Frequently Asked Questions

What is your Service like?
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church holds a traditional service, following the historic Lutheran liturgies, as represented in the Lutheran Service Book. Our services place a high value on Word and Sacrament. Here, you will hear of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the World; have your sins forgiven by His authority; and you will join with all the saints to join in word and melody to reflect on and praise the One True God.


What is it like to be new?
When you first come through the doors, you should be greeted by a friendly volunteer. This person will welcome you into the building, point you to our guest book (which helps us better fill the needs of our visitors), point you to the sanctuary, and introduce you to Pastor Bellinghausen. Any questions you have that are not answered by the greeter, feel free to bring to Pastor.


What about my kids?
From Autumn until late Spring, we offer a Sunday School for young children. Currently, the children are dismissed from Divine Service before the readings and go with the Sunday School teachers to the Fellowship Hall for a lesson and activities intended for young children, and will re-enter the service prior to the distribution of the Sacrament.

We encourage parents to bring their children to the Divine Service with them, and there is no need for your children to sit perfectly still or be perfectly quiet. Jesus says “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) As such, the sounds and liveliness of children are beautiful sounds in the ears of God and His people: your children are welcome. To help parents manage children in the service, we do provide activity bags, which are located outside the sanctuary, to give the children coloring sheets, etc… while they hear the music and words of our service.

If, however, you do find that your child has become so noisy or restless that you, the parent, feel a need to step out and comfort or quiet your child, we do also provide a nursery room, across the hall from the Sanctuary, where your child can play under parental supervision, while you are still able to both see and hear the service. We do not staff this nursery or maintain a volunteer to supervise, but your child is welcome to make use of the room and toys so long as a parent is present to supervise.


What if I’m not sure that I’m a Christian?
You certainly are welcome to join us for Divine Service. We believe that there is no better place to consider Christianity or to hear of Jesus than in the congregation of God’s people, and that God will make Himself known to you, and all who seek to know Him, by the reading and preaching of His Word. As the Apostle Paul writes, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

If you are not yet a baptized Christian, we welcome you to come and observe the Divine Service, hear of Jesus, and seriously consider His promise of salvation for all who believe. Do understand that the forgiveness of sins, communion, and certain aspects of the service are intended only for believers. This does not serve to separate or denigrate uncertain visitors, but rather as an witness and encouragement to those thinking seriously about Christ Jesus, that you get to see and hear these means of grace as they are delivered to the believers in this place.


What if I am a Christian, but I’m still learning about Lutheranism?
If you are a baptized Christian, but are only now considering Lutheran theology, you are very much also welcome among us! As you know, the forgiveness of sins is for you and for all who believe that Jesus is the Christ, that He came in the flesh, and that He is risen and ascended on high. However, in keeping with 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, we take very seriously the need for unity and agreement on Church doctrine and administration of Holy Communion. If you are not a member of a congregation of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, we would ask that you refrain from the sacrament, either coming forward to the rail and crossing your arms for a blessing, or remaining in your pews during the distribution of the sacrament, as you are comfortable. If you desire to receive the sacrament, we rejoice with you at a faithful and honorable desire: please speak with Pastor to arrange a time for instruction in Lutheran teachings and how to be welcomed into this community as a member.

Other questions?
For more information or to ask specific questions, you may fill our CONTACT form, or visit https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs