frequently asked questions (faqs)
WORSHIP:
Who may attend worship services?
You may! You'll find a wonderful group of fun, caring people. We come from all backgrounds and all walks of life. You'll fit in just fine!
What is worship like?
At Grace we plan our worship around a biblical theme for the day. The songs we sing (mostly hymns) and the portions of the Bible that we read are selected to reinforce that theme. We have opportunity to listen to God speaking to us, and we have the opportunity to praise him, pray to him, and sing to him in return.
God is a majestic and transcendent God. In our worship service we want to approach him in reverence, awe and humility--but at the same time with joy and celebration. Our service is carefully planned, and it's printed out, so you'll know what's coming next.
What is the sermon going to be like?
God's word has relevant and personal things to say to people in the 21st century. More than anything, we hope that the sermon relates God's timeless truths to the challenges you're confronting in your life today. We hope that the sermon reinforces things you already knew, teaches you something you didn't know, challenges you in your walk with Jesus, and leaves you with the peace and assurance of God's embracing love and complete forgiveness in Christ.
How long is the worship service?
A typical worship service lasts about an hour.
Are you going to call attention to me as a visitor?
Not at all! We want you to feel welcome--and we hope you're warmly greeted by other Grace worshipers--but we won't single you out or put you on the spot. You won't be asked to stand up and introduce yourself. There won't be a quiz later on the names of people you met. You can worship as anonymously as you choose. We're just very glad when you can join us to praise God along with us!
How much is it going to cost me?
Ah, that's an important question! We gather an offering of thanks during the service--usually after the sermon. We collect an offering, because it gives our worshipers another chance to praise God with their gift. The offering is completely voluntary--you don't have to participate at all, if you don't care to. When the plate comes by, you may simply pass it along. Nobody will think badly of you or look at you funny if you do so. Quite frankly, our goal is to give something to you, not to take something away from you.
MEMBERSHIP:
What does it mean to be a "member"?
Membership in Jesus' church isn't like a membership at a club or a membership at Sam's Club. There is no application to fill out, and there are no annual dues to pay. However, that doesn't mean there are no requirements for membership. Infants and children become members of the congregation when they are baptized. This means that the congregation and the pastor assume responsibility for their spiritual care. As Christians grow and mature in our faith, we reach the point where we are ready to receive Holy Communion. Youth and adults become communicant members after they have completed a course of instruction in the basic teachings of the Bible (catechism instruction or adult membership class). Once instructed, they are able to declare publicly that they are in complete agreement with God's word, and they are ready to receive the Sacrament. All Christians desire to be part of a fellowship of believers and receive the gifts that God has given to his church.
Do I have to be a member to attend worship or other events?
We welcome everyone to worship, to activities, to outings. Come as you are! You'll find a welcoming group of friendly people. Baptism is for everyone who desires it, and the pastor will be happy to speak with you about baptism for you and your children (if you haven't been baptized already). Since Holy Communion requires some important knowledge of the Bible, we respectfully ask that people receive Communion only after they have been instructed and declare their agreement with our church's teachings.
How can I become a member at Grace Lutheran Church?
We encourage you to come and worship with us and listen to the wonderful message God has to say to your heart. Once you feel comfortable, ask pastor about becoming a member. He will take you through a membership class teaching you the important doctrines of the Bible. The classes are all one on one rather than a group setting, that way you don’t have to feel intimidated by others. Pastor will do everything he can to help you feel comfortable.
I've moved here from another church in the WELS. How do I transfer my membership to Grace?
If you've already been instructed and confirmed in a sister congregation in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod or Evangelical Lutheran Synod, you don't need to take the membership class all over. (On the other hand . . . if it's been a while, you might find that this is a refreshing review for you and a huge faith-building experience!) To transfer, simply contact your pastor (e-mail, letter or phone) and ask that your membership be transferred to Grace in Neenah, Wisconsin. At the same time, please mention to your new pastor here at Grace that you've made the request, and he'll make arrangements to meet with you and help get you settled into your new church home.