Visit Us

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
1230 Bowen Road
Elma, NY 14059

Service Times: Sunday 9:00am

As with visiting any new place, visiting a new church for the first time can cause a lot of anxiety.

We understand the many thoughts that can come from visiting a new church, so we want you to feel completely comfortable when you visit. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

  • Where should I park?
  • Where do I go after I arrive?
  • Is there handicap accessibility?
  • What can I expect of the church service?
  • Can anyone go to Communion?
  • What can I expect for a sermon?
  • What should I wear?
  • Will I have to give an offering?
  • What happens on Sunday Mornings?

 

Where should I park?
Faith has two parking lots: the main parking lot, which is located Just west of the Large Church building, sand a smaller lot by the old church building which is between the two buildings. This is where handicapped access parking spaces are.
We recommend that you park in the main parking lot as it provides the easiest access to the church and the largest amount of available parking. If you are unable to drive, please contact the church office so that we can arrange a ride for you.
716-652-2221

Where do I go after I arrive?
The entrance to the church is accessible directly from the main parking lot, as it is located in the front of it. As you enter the church through our covered walkway, you will be greeted by members of Faith. First-time visitors will be invited to sign our guestbook and meet our pastor. Ushers will be there to greet you as well. They will help you find a seat and provide you with a bulletin, which contains the order of service for the day as well as a list of upcoming events and activities at Faith.

Is there handicap accessibility?
We do not want anyone to be excluded from the church service, but rather we want all people to hear God’s message of salvation for them in Jesus Christ. The special parking spaces in the smaller lot lead to a ramp which will take you to an entrance door to the main level, where you will be greeted by our members and ushers.

What can I expect of the church service?
The church service or as it more traditionally called, the Divine Service, occurs every week on Sundays at 9:30 am. The service itself follows one of several traditional Lutheran liturgical formats. Though that may sound a bit confusing at first, and if you have never been to church before it may actually be a bit confusing the first time you attend, the whole service is taken from the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures. The central message of the service is the Gospel message of Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of all our sins. 

May I take communion?:
Christians of the Lutheran tradition believe the Sacrament of Holy Communion to be a precious gift. Scripture teaches us that with the bread and wine we are truly receiving the very body and blood of our Risen Lord Jesus. This is according to His Word and promise, and not according to our human understanding or intellect (Matthew 26:26-29, John 6:51, 1 Corinthians 10:14-17).

The Scriptures caution us not to come to this meal in a casual or unbelieving manner, but in sincere repentance and faith in the promises of Jesus. If you agree with these convictions, we invite you to commune with us. If you have questions or concerns, please speak with the Pastor either before or after the service. You may receive the wine either from the individual cups or from the chalice. Children who have yet to receive instruction may also come forward to receive a pastoral blessing. Cups of white non-alcoholic wine are placed at the center of each communion tray.

What can I expect from the sermon?
A sermon is the proclamation of Jesus’ death and resurrection and the application of that message for you as you live your life in this world surrounded and saturated by sin and death. Since there are different readings each week, each sermon is different. Consequently, we cannot tell you specifically how the pastor will proclaim Christ crucified and risen for you from week to week.

What should I wear?

What you wear to service is a matter of Christian freedom. Some do choose to dress up, while others dress more casually knowing that it is not a matter of how we dress that makes us acceptable in God’s sight, rather it is only a matter of the sacrifice of Christ that makes us acceptable in God’s sight.

One thing is for certain, you will be welcomed by the saints/members of Faith Lutheran Church in the name of the Lord, regardless of what you are wearing.

Will I have to give an offering?
The offering is an act of worship for members and friends of Faith Lutheran Church, moved by God’s love to support this ministry.

Guests should not feel obligated, but we thank you for your support and prayers.

Offerings are used for the further proclamation of the message of Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins.

What else happens on Sunday Morning?
After our Sunday morning service, starting at 10:30 or so, Faith offers an informal fellowship time for welcoming guests, catching up on news and just enjoy being a part of God’s forgiven people. Then at 11:00, we have an education hour for both children and adults. Children ages three years old up to the sixth grade can go to Sunday School, where they will hear about God’s Love for them in Jesus Christ. Confirmation instruction is held for seventh and eigth grade students.  Adult Bible Study is also held as part of our education hour and is open to anyone ninth grade and older.