hope you are encouraged and strengthened in faith as we worship our gracious Lord together!
Our worship services usually include the following parts in a variety of ways:
•The Invocation - We call on the name of the triune God as we come to worship him.
•Admitting Sins and Receiving Forgiveness - We acknowledge that we have not been or done everything God asks. Then we are assured of forgiveness in Jesus.
•Bible Readings - We read selections from God's Old Testament prophets, Jesus' apostles, and from Jesus himself. Our pastor also gives a brief explanation of each lesson.
•Sermon - Our Pastor offers instruction and encouragement in a Christ-centered message based on one of the lessons read in the service. You can expect to hear God's guidance and grace for dealing with life's problems, as well as the promise of eternal life in heaven through the world's only Savior, Jesus Christ.
•Response to the Word - We respond with offerings and prayers for the things he has promised to us and for strength to do what he has asked.
•Prayers - Our worship gives us the opportunity to pray for our members, our church, our nation, and our world. Prayer requests are welcomed!
•Parting Blessing - Before we return home for the week, we hear one last assurance of the Lord's gracious care.
|
|
What should I wear?
- Since the Bible makes no demands about personal dress (apart from common decency and Christian humility), Mountain View does not have a "dress code." On any given Sunday, you may see runners and high heels, jeans and suits, open collars and ties. When a person dresses out of love for Jesus, the choice of dress - whether casual or more formal - is acceptable to God...and to us!
|
|
What about the offering?
- Our members bring offerings to God through their church. These offerings give them the opportunity not only to show love to Christ, but also to support the work of the congregation as we bring the good news of Christ's love to more people. Since offerings are gifts of love for God, no one can dictate what an individual is to give.
Mountain View passes an offering plate during the service (following the sermon) so that our worship may include bringing gifts to God. Many of our members use offering envelopes to keep their gifts a private matter known only to the Lord.
As our guest, we do not expect you to contribute an offering, nor do we want to pressure you into doing so. You may wish to learn more about our ministry before bringing your offerings to God through our church, but you are welcome to participate as your heart leads you to give.
|
|
What if my children make too much noise?
- We encourage families to worship together. It is not at all uncommon to hear children's cries during the hymns, lessons, and sermon. If, however, you feel that your little one needs some personal attention, you are welcome to use the entryway as a quick alternative.
|
|
Is Mountain View part of a larger church body?
- Mountain View Evangelical Lutheran Church is a member of WELS-Canada, which is affiliated with a larger body called the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the 1850's.
Our membership in the WELS-Canada unites us with like-minded Christians across our country and around the world who share a common faith with us. Walking together as a church body allows us to do things we could never do alone. We pool our rescources to do mission work at home and abroad, to train young people to serve in the public ministry (as pastors, teachers, and staff ministers), and to release publications such as hymnals, Bible studies, and other religious materials. Above all, we find comfort knowing that there are Christians throughout the world who share our faith!
Our congregation and church body are based solidly and soley on the Bible. We believe that Jesus is our only Savior and way to heaven. Through faith we are untied to him and to all who trust in him.
If you would like to know more about what we believe and teach, please refer to This We Believe.
|
|
|
Home
