come as you are

It’s not easy attending a church for the first time, but sometimes it helps if you know what to expect.

Where is Oceanside Lutheran? And where do I park? And accessiblity?
Oceanside Lutheran Church is located at 62 Davison Avenue next to the Oceanside Public Library. You are invited to park in the Library Parking Lot located directly next to the church, in the Municipal Parking Lot opposite the library, or on the street. There is a ramp to welcome everyone into the church. By the spring we will have an accessible bathroom as well.

What to Wear?
People dress casually at Oceanside Lutheran (i.e. jeans, slacks, tee-shirts, sweaters). During holidays like Christmas and Easter, people tend to step it up a notch (i.e. nice slacks, dresses, skirts, button down shirts). The most important thing is to wear what makes you comfortable and not to let your clothing keep you away from the celebration.

Worship
We gather for worship at 10am and follow a basic pattern of worship common among Lutherans:
* We gather.
* We encounter God’s Word.
* We share a meal at the Lord’s table.
* And we are sent into the world.

Worship is ultimately about what God is doing and our response to God’s action.

Will I know what to do?
Our bulletins/worship folders contain the elements (except for the songs) you will need to follow worship.

What about offering?
After the sermon, the offering plate is passed. Offering is part of our worship, part of our response to God’s  love and mercy. No one should feel compelled to give. Let the Holy Spirit and your own circumstances guide you.

I have kids...sometimes they are rowdy...where do they fit in?
ALL kids are encouraged and welcomed to attend and participate in worship. We genuinely enjoy having children in the worship service. Their talking, singing and playing are music to God’s ears.

Eating at Jesus Table
We have communion every Sunday. Jesus Christ is the host at the communion table. All are welcome regardless of church affiliation. The pastor distributes bread and wine to everyone at the table - if you do not wish to recieve the wine, you may simply cross your arms for a blessing.

Sunday School
We have Sunday School for all ages at 10am. Young disciples begin in worship than stay through the children's sermon. We then light a candle, representing the light of Christ, and sing the children to Sunday School. Approximately once a month our young disciples stay through the entire service. In the middle of June, Sunday School goes on hiatus and Vacation Bible School (VBS) begins.

After Service
After each service, you are invited to gather informally in the church basement (Fellowship Hall) for conversation, fair-trade coffee, tea, juice, and snacks are set out for you to enjoy.