If you are thinking of visiting us. We want to take the stress out of it.
Below is some helpful information that will make your visit smooth, relaxed, and rewarding.
We are glad you are thinking about visiting Bethlehem. Whether you have been Lutheran your whole life, are returning to church after years away, or have never set foot in a sanctuary before, you are welcome here. This page will tell you everything you need to know before Sunday so that you can come comfortably and focus on what actually matters once you arrive.
When and Where
Sunday Divine Service: 9:00 AM
Address: 17900 Lund Carlson Rd, Elgin, TX 78621
Bethlehem sits in the small community of Lund, about ten minutes northwest of Elgin and roughly thirty-five minutes east of downtown Austin. Look for the brick sanctuary with the bell tower sitting under the water tower. You cannot miss it.
Parking is free and plentiful. There are no parking attendants, no valet, no designated visitor spots — just pull in anywhere.
Lets plan your first visit to Bethlehem Lutheran Church
What to Expect
The service is liturgical. That means it follows a pattern that has been used by Christians, in some form, for nearly two thousand years. There will be a confession of sin and an absolution. There will be Scripture readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the Epistles, and the Gospels. There will be a sermon. There will be the Creed — the same Creed Christians have confessed since the early Church. There will be prayer. There will be Holy Communion every other Sunday. And there will be a benediction at the end, sending you out with God's blessing.
If you have never been to a liturgical service before, do not worry about getting things "right." Stand when others stand. Sit when others sit. Speak the responses if you want to, or simply listen if you would rather. No one is watching you. Everyone was new at some point. The idea of worshiping in the liturgical style is that you play a part in the service. It is not just a feel good emotional high, it is really coming before our God, Creator, and King and Adoring Him!
The service lasts about an hour. Sometimes a little longer on communion Sundays or special feast days.
There is a bulletin that walks you through the entire service. Page numbers, hymn numbers, and spoken responses are all printed for you. If anything is confusing, the person next to you in the pew will be glad to help. But honestly, if something is new or you do not understand something, do not worry about it. Just walk through the service and in no time you will be a full participant and understand the meaning and beauty behind it.
What to Wear
Whatever you have. Some people wear suits. Some wear jeans. Some wear boots straight from the ranch. We are a small-town Lutheran church in rural Texas. We care that you came, not how you dressed.
A Few Common Questions
Will I be singled out? No. We will not ask visitors to stand up, raise their hands, or introduce themselves to the congregation. If you want to introduce yourself to the pastor or a few members after the service, we would love to meet you. If you would rather slip in and slip out the first time, that is fine too. Come at your own pace.
Will someone try to sell me something? No. We will not pressure you to join, to give, to sign up for anything, or to make a decision. The gospel is freely given here, the same way it was freely given to you in your baptism (or will be, if you have not yet been baptized). There is nothing to buy.
Can I take Communion? The Lord's Supper at Bethlehem is the true body and blood of Christ, given for the forgiveness of sins. Because we take seriously what Scripture teaches about this gift, we ask that those who commune with us share our confession of what is happening at the altar. If you are visiting, and you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who the prophecy foretold, who came and gave His life for our forgiveness and salvation, then please feel free to come forward and take communion. If you are not sure about any of those things, then still come forward and when the pastor gets to you, have your arms crossed over your chest, and the pastor will be glad to give you a blessing. If you would like to talk more about communion at Bethlehem, please speak with the pastor before or after the service. We would be glad to talk with you. In the end, if at the time of communion you feel led to go up and take communion, then go up and take communion and be blessed that the Holy Spirit is inviting you to partake with Him.
What about my children? Children are welcome in worship. Lutherans have always understood the gathered Divine Service as the place where the whole family of God receives His gifts together — including the youngest among us. Children are not a distraction. They are members of the Church. If your baby cries or your toddler squirms, no one will mind. We have been doing this for one hundred and twenty-nine years, and there have always been children in this sanctuary. We would rather have a baby crying in the service than not to have that child there at all.
Is there Sunday School? Yes, though we are growing the congregation at the moment, there is Sunday School for the kids and we will always make sure they have fun and learn about Jesus. Sunday School is at 9:30 AM.
Do I need to be a Lutheran? No. You need to be a person who is willing to come and see. The rest can be sorted out later. If you have questions on what it means to go to a Lutheran Church, please see the page on this website that explains.
After the Service
There is fellowship time after worship — coffee, conversation, and a chance to meet the people who make up Bethlehem. Stay as long or as little as you like.
