“The church does not satisfy expectations;

it celebrates mysteries.”

—Carlo Maria Cardinal Martini

Ancient and now, our worship follows the contours of the mass which has its roots in the synagogue services of Jesus' time. We begin with prayer and singing. Next, the liturgy -- or worship service -- moves into "The Liturgy of the Word," a time when we hear God's Word as it comes to us in readings from the Hebrew Scriptures; the Epistles, or letters, written to the early church by the apostles; and the Gospel. Next we hear the preached Word of God.

After more singing (Lutherans sing a lot!!), the gathered community prays for the church, the world, and all who are in any need. We then begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist during which all who wish receive the true Body and Blood of Christ -- given and shed for the forgiveness of sin that we ourselves become Christ for the world God loves. The Liturgy of the Eucharist at Saint Paul is ecumenical: the Prayer of Thanksgiving is sometimes from the Lutheran tradition, but may also be adapted from the Episcopal, United Methodist, Presbyterian, or Orthodox traditions. And of course -- more singing. Then we are dismissed to go out into the world to love and serve the neighbor.

At Saint Paul you will see a lot of people, women and men, in jeans. You'll definitely see people in shorts when the weather is warm. You'll see street people wearing all that they have. You'll always see a few men wearing a suit or a blue blazer and a button-down shirt with chinos. You'll see some great approaches to gender-bending attire. You'll also see women wearing everyday skirts and dresses along with others wearing their Sunday finest sometimes topped off by a marvelous hat. Chances are, now and again you'll see a guy or two wearing a kilt. We are a diverse group of people with diverse approaches to how we dress. Are you getting the picture?