Frequently Asked Questions:

Sometimes going to church can be a nerve racking experience, especially if you haven’t been to church in years, or you’ve just never been! We know that no one wants to feel awkward or out of place in coming to church so we prepared this handy little list of basic questions and answers to help you feel comfortable. Remember, if you feel out of place, just look at how the pastor dresses!

Why does the Pastor dress the way he does?
The pastor wears a garment called an alb (pr. all-b). Back in the days of the Roman Empire, people of authority, or noble character would wear similar outfits. The church adopted this as a reminder for all worshippers that God has called and ordained this man to preach His Word and to administer the sacraments. Therefore the worshippers are to be reminded that they are not just listening to some guy in a dress spouting off his opinion on a certain subject - they are there to listen to the Word that God has for them, through the message of the pastor.

What if I don't have anything to wear to church?
Neither did Adam and Eve but that didn’t stop them! Seriously, church is not the formal affair that it once was. Yes, God our King comes to us in our worship and yes, many of the members like to dress nice to meet their King. But ultimately the outward appearance is not as important as what we wear "inside". People wear long or short pants, sandals and open collar shirts. Once a pastor came to visit us from Africa - wearing nothing under his robe! He said in Africa it’s just too hot! In our culture anything not provocative is in style.

Will I have to sign anything or stand up if I come for the first time?
No. Please visit, relax, enjoy, mingle, and get a feel of what this community is like. You can request more information by contacting the church office at your leisure. Visitor packets are available in the narthex. We promise that you won't be embarrassed or put on the spot when you visit Peace.

Who attends this church?
People of all ages!  The average age of our congregation is. . . . .36!

Where is Peace Theologically?
Peace Lutheran Church is a congregation that holds to the Bible as the true Word of God, and that is founded upon the Bible as the source and norm of all doctrine and practice. It is a Gospel-focused, Christ-centered church that adheres to the basic tenets of traditional Christianity. The congregation is a proud member of the Lutheran Church-Canada, and supports the doctrinal teachings of our denomination.

Who are those people standing at the back?
They are "greeters" and "ushers". Greeters welcome you to Peace Lutheran Church and help you to meet at least one family. The ushers hand you a bulletin and children’s bulletins for your kids. They are there to assist you and help you feel more comfortable.


What should I bring to entertain my child?
Quiet activities are best: colouring books, building blocks, that sort of thing. Cheerios or other dry cereals makes a nice snack but can be messy, so be careful. Cars, toy guns, talking dolls and toys which make beeping or explosion sounds are usually a bad idea. We have activity bags at the end of the last few pews for your children to enjoy. Children’s bulletins are available from the ushers each week full of pictures to colour and puzzles to solve. But please don’t hesitate to teach your children to sing and listen and learn. There is lots happening in the service that they can understand.

Where is the nursery?
We have a nursery (also known as the crying room) at the back of the church with a large window looking out at the sanctuary - well actually the heads of the last row! Inside is a comfortable couch to sit on and a toy box. A remote speaker broadcasts the worship service. Please feel free to use this room. If you need any assistance just ask one of our ushers - they love questions!We also have a second nursery in the basement. This room has toys and little chairs and tables. The service is heard through a remote speaker. If there are enough parents who would like their young children supervised during the service we can get volunteer supervisors.

What if my children cry?
Churches differ in their approach to children. The only kids you really notice are your own. This means that everybody else is only noticing their own kids too. At Peace Lutheran Church we encourage families to come and worship together. Church is for the young and old. If children become exceptionally noisy, just take them into the foyer (or narthex). You can still hear the service. Your kids will get used to coming to church if it is a positive experience for them and you come regularly. Perseverance builds character.

What if I come late?
The best thing to do is wait for a break in the service before taking your seat. If the congregation is in the middle of a prayer, or Bible reading, just wait a moment. If the congregation is singing a hymn, you can probably enter without anybody noticing.


What if I can't follow the music?
Music notation was invented by dyslexics. Pretend you are in an airband competition until you figure it out (or count how many others have their hymn books upside down trying to figure it out too). Actually, next to theology, music is a most wonderful gift from God. In our worship we try to make it easy for you to concentrate on the words, so we sing a lot of songs from the large overhead screen. Singing should not be a chore. Concentrate on the words, lift your voice and sing. Everybody does the best they can. The order of service is easy to follow too. We use contemporary language and everything is printed out for you in the bulletin. "P" is for Pastor, and "C" is for congregation.

How do I know when to stand?
The first time out is always rough. Rule of thumb? Keep both feet on the floor so you can jump up without looking awkward. Think of it as a light aerobic workout. Actually, we generally stand to sing (standing opens up the abdomen cavity to produce more air; therefore it’s easier to sing standing), to pray (you could kneel, but that might hurt, especially if the pastor’s prayers are too long - we don’t have any kneelers), and to confess (confession means to take a stand, to stand up for what you believe). If you are still not sure our pastor usually tells us when to sit and when to stand.

Why do we stand for Gospel reading?
It gets the blood flowing so you won’t fall asleep so quickly. Remember, the sermon is next! Actually we stand out of respect and honour for the Words of Christ.

How much should I put into the collection plate?
Offerings are the only source of income for the church. Churches have to pay the pastor to prepare for worship services, teach all the Bible classes, counsel the needy, visit the sick, organize the programs and help out around the community. Churches help food banks and provide humanitarian aid. They support missionaries, train pastors, offer counseling, teach and care for members and non-members. And of course there is the church building, heat, power, water and phone bills. Find out how much it costs to run the church and its ministries for one year (Hint - ask an usher for a copy of the church budget!). Then find out how many families belong (Hint - count all the mail boxes!) You can then do the math to figure your share. Most importantly remember you are really giving to God out of thankfulness for all that He has done for you. We give because He has first given to us His very best.

What if I don't have change for the offering plate?
No problem. Churches take personal cheques. If you don’t want to or can’t make an offering, just pass the collection plate along to the next person. Double up next time. Reaching in to the plate to make change is frowned upon.If you are going to make church a regular event (and why not?), ask an usher to get you a set of offering envelopes. That way you will get a tax deductible receipt at the end of the year.

When should I go for communion?
Communion is a very special practice of the Christian Church. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion on the night before He died, kind of as a last will and testament. Therefore, at Peace Lutheran Church we take communion very seriously. Communion is the best way God has of demonstrating that He loves us and forgives us for all the sins and wrong that we do.Please speak with the pastor before attending the Lord’s Supper. Why? So that you can fully understand what is taking place and receive the very special benefits. Just going up for communion because almost everybody else is, just won’t cut it. The pastor often has special classes to teach adults about the teachings of the Lutheran Church and what it believes. After attending these classes participants have a greater appreciation of the Lord’s Supper and why we worship the way we do.

Jesus said, "Take and eat; this is my body…Drink of it all of you. This is my blood…for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:26-27)
 
"Everyone should examine themselves first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29)

What do I do after church?
Usually the pastor greets the people at the back door. People file past, shake his hand and then visit in the lobby (also known as the "narthex"). For the newcomer, this can be an awkward time. Please do stick around though, as this is the best place to get to know other people.

One of three things will happen:

1. The pastor or a congregation member might invite you to sign the guest book and give you a visitor’s packet. If you would like someone to call you later, put down your name, address and phone number in the book.

2. Stand around and look like a stranger. Soon somebody should notice you and come up to talk.

3. On the off chance that absolutely nobody comes to talk to you, or you signed the guest book and got no response, write the church off and pick a different one next week.

Where are the washrooms?
Church washrooms are always as far away from you as they can get. But don’t worry, ask the ushers or greeters, we’re sure that they need to use the washrooms every now and again too. But seriously we have three washrooms- one on the main floor (off the coat area) and two in the basement (adjacent to the stairwell).



Why do Lutherans make their coffee so strong?
If you have ever heard a Lutheran pastor preach, you should appreciate the caffeine buzz. (Of course, our pastor is different.)

Anything else I should know?
Yes, Get plenty of sleep before going to church. You have to be a twenty year member before you earn your snoring rights. (Just kidding!) We try to make church relevant, meaningful and uplifting. Our God is an awesome God! That thought alone makes our spirits soar. If church is boring, let the pastor know. Church should not be boring. In our worship God speaks to us. Since we are not used to that, it takes a little practice to learn how to listen to the Word of God and get the most out of it. Our attitude toward worship has a lot to do with what we get out of it. If ever you don’t understand something about church, please call the Pastor--he’d love to know if he’s not being understood (just kidding)! Actually the Pastor has a tough job trying to speak to everyone and all those different ages and backgrounds all at the same time and get them to understand. Our pastor is approachable--just like the church in general--he wants you to feel comfortable and loved for Jesus’ sake. Amen.