What to Expect at St. Martin Lutheran Church

• What's a service like?

Worship at St. Martin is traditional but not “high church.”  Several liturgies are utilized in a rotating order.  This allows for the opportunity to learn an order of service well without it becoming the “same old thing.” 

• What's the music like?

St. Martin is blessed to have an incredibly talented organist, who skillfully provides the vast majority of the music.  We also have a Clavinova that is occasionally used.  The choir graciously lends their voices to one of the services nearly every Sunday.

• How people dress?

In reverence to the Lord, the members of St. Martin generally put on their “Sunday best.”  The definition of which varies from casual to business-like.  We encourage respectful attire, but no one will be turn away because of clothing.

• What about my kids?

We love kids and offer Sunday School and activities especially for them. We also invite them to join us in praising the Lord.  Worship is for the whole family.

• Can I take communion?

We believe Holy Communion to be the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, given for repentant sinners to receive forgiveness of sins.

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  Matthew 26:26-28

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.  1 Corinthians 11: 26 

Additionally, it is a public confession of agreement with the beliefs and teachings of the congregation distributing the Sacrament.

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.  Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?                                            1 Corinthians 10:16-18 

Being mindful of the Scriptural teachings concerning the proper understanding and practice of Holy Communion and for the spiritual welfare of all, this congregation practices closed communion. 

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 

We take very seriously the responsibility to commune only those people who are members of our confessional fellowship to prevent anyone from taking Communion to their condemnation instead of the great blessing it is intended to be.

Visitors are asked to speak with our pastor or an elder before communing.  We freely welcome all communicant members of the LCMS, who are in good standing, to join us in this Holy Sacrament, and we want to express our sincere welcome to all of our guests.  We invite you to join us in prayer and worship and also to pray with us for the unity of all Christians.  Visitors are also welcomed to come forward and receive a blessing during communion, but please let the pastor know before service.  We thank you for honoring the Biblical practice and ancient tradition of closed communion.

• How do I become a member?

We welcome everyone to join us in receiving God’s gifts of grace through Word and Sacrament.  If you desire to become a member of St. Martin Lutheran Church, please speak to the pastor or an elder.  Current LCMS members in good standing may transfer their membership here – pending an approval by our council.  Members of other denominations and new believers will be required to participate in a new members class prior to becoming a full member.