Visiting?
What to expect
When you visit Holy Trinity you can expect meaningful worship, friendly people, inspiring music, and a comfortable setting.
What should I wear?
We don’t have a dress code at Holy Trinity. Some of our parishioners prefer to dress more formally, others prefer to dress more casually. Wear what feels comfortable.
What time is the worship service?
Our Sunday worship service is at 9AM. Holy Communion is shared at the service.
On Thursday evenings, there is a spoken worship service with Holy Communion at 7:00 PM
What is the worship service like?
Please see the next section in this Visitors Tab for a description of our Sunday worship services.
How do I know what to do in worship?
When you enter the worship area, there are ushers to give you a program (worship bulletin). The bulletin contains the entire worship service and sometimes the words to a hymn. Hymns not printed in the bulletin are in the red hymnal in the rack in front of you. The entire worship service is very easy to follow in the bulletin, even if you are not familiar with the Lutheran style of worship.
Will I be singled out as a guest?
We will not point you out as a guest or make you stand up during the worship service, but we will greet you. We ask you to sign our guest book at the rear of the worship area.
Do you have nursery care during worship services?
While we do not have staff dedicated to nursery care, we have an area that is available for use as a nursery if needed. As a community, we encourage parents to involve their children in worship regardless of age. The joyous noise of children in our sanctuary is never a problem. Also available are children's sermons, where the pastor will invite the children up front for a youth-focused sermon. These will be held on the weeks when we have Sunday school. More information on Sunday school can be found in the Youth Education and Ministry section under the Parish Community tab.
Can I Take Communion?
Holy Communion is offered at all of our worship services. We believe that the risen Christ is present in the bread and the wine. All are invited to come to the altar rail for either the bread and wine or a blessing. Children who receive Holy Communion in their home congregation are welcomed to receive it with us as well. Otherwise, children may come to the altar rail for a blessing.
What to expect in worship
Our style of Lutheran worship is liturgical which means it has a predictable pattern that varies throughout the year. Following a greeting and the announcements, our worship usually begins by taking a moment to ask God to forgive us. The pastor then assures us of God's love and forgiveness. After this, we greet those around us by shaking hands to share God's peace. We continue with an opening hymn. Next, we say a prayer and listen to readings from the Bible. The Bible is our source of purpose, direction and inspiration. The sermon that follows is based on the Bible readings, relating them to our lives today. Worship continues by reciting a Creed, a statement of our faith. Prayers are led by one of our members. Following this, the Offering is gathered. As our guest, please feel no obligation to contribute.
About Holy Communion At each worship service, we share Holy Communion (also known as The Lord's Supper or the Eucharist). We celebrate in the way Jesus taught us--understanding that the risen Christ is present in the bread and wine. These are tangible ways we can experience God's love and grace. All are invited to come to the altar rail, for either the bread and wine or a blessing. Please follow the custom of your congregation regarding children receiving Holy Communion. Children are always welcome to come with their family for a blessing. If you are not sure you would like to have communion, please feel no obligation to come to the altar rail.
How we conclude Our service ends with a blessing and sometimes a hymn. Then the pastor and other people leading the worship service come to the rear of the worship area where they greet the people as they depart.
Directions/Parking
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Ephrata
167 East Main Street
Ephrata, PA 17522
Office: 717-733-4134
Where do I park?
There is a large parking lot to the rear to the building, easily accessed from East Franklin Street, one block off of East Main Street. There are two entrance doors. As you face the building, to your right are doors which lead to one flight of steps up to the rear of the worship area. To the left is a set of glass doors. Entering through these doors, you immediately turn right, go through a doorway, and there is an elevator to take you to the first floor worship area. There is handicap parking available in front of these glass doors to the left and in front of the building across the alley.