ABIDING PRESENCE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Frequently Asked Questions
What Visitors Ask about Visiting Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Ewing, NJ
What Visitors Ask about Visiting Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Ewing, NJ
About Us
Who are you all?
My, how direct! Just kidding, we love it. We are a community of Christians who have come together to celebrate the good news of God's love for all people and the world through Jesus Christ. We live out this joy by gathering to worship and learn together, and by going out to love and serve our neighbors and our world.
I don't have much of a church background; am I welcome here?
Yes, absolutely! Everyone is welcome here, especially visitors and people with little church background! We are glad to be joined by those who are searching and may have questions or even doubts about God, the spiritual life, or being a part of a community of faith. We will offer you opportunities to grow in your faith in God and spiritual life. We also recognize that people may be at different places in their faith journey and may want to proceed at their own pace in that journey. We are comfortable with people from other faith traditions and denominations. Our congregation is made up of many different types of people and families with varied backgrounds, and we appreciate and welcome the diversity of experience and life history that they bring.
What does it mean to be a Lutheran church?
Our congregation is a part of the large Protestant branch of the Christian Church that traces back to a church reformer named Martin Luther. Luther was a Roman Catholic monk who lived in the 1500's A.D. He sought to bring the Roman Catholic Church back to its ancient core mission of proclaiming the good news of God's free and unmerited love and forgiveness to all people through faith in Jesus, but he and his followers were forced out and formed the Lutheran church.
Among Christians, the Lutheran tradition is a kind of bridge among Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox since it shares some aspects of all three great traditions of Christianity. The ordered liturgy of the Lutheran worship service and the importance of the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion have many similarities to the Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Orthodox traditions. But the Lutheran church also shares with other Protestants (e.g., Presbyterians, Methodists) a strong emphasis on the Word of God and the importance of the Bible as the vehicle for God's living Word for us today.
Lutherans number 70 million people worldwide. Our congregation belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which includes about 4.6 million members. For more information, go to this web address: www.elca.org
Among Christians, the Lutheran tradition is a kind of bridge among Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox since it shares some aspects of all three great traditions of Christianity. The ordered liturgy of the Lutheran worship service and the importance of the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion have many similarities to the Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Orthodox traditions. But the Lutheran church also shares with other Protestants (e.g., Presbyterians, Methodists) a strong emphasis on the Word of God and the importance of the Bible as the vehicle for God's living Word for us today.
Lutherans number 70 million people worldwide. Our congregation belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which includes about 4.6 million members. For more information, go to this web address: www.elca.org
Worship
How will I know what to do during the worship service?
Each worshipper is given a worship bulletin by an usher as they enter the worship area. It should have everything you need or refer you to the red pew books. Worst-case scenario, just ask someone. We are a friendly bunch, or at least try to be.
How long does worship usually last?
Worship typically lasts around an hour, though this can vary slightly if there is a baptism or other special event.
Can I take Holy Communion when I visit the worship service?
All baptized people are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. If you are visiting for the first time, there is no need to speak with the pastor beforehand or otherwise make yourself known. This is Christ's table, and there's a place for you.
In our tradition, some form of instruction typically precedes a child's first reception of Holy Communion. If your child has received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and is expressing a desire to receive Holy Communion, or if you desire it for them, please let the pastor know so we can welcome them to the table.
If you are not yet baptized but feel drawn to the celebration of Holy Communion, this is a good thing. Please speak with the pastor so that they can share more with you about what Holy Baptism and Communion mean, the better to help you discern the call to join this celebration.
In our tradition, some form of instruction typically precedes a child's first reception of Holy Communion. If your child has received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and is expressing a desire to receive Holy Communion, or if you desire it for them, please let the pastor know so we can welcome them to the table.
If you are not yet baptized but feel drawn to the celebration of Holy Communion, this is a good thing. Please speak with the pastor so that they can share more with you about what Holy Baptism and Communion mean, the better to help you discern the call to join this celebration.
How is Holy Communion served during the worship service?
Bread will be dipped into wine and placed in your cupped hands by the pastor, vicar, or an assisting deacon. If you wish to receive only the bread or if you require a gluten-free host, please let the server know.
Am I able to join worship virtually?
Yes. Our 10 am service is streamed live at aplcworship.org. It is a great way to remain connected when unable to attend in-person, or to see for yourself more of what our worship is like.
Are masks required to worship in-person?
At present, wearing masks indoors is optional. We continue to provide masks for those who would prefer to wear them and encourage anyone who wishes to do so. Should public health circumstances change, we will revisit the need to require mask wearing or suspend in-person gatherings altogether.
In any season, wearing a mask remains a faithful act to protect yourself and others. Many may choose to continue wearing masks as a precaution, and especially as the winter months and flu season approaches, we ask anyone who has been exposed to an illness or is showing signs of illness to go beyond best practices in protecting themselves and others from their spread. As a congregation, we exercise our love of neighbor by setting one another's health before our own personal convenience or comfort, and we will always revise our policies with this in mind.
Our 10 am service is also live-streamed at aplcworship.org if you are not able to attend in person or comfortable doing so.
In any season, wearing a mask remains a faithful act to protect yourself and others. Many may choose to continue wearing masks as a precaution, and especially as the winter months and flu season approaches, we ask anyone who has been exposed to an illness or is showing signs of illness to go beyond best practices in protecting themselves and others from their spread. As a congregation, we exercise our love of neighbor by setting one another's health before our own personal convenience or comfort, and we will always revise our policies with this in mind.
Our 10 am service is also live-streamed at aplcworship.org if you are not able to attend in person or comfortable doing so.
Will I have to introduce myself or stand up to be recognized if I am a visitor at a worship service?
No, we do not ask visitors to stand up during the service and introduce themselves. However, we hope you will feel welcome and perhaps stay for our fellowship time of refreshments and conversation after the Sunday morning service, if you wish. If you wish to make your presence known, please fill out a visitor card (found in the back of the chair in front of you during worship) and put it in the offering plate or give it to an usher. But if you want to stay anonymous and just check us out, that's fine, too!
As a visitor, am I expected to contribute to the offering that is taken at each worship service?
We ask our members to contribute financially as they are able to help support the ministry of our local congregation as well as the mission of the larger church both nationally and worldwide. We offer our financial gifts to God as an act of thanksgiving for all that God has already given us and as a way of participating joyfully in God's mission of love and service to our community and our world.
If you as a visitor wish to contribute to our congregation's ministry, you are most welcome to do so. However, no one is required to make a financial offering.
If you as a visitor wish to contribute to our congregation's ministry, you are most welcome to do so. However, no one is required to make a financial offering.
What happens after the worship service?
Coffee and refreshments are served after the Sunday morning worship service. It's a time for meeting people and informal conversation.
Before worship, we typically have a variety of educational offerings for people of all ages. Visitors are always welcome at any of them.
Before worship, we typically have a variety of educational offerings for people of all ages. Visitors are always welcome at any of them.
Information for Families
Are children welcome to attend the worship services?
Children are definitely welcome to attend our worship services! And we realize that when
children take part in church activities they will naturally be who they are. So we expect that there
will be some wiggling, talking our loud, question-asking, etc.
In order to help children feel included in what’s happening, we do offer a special message for
them as part of our services. And as parents and caregivers feel their children are ready, children
are also encouraged to usher, read lessons, lead prayers, and help serve communion. One Sunday
a month is designated as a Sunday for intentionally engaging the youth in these ways and for
involving our kids in presenting musical offerings.
At each Sunday service we also offer child care which is provided by a church employee. Some
children will stay in our nursery area during the entire service. Other children will come to the
sanctuary for the children’s message and/or other parts of the service as it suits them and their
families.
children take part in church activities they will naturally be who they are. So we expect that there
will be some wiggling, talking our loud, question-asking, etc.
In order to help children feel included in what’s happening, we do offer a special message for
them as part of our services. And as parents and caregivers feel their children are ready, children
are also encouraged to usher, read lessons, lead prayers, and help serve communion. One Sunday
a month is designated as a Sunday for intentionally engaging the youth in these ways and for
involving our kids in presenting musical offerings.
At each Sunday service we also offer child care which is provided by a church employee. Some
children will stay in our nursery area during the entire service. Other children will come to the
sanctuary for the children’s message and/or other parts of the service as it suits them and their
families.
What if I or my child need to get up and leave in the middle of the worship service?
We know that there are times when people of any age may need to step out of the sanctuary
during a service. We hope you and your family will feel free to get up and leave to use the
restrooms, get a breath of fresh air, or just take a break from the service if that’s needed.
A speaker system does make it possible to hear the service in our narthex/entry area and in our
nursery area. We also have a Family Quiet Room which is equipped with an armchair, a rocker, a
playpen, a highchair, a small table/chair set, board books, and coloring supplies. (Note: We ask
that people using this space please give priority and privacy to nursing mothers.)
Our ushers will be happy to direct you to the nursery area or the Family Quiet Room.
during a service. We hope you and your family will feel free to get up and leave to use the
restrooms, get a breath of fresh air, or just take a break from the service if that’s needed.
A speaker system does make it possible to hear the service in our narthex/entry area and in our
nursery area. We also have a Family Quiet Room which is equipped with an armchair, a rocker, a
playpen, a highchair, a small table/chair set, board books, and coloring supplies. (Note: We ask
that people using this space please give priority and privacy to nursing mothers.)
Our ushers will be happy to direct you to the nursery area or the Family Quiet Room.
Is there other programming for my children in addition to attending worship services?
Yes! Our congregation has a strong and dedicated programs for children from babies and toddlers to 12th grade and an adult education program as well. We also have pre-communion instruction, a two-year confirmation program, and opportunities for children and youth to lead and sing in worship. Learn more here.
Is there a space where mothers may nurse their babies?
We have a Family Quiet Room which is equipped with an armchair, a rocker, a playpen, a
highchair, a small table/chair set, board books, and coloring supplies. A sign outside this room
asks that people give priority and privacy to nursing mothers who want to use this room to nurse
their babies. Our ushers will be happy to direct you to the Family Quiet Room.
highchair, a small table/chair set, board books, and coloring supplies. A sign outside this room
asks that people give priority and privacy to nursing mothers who want to use this room to nurse
their babies. Our ushers will be happy to direct you to the Family Quiet Room.
Practical Information
Where is the church located?
|
The address for the church is 2220 Pennington Road in Ewing, NJ. It's about a half mile south of the intersection of Interstate 295 and Highway 31 which links Pennington and Ewing. You will see the two rows of solar panels on the north side of the church property that provide electricity to our church building and to the community.
|
What should I wear when I attend worship services or other events at the church?
The church has no dress code. You will see a variety of clothing among worshipers that ranges from somewhat formal (dresses and skirts for women, suits and ties for men) to much more casual styles of clothing. The Saturday evening service at 5:30 p.m. tends to be quite informal. We believe God accepts us as we are, both inside and out.
Where do I park? How do I enter the building?
Our large parking lot includes designated spaces for visitors near the front of the parking lot. The entrance to the church is on the parking lot side of the building and is clearly marked.
Is the church accessible? How do I let the church know if I have accessibility needs?
Our building can be accessed without the use of stairs, and the majority of our life together takes place on the ground level. When in use, the classrooms in the lower level of our building can be accessed by elevator.
In terms of how we worship, while we strive to gather in a way that is attentive to an array of (dis)abilities and needs, there are many ways we still need to grow in how we welcome all. In that spirit, if there are ways our worship is falling short in how we foster your or others full participation, please reach out to the pastor either directly or through the church office so we can work together for something better.
In terms of how we worship, while we strive to gather in a way that is attentive to an array of (dis)abilities and needs, there are many ways we still need to grow in how we welcome all. In that spirit, if there are ways our worship is falling short in how we foster your or others full participation, please reach out to the pastor either directly or through the church office so we can work together for something better.
Do you offer non-alcoholic and/or gluten free options for communion?
We do not offer non-alcoholic wine. However we serve communion by offering each person a
wafer of bread and holding out a cup into which they may intinct (i.e. dip) their wafer. Anyone
who prefers not to receive the wine is able to unobtrusively pass on intincting their wafer.
Gluten-free wafers are available.
wafer of bread and holding out a cup into which they may intinct (i.e. dip) their wafer. Anyone
who prefers not to receive the wine is able to unobtrusively pass on intincting their wafer.
Gluten-free wafers are available.
How can I get more information about the church and its programs?
The best way to find out what is happening at Abiding Presence is to sign up for our weekly
email newsletter. Click here to do that.
email newsletter. Click here to do that.
