So you've stumbled across our Grace website for the first time? Whether you've heard about us from a friend, family member, TV or just driving by,
you may
have questions about who we are and what to expect.
Who are we?
Grace Lutheran Church consists of a wide range of different people, from all ages and different backgrounds. Visit the ABOUT US page to meet the staff, learn what we teach and read our core values. Whoever you are, we are a loving community ready to welcome you and invite you with us on our spiritual journey.
When should I arrive?
Visit the WORSHIP GATHERINGS page for descriptions of our worship times.
On Sunday morning it can be busy. This is why we have signs reserving spots for visitors at the front of our parking lot. GLORY (8:45am) generally has enough parking. JOURNEY (10:30am) parking can be tough, so we advise you to arrive around 10:20am. We also have worship on SATURDAY (6:00pm) and WEDNESDAY (11:00am). There is always extra parking available across the street and a crosswalk for your safety. Our greeters are ready to help your family find a seat in the worship center. You are never too late!
What if I have kids?
GLORY (8:45am) has a concurrent kids program taking place in the "Upper Room" of Joy Hall throughout the whole gathering, though kids are welcome to stay with the parents if that is what is desired.
JOURNEY (10:30am) invites kids into the main worship center. Around 10:50am the kids will be blessed by the pastors and sent off to their respective classrooms.
Visit the KID CITY, USA page for more details on programs offered during all celebration gatherings.
Our greeters at the entrance to the worship center can help direct you and your children to the appropriate rooms.
Visit the YOUTH page for info on Middle School and High School activities.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. We are an informal church and accept people from all walks of life. Come wearing a business suit or Hawaiian shirt, polished shoes or sandals. Anyone is welcome!

What should I expect at a typical Worship Gathering?
We've all had a "first day" at a church and know it can be a bit nerve-racking. Hopefully this summary will offer a glimpse into what happens at a typical gathering. While they all share common themes, they each have a slightly different feel and structure.
GLORY (8:45am) is a choir-driven service that celebrates with a greater variety of the traditional liturgies and creeds found in our Lutheran heritage. All worship songs and congregation responses are projected onto a large powerpoint screen so it is easy to follow along. This gathering lasts around one hour long.
JOURNEY (10:30am) starts with a period of high-energy singing of modern songs with guitars, keyboards, and drums. Sometimes a video or drama is thrown in before the main teaching. All worship songs are projected onto a large screen.
Listen to CELEBRATE, our popular worship song written by Patrick Swagerty.
This gathering lasts around one hour and fifteen minutes.
Worship Gathering Components:
1. Musical Praise & Worship: We begin with worship through song in which you are welcome to sit, stand, kneel, clap, close your eyes or raise your hands as you feel led to do so!
2. Welcome & Announcements: You'll be asked to take time to fill out our "Connecting With Grace" tear-off so we will know that you visited us. You may choose to write down a prayer request or ask for more information about a ministry. We will also take a moment to highlight an upcoming event opportunity at Grace.
3. Offering: If you are a first-time visitor, please do not feel obliged to contribute to our offering. The ministry of Grace Lutheran Church is faithfully supported by those who consider Grace their home church.
4. Musical Praise & Worship: We will sing another song or two while the offering is being taken and to prepare our hearts to hear the message from God's Word.
5.
Teaching From The Bible: Every message is based on God's Word in the Bible. Members are encouraged to bring their own personal study Bible. We have provided Bibles in your seat for you to use if you don't have your own. Key message points are projected on giant screens to help you take notes.
6. Holy Communion: Everyone is welcome to receive Holy Communion regardless of your church membership or denomination. Holy Communion involves eating bread and drinking wine as an opportunity to remember what Jesus Christ has done for us in the past on the cross, to commune with Him in the present, and
to anticipate His future return. It is celebrated during all gatherings on the
first Sunday of the month. It is also available following every GLORY gathering.
6. Worship & Blessing: Following the teaching, there is time for singing and prayer before the pastor will bless everyone as we prepare to be sent out into another week full of God's love and ready to share it with others.
The people here at Grace are friendly, fun-loving people, so always feel free to ask someone if you don't understand something during your visit.
I've heard there are goodies to eat?
Donuts, coffee and juice are available on our Cafe Grace patio
before and after each Sunday worship gathering. Grab a glazed and talk to someone.
....... ...
What if I'm elderly or disabled?
We aim to be an all-inclusive church according to the Bible. Hearing aids are available by asking a greeter or usher. People with wheelchairs will find reserved space for them and their families. If you find Sunday morning too busy, try visiting the Wednesday WOW (11:00am) gathering sponsored by Second-Half (50+).
I'm not sure I believe in God?
Even the more reason to visit us and explore. We have worked hard to provide a place where you can experience God in your life. Also, consider attending ALPHA, an evening where you can enjoy a meal, make friends, tell us your personal story and discuss questions you have about God's story.
Is it just Sundays?
Grace is a very diverse church with many happenings throughout the week. Please check out our Connect Activities to see how we can connect with you.
If you are already a strong believer in the Christian faith, we still strongly encourage you to take the ALPHA course held three times per year as a way to make friends in our faith community.
We also have vibrant programs for our YOUTH, MEN, and WOMEN at Grace.
We are currently forming programs for our YOUNG ADULTS (ages 18-30).
Email Mark Ahrens if you would like more information about this new program.
Still have questions?
Feel free to email us or call our church office at 714-897-0361.