Come and Hear the Good News of Jesus Christ
YOUR FIRST SUNDAY AT REDEEMER
Whether you are a lifelong Lutheran, exploring Christianity for the first time, visiting Fairhope, or returning to church after many years, you are invited to attend the Divine Service at Redeemer.
You do not need to understand every part of the service before coming. You may follow along in the hymnal and bulletin, or simply listen as the service unfolds. Come with your questions, your burdens, your joys, and your family.
Redeemer is not a gathering of people who have life completely figured out. We are sinners gathered by Jesus Christ to hear His Word, receive His forgiveness, and live by His promises.
Why We Worship This Way →What to Expect
Redeemer is a confessional congregation of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Our worship is liturgical, hymnal-based, and centered upon Jesus Christ, His Word, and His Sacraments.
On Sunday, you will hear readings from Holy Scripture, Christ-centered preaching, prayers, and the historic liturgy of the Christian Church. You will hear the congregation sing hymns that proclaim Christ’s death and resurrection, teach the Christian faith, and give comfort to troubled consciences.
The service is reverent but not cold. It is ordered but not lifeless. Its familiar words and movements allow our attention to remain on Christ and what He gives to His people.
Can I Attend If I Am Not Lutheran?
Yes. You do not need to be Lutheran, already belong to a church, or understand the entire service before attending.
Visitors are invited to listen, sing, pray, and follow along as they are comfortable. If something is unfamiliar, that is all right. Lutheran worship becomes more familiar over time, and our pastor is always glad to answer questions.
We will not pressure you to introduce yourself publicly, stand before the congregation, or make an immediate commitment. Come and hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
What Is the Divine Service?
Lutherans traditionally call Sunday worship the Divine Service. This name reminds us that God serves us first.
God gathers His people, speaks His Word, forgives sins, strengthens faith, and gives the body and blood of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. We respond with prayer, praise, thanksgiving, offerings, and lives of service to our neighbors.
The Divine Service ordinarily includes Confession and Absolution, readings from Holy Scripture, Psalms and hymns, prayers, a Christ-centered sermon, the confession of the Christian faith, the Lord’s Supper when it is celebrated, and the blessing of the Lord.
Our worship is shaped by Holy Scripture and the historic liturgy of the Christian Church.
When Should I Arrive?
Arriving about ten to fifteen minutes before the service begins will give you time to park, enter the sanctuary, receive a bulletin, and find a seat.
An usher will be available to welcome you, provide a bulletin, and help you locate the hymnal or any other materials needed for the service.
Before the service begins, many worshipers use the quiet time for prayer and preparation.
Where Should I Park and Enter?
Parking is available on the church property and on the street.
If you are uncertain where to go when you arrive, follow other worshipers or ask anyone near the entrance. We will be glad to help you.
What Should I Wear?
Redeemer does not have a dress code.
Some people dress more formally for the Divine Service, while others wear more casual clothing. You will see dresses, jackets, collared shirts, jeans, and other ordinary clothing.
Wear something respectful and comfortable. What matters most is not the clothing you bring, but the gifts Christ gives.
Are Children Welcome in Worship?
Yes. Children belong in the Divine Service.
Through Holy Baptism, children are members of Christ’s Church now, not merely future members. We want them to hear Scripture, learn the liturgy, sing the hymns, see their parents pray, and grow up knowing that the sanctuary is their spiritual home.
Parents should not feel embarrassed when young children move, whisper, or make noise. The presence of children is a blessing to the whole congregation. Children learn to worship by worshiping.
Families may sit wherever they are comfortable. Sitting closer to the front often helps children see the pastor, altar, cross, and other parts of the service. A cry room is also available if a parent or child needs a brief break, although children are always welcome to remain with their families in the sanctuary.
What About Sunday School and Bible Class?
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class begin at 9:00 a.m., between the two Divine Services.
These classes give children and adults an opportunity to study Holy Scripture, learn the Christian faith, ask questions, and grow together.
An usher or member of the congregation can help you locate the appropriate classroom when you arrive.
Why Are There No Screens in the Sanctuary?
Our sanctuary is intentionally free from projection screens during the Divine Service.
This does not mean that technology is evil. Redeemer uses technology in appropriate ways for communication, education, and outreach. Screen-free worship is a deliberate decision about where we direct our attention during the Divine Service.
We worship from the hymnal and printed service so that our eyes, ears, and voices are directed toward Holy Scripture, the altar, the pulpit, the baptismal font, the cross, and one another.
Our worship does not depend upon novelty, entertainment, or spectacle. It rests upon the enduring gifts Christ has given His Church.
Will I Know When to Stand or Sit?
The bulletin and hymnal provide guidance throughout the service. You may also follow the congregation as you are comfortable.
Do not be embarrassed if you miss a cue. No one expects a visitor to know every movement or response. If age, health, pain, or disability makes standing or kneeling difficult, please remain seated. God’s grace does not depend upon physical ability.
What Should I Know About Holy Communion?
We believe the Lord’s Supper is one of Christ’s most precious gifts to His Church.
In the Sacrament, Jesus gives us His true body and blood with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins. Holy Communion is not merely a symbolic reminder of an absent Savior. The risen Christ is present to give exactly what He promises.
Receiving the Lord’s Supper together is also a public confession that we share the same Christian faith. For this reason, visitors who are not members of an LCMS congregation are asked to speak with the pastor before communing.
This practice is not intended to embarrass anyone or turn anyone away from Christ. It allows the pastor to understand your confession of faith, answer your questions, and care for you faithfully.
If you are not communing, you are still invited to attend the entire Divine Service, hear God’s Word, join in the prayers and hymns, and speak with the pastor about receiving the Sacrament in the future.
Holy Communion at Redeemer →Is the Church Accessible?
We want everyone to be able to enter the church and participate in worship as comfortably as possible. If you have a particular accessibility need, please contact the church office before your visit. We will gladly assist you.
What Happens After the Service?
Pastor Johnson enjoys meeting visitors and answering questions after the Divine Service. You are welcome to introduce yourself, but there is no pressure to do so.
Please feel free to ask about the service, Lutheran beliefs, Holy Communion, Baptism, Sunday School, Bible studies, membership, or pastoral care.
If you would prefer a longer conversation, the church office can help arrange a time to meet with Pastor Johnson.
Come and See
You do not need to have your life organized before coming to church.
You do not need to know every answer.
You do not need to understand every part of the liturgy.
Christ receives sinners. He speaks forgiveness to the guilty, hope to the weary, comfort to those who mourn, and life to those living beneath the shadow of death.
Come and hear His Word.
Come and learn the Christian faith.
Come and receive the gifts Christ gives to His Church.
Christ crucified and risen, for you.