Worship
The heart of our life together at Zion is worship. It is the highpoint that begins our week and an essential part of our individual lives. Our worship is not centered on our actions but rather on our Lord's coming to serve us. Our worship is referred to as the Divine Service because our Lord comes to us for the purpose of giving to us that which we need, serving us with His Word and feeding us with the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus Christ came into the flesh not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. And though our crucified and risen Lord is now seated at the right hand of God awaiting the Last Day, His care and service for us has never halted.
Our worship begins with our Lord, from Him to us. His Word gives what He says. Faith is born and strengthened by His coming to us, and received with thankfulness and praise. Our Lord serves us each Sunday through His Holy Word and Sacraments. In these gifts our Heavenly Father is present for us. In these humble means, He delivers His freeing gifts of forgiveness and salvation.
Our Lord's service to us then calls forth our service to others. Having been called, gathered, enlightened and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, we joyfully confess all that God has done for us! Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs join with the voice of every saint from every age. It is the new song of Christ's holy people declaring,
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" (Revelation 5:12)
Lutherans are heirs of an astonishingly rich, liturgical tradition. Each generation is given the Faith from those who went before. We live that heritage here and now by receiving the Word and Sacraments in our own daily lives. Together we are fed and nourished, awaiting the day of our Lord's glorious return!