please give me some advice on church etiquette when visiting
lutheran church. i'm not lutheran, but i want to meet people.
2007-07-14 08:18:50 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Very basic... stand when everyone else is standing, sit when everyone else is sitting. At some point they may "Share the Peace". Watch and then follow what others are doing, if you are comfortable. Some congregations wander out into the aisles, shaking hands and saying "Peace be with you" or "God's Peace". Others will only do it with those in front of them and behind them. And you don't have to participate if you don't feel comfortable. Heck, our congregations goes wandering around, and I usually just stand by the end of the pew. Go with what is comfortable for you!
Communion... depends on the church. If it's LCMS, only LCMS members may commune. The ELCA has a handful of denominations they commune with. Ask the pastor or ask the usher when you go in. He'll be able to help you. Also, many churches will let you come up for a blessing if you can't commune with them. It's not unusual on a Sunday morning to see entire families go up, little ones being blessed and the parents recieving communion. And many adults also go up for a blessing. Had one this morning!!
The order of service will either be printed or announced by the pastor. If you get lost, ask for help! Trust me... we all get lost in the hymnal some days!!
Generally after service, there will be a fellowship time. Coffee, Tea, snacks, etc. Join in!! Someone will always ask you to join them, take them up on the offer. It's the best way to start meeting others.
Just relax and enjoy the fellowship. We don't bite!!
2007-07-15 03:47:27 · answer #1 · answered by usafbrat64 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just be nice. Be accepting of their beliefs. Don't try to convert them. Thats the job of the Holy Spirit. I think communion is reserved for Lutherans and catholics.
2007-07-14 13:34:44 · answer #2 · answered by SEOplanNOW.com 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋