A Community of Faith
What to Expect on Sundays
When it comes to who we are and what happens on Sunday mornings, it’s simple. We offer preaching and teaching for all ages that is rooted in the Bible and relevant to your daily life—and we make no apology for preaching the Word of God. We offer uplifting music, meaningful prayer, and a loving church family.
We know it can be uncomfortable visiting a brand new place—especially an unfamiliar church with unique customs, personalities, and expectations. We’re glad you’re here, though. Below is some information, a few photos, and a video that will help you learn a bit more about us before you make your first visit.
Sunday Schedule
9:00 a.m.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
10:00 a.m.
WORSHIP SERVICE
Approximately 10:30 a.m.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
Info About Sunday Mornings
When are your services?
Our worship service is on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. The service typically lasts around 1 hour.
Sunday school for children ages 3 through grade 6 begins halfway through the service and lasts until 11:30 a.m. (see question about children’s ministry for more details).
A time of coffee, treats, and fellowship follows each service in our Great Hall. This is a great time to get to know us!
When should I arrive?
We’re OK if you sneak in at the last minute, but we’d rather you arrive a few minutes early to say “hi” — and join us after the service for a time of coffee, treats, and fellowship in our Great Hall.
What should I expect when I arrive?
You can expect a warm welcome by people very happy that you are with us. We’re a tight-knit family, but we’re always happy to welcome a new face.
How long are the services?
Services typically last around 60 minutes.
What happens on a Sunday?
Every Sunday, we sing songs together, we pray both privately and corporately, and we hear the Bible preached.
What will the service be like?
Sunday services at St. Lucas are “blended”, combining traditional elements with a more relaxed environment and contemporary worship style.
We open with a time of informal announcements before beginning our service with a call to worship. A traditional hymn and several contemporary praise & worship songs are mixed with opportunities for prayer and tithes & offerings. Prior to beginning the message, children are dismissed for Sunday school. Messages are Bible-based and relevant to living a life daily centered on Christ. Finally, we close each service with a hymn and a benediction.
Our worship service typically lasts 60-75 minutes.
Do you provide childcare?
Yes, childcare is available during our service in the nursery in the lower level for children up to five years of age. In addition, the church’s library is adjacent to the sanctuary and is available for parents with infants and small children during the service.
How should I dress for worship services?
There is no dress code at St. Lucas. You are welcome to come as you are. You will find worshippers dressed anywhere from suits and dresses to jeans and t-shirts. Please feel comfortable to be yourself.
Do I need a bible?
Everyone is welcome to bring their own Bible to worship, but we also have copies of NIV Bibles available for your use in the pews, and all scripture is displayed on large screens in the front of the sanctuary.
What is communion like at St. Lucas? What is St. Lucas’ policy on communion?
OUR PRACTICE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
As a baptized believer in celebrating the Lord’s Supper, you are affirming with each communicant that you believe Christ is spiritually present in the Lord’s Supper, and that by partaking of the two elements of the bread and cup, you are receiving the forgiveness of sins and being strengthened in your faith.
How old do I have to be to take communion? As a guest, may I commune?
It is our practice at St. Lucas to instruct our youth prior to the receiving the Lord’s Supper. Children participate in “communion classes” in grade 4 (or later). If your child has completed similar instruction, they may participate in the communion service.
As a guest, may I commune?
Yes, we believe salvation belongs to all who believe. If you have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, please feel free to take part in the Lord’s Supper.
What do you serve at communion? I have a dietary restriction, may I still commune?
Our communion bread in gluten-free.
We serve both red wine (the darker liquid) and grape juice (the clear liquid).
When do you offer communion?
Communion takes place every 2nd Sunday of the month.
What is the communion process?
For those wishing to approach the alter of the Lord, they may come to the front of the church and stand to take communion together. If you prefer, you may stay in your seat, and ushers with bring the bread and the cup to you.
First, all are served the bread, and we partake together as one body. Then all are served wine or juice in small cups, and we partake together.
What should I do if I need prayer?
Prayer requests may be made of our ushers or pastor at any time.
You may also share a prayer request online anytime. Your request will be disbursed to our intercessory prayer team.
What’s available for my kids?
We love families, and we’re committed to providing biblically-sound programming that allows kids to learn about God in a fun, energized atmosphere.
On Sunday mornings, children attend the first half of the Sunday morning worship service with their families. After the praise band sings their final song (just before the pastor’s message), children leave the service to begin Sunday school in their classrooms. Sunday school lasts until 11:30 a.m.
This unique schedule allows children to experience the joy of worshipping God in song, prayer, and giving during the first half of the worship service before experiencing a meaningful time of learning in their Sunday school classroom. This schedule also allows parents to share in some fellowship with other adults after the service ends while the children are finishing up in Sunday school.
On some Sundays, we also offer a short “children’s message” during the service provided either by our pastor or a member of our congregation.
Throughout the year, we offer additional Sunday morning activities designed with kids in mind and a variety of holiday activities just for them.
Wednesdays
In addition to Sunday mornings, we have an exciting Awana children’s ministry on Wednesday nights and youth activities for grades 7-12.
What will happen when I visit for the first time?
Your presence will most certainly be acknowledged by a friendly face, but you’ll never be put on the spot, never feel forced to give money, and never embarrassed. You won’t be asked to participate in the offering. You don’t have to sign anything or register your attendance in any way. Come and enjoy the opportunity to worship with a warm family of believers — and if you want any more information, just ask.
What kind of music should I expect?
We love great music that honors and glorifies God. Our songs include contemporary praise & worship songs and traditional hymns that honor God in a worshipful way.
Are there any other activities/programs on Sunday morning?
If you arrive early enough before our service, our worship band will be practicing, and you’ll get a sneak peak at the music!
Sunday school for children ages 3 through grade 6 begins halfway through the service and lasts until 11:30 a.m. (see question about children’s ministry for more details).
A Sneak Peek: Sundays at St. Lucas
Who’s Who on Sunday Morning
Dan Peterson
Pastor
My wife Deb and I have been married for 34 years. We have two adult children and four grandchildren and we are so glad they live nearby!
We love our church family, which ranges from ages less than a year to some who are in their 90’s. We are a Christ-centered people who love God, who love one another and are actively engaged in making disciples of Jesus Christ! We have a strong interest in reaching out to our local communities as well as partnering with others to bring Christ to other nations that have little or no chance of hearing the gospel of Christ. I invite you to come and see for yourself what God is doing in and through our church family, and if you feel led, join with us in making a difference in people’s lives, here and beyond.
'New Wings' Praise Band
Worship Leaders
Professional musicians? Nope. Perfect pitch? Probably not. Love for the Lord and a passion for serving Him? Absolutely! New Wings praise band is a team of dedicated servants with hearts committed to leading others in worship. They provide contemporary praise and worship music (with a little traditional mixed in here and there) for Sunday services and special events — and even though they’re not professionals, they’re still great musicians who love what they do!
Mark Herzfeld
Pianist
Mark is a talented life-long musician who finds great joy in serving at St. Lucas. Each Sunday, he makes the grand piano sing with a joyful noise to the Lord!
Mark grew up at St. Lucas. In fact, he and his wife, Beth, are the 5th generation of Herzfelds at the church, and his kids are 6th generation! Mark’s whole family has been gifted with tremendous musical talent, and on special occasions, they join him with an array of brass and string instruments to provide a worshipful gift to the Lord and to all present!
Sunday in Pictures
