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Emmanuel Lutheran Church entrance

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know for your first Sunday. We can't wait to welcome you!

Join Us Sunday

Service Times

We gather every Sunday morning for worship. Choose the service that fits you best — both share the same message, just different styles.

8:00 AM
Organ-Led Divine Worship

Traditional Service

Experience the timeless beauty of Lutheran liturgy with classic hymns and our recently updated pipe organ. The service is often enhanced by the Church Choir, Emmanuel Brass, or Handbell Choir.

Classic hymns with pipe organ • Lutheran liturgical order • Word and Sacrament centered • Reverent, reflective atmosphere
10:30 AM
Band-Led Divine Worship

Contemporary Service

A welcoming atmosphere with modern worship music led by our praise band featuring vocalists, keyboard, guitar, bass, and percussion. Same Lutheran liturgy, same Gospel message — with a contemporary musical style.

Modern worship with live band • Lutheran liturgical order • Word and Sacrament centered • Casual, welcoming atmosphere
9:30 AM

Sunday School & Bible Study

Classes for all ages between services — children, youth, and adults.

Holy Communion

We celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of each month at both services. We believe that in Holy Communion we receive Christ's true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.

Gluten-free wafers and non-alcoholic wine are available upon request. Learn more about communion

Seasonal & Special Services

Throughout the church year, we gather for special worship services that draw us deeper into the story of God's love.

Advent & Christmas

Midweek Advent services prepare our hearts for Christ's coming, culminating in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.

Lent & Holy Week

Midweek Lenten services lead us through Christ's journey to the cross, with special services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil.

Thanksgiving Eve

A service of gratitude and praise as we give thanks for God's abundant blessings.

New Year's Eve

Close the year in worship, reflecting on God's faithfulness and looking forward in hope.

Your First Visit

What to Expect

We know visiting a new church can feel uncertain. Here's what your first Sunday will look like.

Plan About an Hour

Each service lasts about 60-75 minutes. Feel free to arrive a few minutes early so you can find a seat and settle in.

Come As You Are

There's no dress code. You'll see everything from jeans to suits. Wear whatever makes you comfortable — we're just glad you're here.

Friendly Greeters

Look for our welcome team at the doors. They'll help you find your way, answer questions, and make sure you feel at home.

Lutheran Worship

What Happens in the Service?

Both services use settings from the Lutheran Service Book and follow the historic pattern of Christian worship. You'll experience the same timeless liturgical elements that have united believers for centuries.

1.
Invocation & Confession — We begin in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, confessing our sins and receiving God's forgiveness (Absolution).
2.
Scripture & Sermon — We hear God's Word through Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings, followed by a sermon that proclaims Christ and applies Scripture to daily life.
3.
Confession of Faith — Together we confess the Apostles' or Nicene Creed, declaring what Christians have believed throughout the ages.
4.
Holy Communion — On communion Sundays, we receive Christ's true body and blood for forgiveness and spiritual strength. Guests are welcome to come forward for a blessing.
5.
Benediction & Sending — We receive God's blessing and are sent out to love and serve our neighbor in Jesus' name.

Holy Baptism is celebrated during the service when scheduled. Speak with Pastor if you're interested in baptism for yourself or your child.

Learn More About Liturgical Worship
Emmanuel Lutheran Church sanctuary and altar

After the Service

Prayer at the Altar: After the service, prayer is available at the altar with an Elder and his spouse. If you'd like someone to pray with you, you're welcome to come forward.

Next Steps: If you've recently received Christ, rededicated yourself, desire baptism, or are interested in membership, please speak with Pastor or an Elder.

Families Welcome

What About My Kids?

We love kids! Your children are welcome in worship — wiggles, noises, and all. But we also have great options if they need their own space.

Nursery & Quiet Rooms

Nursery care is available during both services for infants and toddlers (birth through age 3). Our loving volunteers provide a safe, nurturing environment so you can worship with peace of mind. Nursing and quiet rooms for children are also located at the back of the sanctuary.

Sunday School

At 9:30 AM, children of all ages learn Bible stories and the faith in age-appropriate classes. It's a fun way for kids to connect with other children and grow in faith.

Youth Classes

Middle school and high school students have their own space at 9:30 AM to ask real questions and explore what faith means for their lives.

Kids Are Welcome Here

Don't worry if your little one gets noisy. We'd rather have joyful chaos than empty pews. You belong here.

Getting Here

Location & Parking

Address

Emmanuel Lutheran Church
4865 Wilmington Pike
Kettering, OH 45440

Located on Wilmington Pike in Kettering, just south of Dorothy Lane.

Get Directions

Parking

  • Large parking lot with plenty of spaces
  • Guest parking available near the main entrance
  • Covered main entrance for ease of drop-off during inclement weather
  • Accessible parking close to the doors
  • Enter through the main doors facing the parking lot
  • Look for our greeters — they'll help you find your way!

Common Questions

FAQs for Visitors

You're in good company! Many of our members came from different church backgrounds or no church at all. Lutheran worship might feel different at first, but don't worry — everything you need to follow along is in the bulletin or on the screens. Just relax, participate as much as you're comfortable with, and let the experience unfold.

We believe that in Holy Communion, when we receive the bread and wine, we actually receive the Lord's Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins and strength to serve God. As part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, we practice "Close Communion" — by communing, you are publicly declaring that you share our understanding of Holy Communion and your oneness in faith with us.

Only those who have been instructed in Holy Communion should commune. If you have questions, please speak with Pastor or an Elder — an usher will gladly direct you. If you desire to commune regularly with the congregation, please make an appointment with Pastor. Everyone is welcome to come forward and receive a blessing instead.

Note: Gluten-free host and non-alcoholic wine are available on request.

Absolutely not! We don't put visitors on the spot. You're welcome to simply experience worship at your own pace. If you'd like to connect with us, you can fill out a connection card or introduce yourself to our pastor after the service — but only if you want to.

Both services share the same sermon and follow the same Lutheran liturgical structure centered on Word and Sacrament. The main difference is the music: the 8:00 AM service features organ and traditional hymns, while the 10:30 AM service has a praise band with contemporary worship songs. Choose whichever style resonates with you — or try both!

Yes! Our building is wheelchair accessible with ramp access and accessible restrooms. Accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrance. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact our office and we'll do everything we can to accommodate you.

Connect With Us

Let Us Know You're Coming

Planning to visit this Sunday? Fill out our quick connection form and we'll be ready to welcome you!

When you let us know you're coming, our greeters can give you a personal welcome and help you find everything you need. It only takes a minute!

Fill Out Connection Form

What Happens Next?

  • Our greeters will know to look for you
  • We'll have a welcome gift ready
  • You'll get helpful info about your visit
  • No pressure, no awkward introductions

Still Have Questions?

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out anytime and we'll be happy to help.