Yes, the name Lutheran comes from the reformer Martin Luther who lived in the 1500’s…but it doesn’t mean we worship Luther! Lutherans are part of the Protestant Church and worship the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Lutheran worship is the following.

Corporate: we say things, sing things, proclaim things, and pray things...together.

Liturgical: the word liturgy means, work of the people. There’s that corporate idea again! Liturgy refers to the order, or form that provides a template for the worship experience. It’s like a divine drama with four acts: Gather, Word, Meal or Thanksgiving, and Sending. Learn more about each component here.

Sacramental: God is always the primary actor: God first comes to us in love, and we, in turn, respond to that love. The key way God comes to us is through the sacraments: Baptism, and Holy Communion. So sacraments, to Lutherans, are a big deal! We celebrate baptisms during worship, as the newly baptized become part of the Christian community (there’s that corporate idea again.) In Holy Communion, we receive the forgiveness of God and are strengthened to go back into the world and share Christ’s love. We practice “open communion” which means we invite all baptized Christians to receive Christ’s Body and Blood at the Holy Eucharist. Together with hearing the good news of God proclaimed in Scripture, the sacraments are called the Means of Grace. In other words, these are ways to experience the unconditional, never-ending love of God. Grace is…amazing.

One more thing: Lutherans really love music. There is singing by the entire congregation, and special music sung by choirs and ensembles. The lyrics of the songs are rich and varied. They relate to the theme of the day.