What about Worship?

+ We experience the Bible not as a relic stuck in time but as a living reality that inspires and sustains us.

+ The mysteries of the Sacraments—Eucharist and Baptism—bind us to Jesus and propel us into our communities to love and serve as Christ ourselves.

As worshipers, we are not spectators but full participants, employing all our human senses: seeing colors and movements all around us; hearing voices raised in song; feeling each others’ touch in the sharing of peace; tasting the bread and wine of Holy Communion, and smelling the clouds of incense on feast days. We move our bodies to the rhythm of these traditions—standing, sitting, kneeling, bowing, tracing the sign of the cross on our bodies.

Lutherans rejected some Roman Catholic practices, but not the Mass. This central liturgy—called the Holy Eucharist—has four parts: Gathering, Word, Communion, and Sending.

In the Gathering, we enter the church with reverence. At the opening hymn we stand and turn to face the cross as it is carried in procession through our midst.

After an opening greeting and prayers, we sit to hear readings from the Bible. Thus begins the liturgy’s second part, the Liturgy of the Word. A sermon follows, speaking God’s word into our midst.

A sharing of Christ’s peace with one another begins the third part, the Liturgy of Holy Communion. This is the central transcendent act of Christian worship: eating and drinking the bread and wine that become our spiritual food, the body and blood of Christ for us.

Refreshed and forgiven, this meal concludes with a Sending of God’s people into the world to accomplish works of peace and justice, and to serve others.

This is the same order of worship practiced by early Christians and still celebrated by churches around the world including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans.

The people of Zion represent a wonderful mix of cultures and  backgrounds. We draw members from a wide geographic circle that starts with Dallas and its immediate suburbs. We have young and old, singles and families, rich and poor, churchy and not so churchy. Bottom line: you’ll fit in just fine!

Many people like to dress up, while others prefer to dress informally. There is a lot of variety and this is purely a matter of personal preference.

When you arrive at Zion you will be greeted at the door. As you enter the Church we will offer you a service folder which will list everything that will happen in the service, in order. Most of the service, including the prayers and responses to be spoken by the congregation, are in the service folder. We are an interactive church who values everyone’s participation in the service!

Hymnals are available at each seat so you can sing along with the hymns. We typically stand, if we are able, for prayer and singing hymns and sit at other times. Some people prefer to kneel during times of prayer. You should feel comfortable following your personal practice.

When in doubt, just ask someone around you! Everyone is more than willing to help!

As Christians we believe in the real presence of the body and blood of Christ, together with the Bread and Wine, in the Sacrament, given to us for the forgiveness of sins, strengthening of our faith, and as an expression of unity of our faith. Those who profess this faith, are baptized, peniten, and acknowledge Christ as their Savior are welcome to participate in the Sacrament. 

Your faith or lack of faith – your religious background or lack of religious background – all of this makes no difference in your welcome to Zion. Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Relax!

God put wiggles in children; don’t feel you have to suppress those wiggles in God’s house.

• Consider sitting toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to engage.
• Quietly explain the parts of the service and actions of the pastors, musicians and leaders.
• Sing the hymns, pray and voice the responses.  Children learn behavior by mimicking you.
• If you have to leave the Sanctuary with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back.  As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
• Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in this house of worship.

To other members of our church

• The presence of children is a gift to the church and they are a reminder that Zion is growing.
• Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents.
• If you see a parent struggling, please offer to help them!
• Old or young, big or small, God loves us one and all.

Hearing assistive devices are available for those desiring them. Please speak to an usher.