On Your First Visit to Gethsemane, You May be Wondering:

Are children welcome? Mine can be noisy!  Yes of course! There is a quiet play space in the Narthex (the entrance adjacent to the Sanctuary (worship space) where parents can sit with their children while they play or read and still listen to the worship service. There is a children's message each Sunday, and the children (and parents if they wish) are invited up front to listen to the message. There is usually a quiet craft activity that is introduced and they are welcomed to stay up front and work on the craft during the pastor's sermon.

 

What is the best way to get to know people?  Between services (from 9:30-10:45am), we have coffee, donuts, and conversation in the Fellowship Hall downstairs.  This “holy hospitality” is a great informal occasion to meet and greet members (and for them to meet and greet you).  Don’t be shy – introduce yourself and join a table.

 

Am I welcome to take Holy Communion?  All who seek the Lord are welcome at Christ’s table to receive the gift of God’s grace!  The ushers will invite you forward for communion.  You will be given the bread (gluten free) by the pastor.  Then you are welcome to dip your bread in wine or grape juice (this is called intinction).  Return to your seat by the side aisle. Each Sunday the process is explained so there is no need to memorize the process!

 

What kind of Lutheran church is this?  Gethsemane is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a 4.9 million member church body.  Lutherans rely on God's love to be the basis of our relationship with God. Make sure to ask a worshiper or a Pastor if you have "Lutheran Questions."

 

What does “Gethsemane” mean?  The night before he was killed, Jesus prayed in a garden. The name of that place was Gethsemane. We remember that Jesus asked that God work God's will through him.

 

Worship at Gethsemane seems a lot like the Roman Catholic Church.  Yes, it does. Lutheran Worship is liturgical - and that means we do many of the same things over each week. Liturgy is a combination Greek word which means: "The work of the people." 

 

Who are your members?  Gethsemane was organized in 1894 and ministered primarily to the Swedish Lutheran community.  Today, our membership reflects the neighborhood in which the church is located.  We are young and old, from Lutheran backgrounds and other Christian traditions, with a diversity of educational backgrounds, opinions, and occupations. History of Gethsemane

 

What do I have to do to become a member?  Curious about being a member of Gethsemane? Please speak with the Pastor about what that means. You can click here to get the ball rolling!