frequently asked questions
• When is worship? We have a service every Sunday at 10:30am, year-round.
• Where do I park? The church features abundant parking immediately around the sanctuary. Special spaces are reserved for visitors and handicapped folks near the main entrance, and a covered area allows you to drop off guests who need extra assistance or during inclement weather.
• Is there child care? We have a nursery room for infants and small children who may grow restless during worship. The nursery is accessible from the church narthex when you come in and looks out over the sanctuary. During worship, children may also enjoy weekly handouts and coloring sheets. Obtain them from the usher, along with an activity bag if you'd like.
• What do people wear? You will see a range of dress in our congregation: not all men are in suits and not all women are in skirts and heels. Please know that you'll be welcome regardless of your attire.
• Where do I enter? The church's main entrance is on the right side of the building as you turn in from County Home Road. A large, covered driveway marks this entrance. Other entrances can be found on the left front and on the right and left rear of the building. You will be welcomed into the church by a greeter, and an usher will provide bulletins as you enter the sanctuary.
• What can I expect during the service? Mt. Zion observes a traditional order of worship, featuring sacred choral and organ music, congregational hymn singing, prayer, readings from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, a children's message, and a Scripture-based sermon by the pastor. Special worship events take place according to the season of the church year. An offering is collected, and each week, we observe Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, to which anyone who professes the Christian faith is invited. Our bulletin guides you through the order of worship, which typically lasts about an hour to an hour-and-a-half.
• How does Communion work? Most Sundays, Mt. Zion members take communion by intinction, meaning they approach the altar, pew by pew, are handed a wafer, dip it into the chalice of wine, and consume it. On the first Sunday of each month and on other select Sundays, communion is taken by station. Coming forward, worshipers are handed a wafer, which they consume, and are then offered an individual cup of wine or a drink from the common cup. The preference is yours, and either is acceptable. Children who have not experienced communion training may receive a blessing, and gluten-free wafers are available. Worshipers who are unable to come forward may request an usher to have the elements brought to them.
• Do I need to bring a Bible? Since the lessons and gospel are printed in the bulletin, Bibles are not usually necessary during services. You are welcome to bring one if you would like.
• Will I have to be recognized as a visitor? You will not be singled out. Members and visitors alike have a moment to greet one another in the name of the Lord during the passing of the peace. We also place friendship registers on each pew, which allow members to note their attendance and visitors to share their contact information if they so choose.
• Is the church accessible to the handicapped? We have an accessible entrance and easy thresholds to maneuver. Our sanctuary does not have required stairs, and reserved parking places near the entrance are convenient for visitors.
• What is Sunday School like? Sunday school classes for all ages meet at 9:15am in various spaces. Even if you are not a member of a particular class, feel free to come try out one or another of our groups, for yourself or your children. They provide opportunities for spiritual growth, learning, and fellowship. We also have a social hour when folks may gather over coffee, juice, and pastries.
• Where are the bathrooms? The men's and women's restrooms are accessible from the narthex, where you enter the church. Signs indicate the entrances, or feel free to ask anyone for guidance.
Mt. Zion is a welcoming congregation, so don't be anxious about the details of the service or the Lutheran style of worship. Just know that we're delighted to have you visit and are happy to help with anything you need!