So-o-o-o-o.... What's This All About?
Haven't been to church...for a long time? Haven't been to church...ever? You've probably got lots of questions. Maybe this will help...
How does this work?
Stop in and visit us some Sunday morning! Printed bulletins are on the table just inside the door -- grab one of those and come into the main worship space. You don't have to get here right on time -- you're welcome no matter when you get here, and we'll help you find a seat and your place in the service when you do get here.
What if I'm not sure I believe what you believe?
Then you're in good company!! We are a community of folks gathered together with all of our questions, doubts, and beliefs, and those change throughout our lives. God messes with us regularly, inviting us to grow and change. We are followers of Jesus Christ, but that might mean something different today than what it meant yesterday or when I was a child. Curious? So are we!
I've never been to church before. How would I fit in?
Come and see. We promise that the roof will not cave in. Some friendly person will welcome you, and will help you follow along with the songs, readings, and prayers. Sometimes we sit, sometimes we stand (as is comfortable for you), and that's easy to follow along. We often have visitors, so you probably won't be the only new person in the room.
Do I have to be introduced in front of everyone?
Nope! Isn't that the introvert's nightmare?? And if you want to slip in after things get started and slip out before the very end, that's okay, too. When you're ready to introduce yourself, do so. We try to strike a nice balance of welcome, someplace between kindly and warmly acknowledging your presence and stampeding you like a pack of 6 month old puppies! When we get to the part of the service called "Sharing of the Peace", know that we're all going to mingle for a few minutes saying something like "Peace be with you." The usual response is "And also with you," or just repeat "Peace be with you." Most of us hug one another when we get to know each other, but some folks prefer to just shake hands, or if it's cold and flu season, an elbow-bump would suffice. Undoubtedly someone will greet you and ask your name. Just respond in a way that's comfortable for you. Only want to give your first name? Fine!
What will this cost me?
Nothing! We support ourselves through the contributions of members and friends, but there are no dues or fees. We do pass a basket, but even members don't put something in every week, so don't feel weird about just passing it on.
How long is the service?
We average about 60-70 minutes depending on how long the sermon goes (range of 10-20 minutes) and how many announcements people share (something like 3-10 minutes). We do announcements prior to the beginning of our worship.
Who participates in Communion?
Anyone who wants to. That's called "open communion." Most folks will join the big circle around the altar when it's time to receive the "elements" of bread and wine (with gluten-free and alcohol-free options!). But there are often folks who choose to remain seated and not share in that "meal", for their own meditation or comfort level. No problem. But you can also join us in the circle and if you do not want the bread and wine, you can simply cross your hands over your chest if you want a simple blessing, or gently decline when offered the bread or cup. You do NOT have to be a member of Celebration. You do NOT have to be Lutheran. You do NOT have to have a clear and complete understanding of what communion is. No one really does! There is some profound mystery about this that even aged clergy don't really understand. Children are welcome to receive the elements. You do NOT even have to have been baptized. While that used to be the case, this meal is a gift from Christ with no strings attached. And who understands a gift better than a child? When a hand is extended, Christ is present. ("Well, Christ is always fully present with us!" - Pastor Heidi)
What are the seating arrangements?
That varies depending on the season or occasion. The Depot's plastic folding chairs are set up in a big semi-circle with two or three rows. There's room to walk behind them, and we've always got more if we need them. We've got cushions available if that's helpful. They're normally in the entry way in a tub. You'll see others grabbing them on their way in. With chagrin we tell you that these are NOT the most comfortable chairs in the world. If you need better support, we usually have a few upholstered chairs with arms interspersed throughout. We want to make sure you don't leave worship feeling worse than when you arrived! There is also a "pew" bench from the days when the Depot was the Anacortes train station. It's just inside the entry door, on the northern wall of the Freight Room. The Depot is wheel chair accessible, and you wouldn't be the first (or maybe the only) person using one.
How does this work?
Stop in and visit us some Sunday morning! Printed bulletins are on the table just inside the door -- grab one of those and come into the main worship space. You don't have to get here right on time -- you're welcome no matter when you get here, and we'll help you find a seat and your place in the service when you do get here.
What if I'm not sure I believe what you believe?
Then you're in good company!! We are a community of folks gathered together with all of our questions, doubts, and beliefs, and those change throughout our lives. God messes with us regularly, inviting us to grow and change. We are followers of Jesus Christ, but that might mean something different today than what it meant yesterday or when I was a child. Curious? So are we!
I've never been to church before. How would I fit in?
Come and see. We promise that the roof will not cave in. Some friendly person will welcome you, and will help you follow along with the songs, readings, and prayers. Sometimes we sit, sometimes we stand (as is comfortable for you), and that's easy to follow along. We often have visitors, so you probably won't be the only new person in the room.
Do I have to be introduced in front of everyone?
Nope! Isn't that the introvert's nightmare?? And if you want to slip in after things get started and slip out before the very end, that's okay, too. When you're ready to introduce yourself, do so. We try to strike a nice balance of welcome, someplace between kindly and warmly acknowledging your presence and stampeding you like a pack of 6 month old puppies! When we get to the part of the service called "Sharing of the Peace", know that we're all going to mingle for a few minutes saying something like "Peace be with you." The usual response is "And also with you," or just repeat "Peace be with you." Most of us hug one another when we get to know each other, but some folks prefer to just shake hands, or if it's cold and flu season, an elbow-bump would suffice. Undoubtedly someone will greet you and ask your name. Just respond in a way that's comfortable for you. Only want to give your first name? Fine!
What will this cost me?
Nothing! We support ourselves through the contributions of members and friends, but there are no dues or fees. We do pass a basket, but even members don't put something in every week, so don't feel weird about just passing it on.
How long is the service?
We average about 60-70 minutes depending on how long the sermon goes (range of 10-20 minutes) and how many announcements people share (something like 3-10 minutes). We do announcements prior to the beginning of our worship.
Who participates in Communion?
Anyone who wants to. That's called "open communion." Most folks will join the big circle around the altar when it's time to receive the "elements" of bread and wine (with gluten-free and alcohol-free options!). But there are often folks who choose to remain seated and not share in that "meal", for their own meditation or comfort level. No problem. But you can also join us in the circle and if you do not want the bread and wine, you can simply cross your hands over your chest if you want a simple blessing, or gently decline when offered the bread or cup. You do NOT have to be a member of Celebration. You do NOT have to be Lutheran. You do NOT have to have a clear and complete understanding of what communion is. No one really does! There is some profound mystery about this that even aged clergy don't really understand. Children are welcome to receive the elements. You do NOT even have to have been baptized. While that used to be the case, this meal is a gift from Christ with no strings attached. And who understands a gift better than a child? When a hand is extended, Christ is present. ("Well, Christ is always fully present with us!" - Pastor Heidi)
What are the seating arrangements?
That varies depending on the season or occasion. The Depot's plastic folding chairs are set up in a big semi-circle with two or three rows. There's room to walk behind them, and we've always got more if we need them. We've got cushions available if that's helpful. They're normally in the entry way in a tub. You'll see others grabbing them on their way in. With chagrin we tell you that these are NOT the most comfortable chairs in the world. If you need better support, we usually have a few upholstered chairs with arms interspersed throughout. We want to make sure you don't leave worship feeling worse than when you arrived! There is also a "pew" bench from the days when the Depot was the Anacortes train station. It's just inside the entry door, on the northern wall of the Freight Room. The Depot is wheel chair accessible, and you wouldn't be the first (or maybe the only) person using one.
