When We Gather

Lutheran Worship

Worship in the context of Lutheranism is not a focus on what we do but primarily on what God does for us, and then secondly, our response in service to Almighty God in thanksgiving and praise.  


Historically the time of gathering for worship was called the Divine Service (and in some churches this terminology is still used), which emphasizes the point that when we gather in worship as followers of Christ we are being served by God. 


Within the context of the historic liturgy of the Church, there are times when God descends to meet us with His saving grace - these are Holy Baptism, Holy Communion, Holy Absolution (each of these elements of our gathered time together are considered as being sacraments of the Lutheran Church), and the reading of Holy Scripture.  


When instituting the Divine Service, Luther was clear on the importance of retaining much of what had been practiced in the centuries before, while implementing key differences in the theology which accompanied some of these practices.   


At the heart of Lutheran worship is a focus on Jesus Christ and His presence in Word and Sacrament.  God gathers us for worship to serve us through the reading of his Word, the body and blood of his Son, and the forgiveness of sin through the absolution pronounced to all who repent.



OUR PATTERN OF WORSHIP

Summer Worship

During the Summer our pattern changes as we gather together at 9:15 AM each Sunday.


Check out the Schedule
The 8:00 AM service will resume in the fall (join us at 9:15 AM for the summer)

Traditional Worship

This is a reflective service using the Lutheran Book of Worship.

This is an important time of meeting for prayer, liturgical worship, hymn singing, and bible teaching.


During the summer and on special Sundays throughout the year where there is no 8:00 AM service. Instead we gather at 9:15 AM for All-Together Worship to join with our brothers and sisters from the 10:30 AM Modern service. During these times our the service has a slightly different look as we may incorporate music and styles from both services. Please check Sunday @ St. John for what’s happening this week.

The 10:30 AM service will resume in the fall (join us at 9:15 AM for the summer)

Modern Worship

At this service we offer an opportunity to meet together in a more informal setting for worship, teaching, and a time to respond to God. The pattern of worship remains the same, however, the majority of sung worship has a more contemporary feel.


During the summer and on special Sundays, we meet at 9:15 AM for All-Together Worship to join with our brothers and sisters from the 8:00 AM Traditional service. During these times our the service has a slightly different look as we may incorporate music and styles from both services. Please check Sunday @ St. John for what’s happening this week.

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A Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ

7001 Pfeiffer Corner
Columbia, Maryland 21045
United States
410-799-8888
dan.hetherington@stjohnlutheran.church


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