WELCOME!
Are you looking for a church? Planning to visit? We hope that the following information will answer many of your questions and address some of your concerns. Please feel free to contact us if you need more information at (903) 729-6362 or email us at info@belctx.org.
What to Expect Sunday Mornings:
DRESS CODE: Some members dress up and others wear jeans; please come as you feel comfortable!
ARRIVAL: There are no reserved seats in the sanctuary, so sit wherever you like! You will be warmly greeted at the door. Be sure to take a worship bulletin to guide you through our liturgical service. After choosing your seat, look in the pew rack for a maroon colored “Lutheran Service Book” AKA the hymnal and a Bible.
SERVICE: During church, the service is printed in your bulletin that you can use to follow the liturgy. The majority of our hymns come from the “Lutheran Service Book” and are sung accompanied by the organ or piano. Just before the start of the service, the Pastor will enter, greet the congregation, make any special annoucements , and then begin the service following the order of service in your bulletin.
HOLY COMMUNION:
Holy Communion is celebrated the first, third and fifth Sunday of each month and during other special services. We welcome you to receive Holy Communion with us, those who believe the Lord’s body and blood are truly present in this sacrament, together with the bread and wine (Matt. 26:26-38 and 1 Cor. 10:16), as taught in the Lutheran Church; who examine themselves and truly repent of their sins (Acts 3:19 and 1 Cor. 11:28-29); who trust in Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 16:31); and have faith in Christ’s words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:28)
If you are communing:
* The ushers will let you know when it is your row’s turn.
* When motioned by the Pastor to do so, everyone will kneel together at the Communion rail (or stand if you’re unable to kneel).
* Holy Communion is celebrated with wafers and your choice of individual cups of wine, or taking from a common chalice. Individual cups of non-alcoholic wine (white) are in the center ring and available for those with health concerns. Extend your hand to receive the wafer and, when finished, deposit your cup on the communion rail.
* If you wish to take communion, but are unable to walk to the front of the church, just notify an usher, and the Pastor will serve communion to you where you are seated.
* Those not receiving communion, including small children, are encouraged to come forward for a special blessing. You may also remain in your seat if you wish.
* Those who are not Lutheran or who have personal concerns or questions are asked to discuss them with the Elders or Pastor before the service.
OFFERING: We feel that the offering is an opportunity for us to give back to God what He has blessed us with. Guests are welcome to participate, but should not feel obligated.
CHILDREN: Children are always welcome! We want families to worship together. We have an activity bag for children located in the back of the church which includes books, quiet games and coloring pages for your children during the church service. After the service you may return the bags so that others can use them at the next service. If you need to take your child out of the sanctuary during the service, an unstaffed quiet room is availabe at the back right side of the sanctuary or a child’s table with books is available in the narthex. You can continue to hear the service in the parish hall or the parent room. If you have any questions, please ask an usher!
BIBLE STUDY: Prior to service, beginning at 9:00 is Adult Bible Study in the parish hall and children’s Sunday School.