Authentic Lutheran Worship in Lexington

Our services follow the classic Christian pattern for worship, using a variety of songs, dialogues and prayers, old and new from around the world. As we hear God’s Word and respond to him in faith. We use fresh, modern language, and our music is accompanied on organ or piano. We will confess our sins together and hear God’s forgiveness in Jesus. We will hear three readings from the Bible. We will hear the Gospel preached. We will sing together. We will pray together for our church community, our neighborhood and the world. We will commune with our Lord and each other at the Communion rail as we celebrate together the Lord’s death and resurrection. All of this will be projected on the screens and printed for you in a service folder so that you can easily follow along.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is something that we truly value as Lutheran Christians. We value it so much so that we have chosen to take part in it every week. We know that God can offer no clearer a gift than the physical offering of Himself for the forgiveness of our sins and for the strengthening of our faith.

The gift of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at St. John’s in the confession and glad confidence that, as our Lord says (1 Cor. 11:23-25), he gives his Body and Blood along with the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of sins, and to strengthen our union with him and each other.

Because those who take Communion unworthily do so to their great harm, (1 Cor 11:23-32) and because Holy Communion is a confession of the faith confessed at this altar (1 Cor. 11:26), all who are either not yet instructed (1 Cor. 11:28) or hold a different confession (1 Cor. 10:16-17) than St. John’s and the LCMS are asked to speak with a pastor or elder before communing.

We offer Communion both with the common cup and individual glasses. If you would prefer the common cup, let the tray of glasses pass and the pastor will offer the cup to you. If you have any dietary restrictions, please see an elder before the service begins.

Knowing that God offers very real gifts to his family through the Divine Service, we would encourage children of all ages to worship with their families. Jesus encouraged his disciples to have faith like a child, and there is much that we can learn from the simple way that our children worship alongside us. You are more than welcome to sit up front so your child can see what’s going on.

The best way to encourage your child to enjoy worship is to model it for them. You can explain parts of the service to them as they happen and encourage them to chime in with, “Amen,” “I believe in God…,” “Our Father who art in heaven…” The best way to teach is to model, so be sure to sing and pray aloud. They’re watching you!

In the narthex you will find bags of quiet toys for your children to enjoy during worship. There are also children’s worship bulletins available weekly with activities for older children to use. We also have children’s messages every Sunday.

It is no surprise to us that kids are squirmy and occasionally loud and distracting. This is a natural side effect of worshiping with all the generations of God’s family together. If you choose to step out to let a louder tantrum pass, please come back when it’s over. There is a cry room in the rear of the sanctuary for these occasions. If anyone turns to look and see what’s going on, please know that it is not in judgement but loving interest. Our family loves to see the little ones who worship with us.

While we understand that this may be one of the most stressful parts of visiting a new church, please trust that this is the least of our concerns for you. On any given Sunday, you will find both someone dressed in shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt, and someone dressed in a suit and tie. While some may say that we dress our best in respect for a God who gives us His best, another might say that they are thankful for a God who accepts us just as we are. Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable.

As a visitor to our church home we want you to know that worship with us is intended to be comfortable and welcoming. We know that there are many personality types of visitors. Some prefer to be personally welcomed and introduced and some prefer to slip in quietly and unnoticed. If you would like, stop by the welcome center to gather some information and free stuff. If you feel comfortable, you can sign our guestbook or fill out one of the visitor cards in the pews. Completed cards can be handed to the usher during the service.

We take an offering every Sunday in support of the work of God’s church. As believers, we respond to God’s great love to us by returning some of what He has given us for the work of His kingdom. It is perfectly fine if you choose to get to know us a little better before putting anything in the plate. What you give and who you entrust it to, is a matter between you and God.

St. John’s is located at 516 Pasadena Drive. If you’re coming from the West (Harrodsburg Road/Clays Mill), turn right immediately after First Assembly of God/Summit Academy. If you’re coming from the East (Nicholasville Road), the entrance will be on your left just after Southview Drive. There are parking spots reserved for those with disabilities, new and expecting families and visitors. Enter the sanctuary through the big brown doors in the circle.

We will do our best to make your visit comfortable. We have greeters and ushers who would be happy to show you around. Visitors are not singled out during the service.

We take the protection of children and youth at St. John’s very seriously. During worship, kids stay with their families. For Sunday School and youth ministry, volunteers and staff are screened with background checks and have all been members for more than 6 months. St. John’s was designed with safety in mind; all offices and classrooms have windows for accountability.