Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church ~ 2402 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel, CA 95073  ~  831.475.6962

What is worship like at Mt. Calvary?

Sunday worship is a gathering of the community where God comes to us through word, the breaking of bread, and prayer.  In a welcoming and intimate setting, Mt. Calvary follows the liturgical tradition of the Lutheran Church and seeks to enhance the worship experience through music and opportunities for reflection.  Hymns from the Lutheran Book of Worship, With One Voice and other collections are utilized.  The pipe organ and piano are used for accompaniment, depending upon the musical style used for the Sunday.

When do we worship?

Worship Services: Sundays at 10:15 A.M.

Prayer

Community Prayer A time for talking with and listening to  God. We have sponsored community prayer sessions. Whatever your concerns, (health, family, financial…), this is a time for you.  This informal gathering is specially designed for community members who may not be comfortable with or familiar with a more church-like setting.  We currently do not have any Community Prayer sessions on our calendar. If, however, you would like us to schedule a prayer event please let us know. Drop-in for Prayer Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. The church sanctuary is open for prayer daily.  Please know that you are welcome.

Special Services

If you are interested in any of the special services described below, please contact our church office for more information or to schedule some time to discuss this with Pastor Abraham. Baptism Through infant and adult baptism God’s grace reaches out to us.  Baptism signifies God’s unconditional love, and is independent of any intellectual, moral or emotional achievement.  Baptisms are performed within our Sunday worship setting.  Confirmation Individuals may enter into membership through the Rite of Confirmation.  Confirmation follows a three-year discipline of study.  Youth typically begin this process at 6th grade, however confirmation is also available to adults. Membership Mt. Calvary is an inclusive congregation.  Membership is offered to any individual who confesses Jesus Christ as savior.  Wedding Marriage ceremonies are conducted at Mt. Calvary for members, their families and others who desire a Christian wedding.  Funeral (Celebration of Life) Funeral and internment services are available to members, their families and others who desire a Christian burial.

Worship Servant Opportunities

Members of our congregation are encouraged to serve Christ through the sharing of their time and talents to enhance our worship.  Musical Offerings Choir: Our choir provides musical offerings for worship services approximately twice a month and for special, seasonal services at various times of the year.  We rehearse weekly, on Wednesday evenings, fall through spring.  We love to have new voices added to our group.  Choir is open to anyone who loves music.  Please consider this your invitation to join us. Special Musical Offerings:  Instrumental and voice offerings are also included in our worship when available.  Sanctuary and Worship Preparation Participation in sanctuary and worship preparation is an excellent way to serve in a behind-the-scenes capacity.  Altar paraments and sanctuary banners:  The sanctuary banners and altar paraments reflect the liturgical season of the year.  All of our altar paraments and banners are homemade for Mt. Calvary.  Altar preparation:  In advance of each service, the altar and communion elements are readied for worship.  This work is done by a team of people who are trained in the care, set up and cleaning of these elements.  Generally, members of this team take turns being responsible for specific weeks. Communion bread and wine:  The bread and wine used during our celebration of the eucharist are supplied by members of our congregation.  Red or white table wine may be used.  If you would like to contribute wine for our service, please bring it to the church office.   Please note that we also serve non-alcoholic grape juice during our eucharist in place of wine for those who prefer it.   If you are interested in providing Communion bread on a routine or as-needed basis, please contact the church office.   Worship Servants The service involves clergy, lay men and women, and youth in leadership and supporting roles. Celebrant and Preacher:  The Rev. Stan Abraham is our pastor and serves as celebrant at our worship services and provides a message each week. Assisting Minister:  The Assisting Minister is a lay member of the congregation who assists the Pastor, participates in leading the liturgy of the service and is generally responsible for the smooth running of the service.  Did you know?  Some portions of the liturgy are typically chanted.  However chanting is not required.  It is perfectly fine to speak these if you would like to serve as Assisting Minister, but do not wish to chant. Crucifer/Chalice Bearer:  This individual is responsible for carrying the cross and for assisting with the chalice during the serving of communion. Acolyte:  Acolytes are responsible for opening and closing the worship with the lighting of the altar candles.  The light of these candles signifies the light of Christ during worship.  The acolyte is also responsible for receiving the collected offerings from the ushers during the service. Lesson Reader:  Each Sunday's worship is based on three lessons from the Bible. The Pastor reads the gospel lesson and two members of the congregation read the other two lessons. Usher: The ushers are responsible for the seating and comfort of parishioners during worship.  They also collect the offerings and present them along with the bread and wine offering. Organist:  The organist provides accompaniment for the liturgy, hymns and choir on our pipe organ and piano.  The organist is a paid position in the church.  Choir Director:  The choir director is responsible for the choir's musical offerings during worship and works with the choir at our weekly rehearsals and at other times as necessary.  The director is a paid position in the church.