Our Worship: Word and Sacrament
Worship at Jerusalem is centered on Word and Sacrament. We take the inspired Word of God seriously, as it is revealed to us in the errorless Scriptures. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” (John 8:31). In our worship, we meditate on these teachings of Scripture, which assure us of our eternal salvation and provide comfort and guidance for our lives as Christians.
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Worship at Jerusalem is also sacramental. We currently celebrate Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays of each month. In this sacrament, Jesus gives us his very body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. We also baptize infants and adults. Through this powerful sacrament of rebirth and renewal, God freely offers and gives forgiveness and new life in Christ.
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Our worship practices at Jerusalem follow the liturgical tradition of the Christian Church and the Lutheran Church. Each Sunday we use one of the orders of service found in our hymnal, Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal. These liturgies provide both consistency and familiarity, as well as freshness and variety. Above all, they center our worship on the gospel of Jesus Christ and the saving work he has accomplished for us and for all people.
Worship Centered on God’s Word
The Bible guides everything we do. We take God’s inspired Word seriously and meditate on its teachings, which assure us of salvation and offer guidance and comfort for our daily lives.
Sacramental Life
We celebrate Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays of each month, receiving Jesus’ body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. We also baptize infants and adults, through which God grants forgiveness, rebirth, and new life in Christ.
Liturgical Worship
Our services follow the liturgical tradition of the Christian and Lutheran church. Using orders of service from Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, we combine consistency and familiarity with variety, always focusing on the saving work of Jesus Christ for all people.
A place of grace and welcome
Whether this is your first visit to Jerusalem Lutheran Church or your first time stepping into a church at all, you are truly welcome here. We know visiting somewhere new can feel uncertain, so our hope is to offer a calm, friendly place where you can come as you are, ask questions, and experience God’s love at your own pace.
What's your Sunday Worship like?
Worship at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church is centered on God’s Word and Sacraments and follows a consistent, liturgical order. While every church has its own style, we aim to make our services welcoming and easy to follow, with printed outlines, readings, and prayers provided each week. It may take a few visits to become familiar, and that’s perfectly okay.
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Our worship blends timeless traditions with clear, modern language, connecting the rich heritage of the Christian Church to everyday life today. Music plays an important role, especially through Lutheran hymns that proclaim God’s saving work in Christ and grow more meaningful over time.
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Each service includes confession and forgiveness, Scripture readings, a sermon focused on God’s promises, prayer, praise, and a closing blessing. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month, with visitors invited to speak with the pastor beforehand. Through worship, we pray that your faith is strengthened and that you are reminded of God’s forgiveness, guidance, and peace in Jesus.
What is Closed Communion?
Jerusalem practices closed Communion not to exclude or judge, but out of love and care for those who receive the Lord’s Supper. Scripture teaches that Holy Communion is for those who repent of their sins, trust in Christ’s forgiveness, accept all the teachings of Scripture, and believe that they truly receive Jesus’ body and blood in the Sacrament.
Because the Lord’s Supper is a confession of shared faith and unity, we ask visitors who are not members of our congregation to speak with the pastor before communing and to refrain from receiving Communion until membership is established. This practice is meant to protect both the individual communicant and the unity of our congregation, always with the desire that all may one day joyfully share in this gift together.
What should I wear?
Many people wonder what they should wear when visiting a church for the first time. Since the Bible gives no specific dress code beyond modesty, we don’t set rules either. Our members simply aim to make worship a special time, and that is often reflected in how they dress.
On any given Sunday, you’ll see everything from jeans to suits, running shoes to high heels. Whether your style is casual or more formal, what matters most is coming to worship with a heart focused on God. You are welcome just as you are.
What about giving an offering?
Offerings at Jerusalem are given freely and joyfully, not out of pressure or obligation. Scripture reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver, and no one is expected to give a certain amount—or to give at all. An offering is collected after the sermon as part of worship, but visitors are welcome to participate only as they feel led. Our desire is that every gift be given willingly, out of love and gratitude to God.
What’s the WELS or Wisconsin Synod?
Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a fellowship of congregations united in faith and mission around the world. Through this partnership, we work together to train church workers, support missions, and share biblical resources, all while standing firmly on the teachings of Scripture and the truth that Jesus Christ alone is our Savior.
The name “Lutheran” comes from Martin Luther, a Reformer who boldly proclaimed salvation by grace through faith in Jesus alone. We gladly carry this name as a reflection of our commitment to the truth of God’s Word and the gospel of Christ.
Feeling Unsure? That’s Okay
Attending a new church can feel intimidating, but at Jerusalem, you’re welcome just as you are.
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Worried about standing up or being called on? Don’t be—we won’t embarrass you.
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Want to bring your child but afraid of noise? We love having kids in worship, and a parents’ room is just outside the worship space if they need a break. Feeling out of place or unsure what to do? Ask us—we’re full of ordinary people who’ve all been new once.
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Want to just observe at first? That’s fine. We don’t pressure anyone to join or sign up. Church membership is voluntary, and faith grows at its own pace.
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Not confident in your Bible knowledge? That’s okay too. Worship and Bible study are all about learning and growing in Jesus, and no one expects you to have all the answers.
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Worried about meeting “perfect Christians”? Don’t—there aren’t any! The church is a spiritual hospital, and Jesus is the Great Physician. As we like to say: Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.