Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church

Visitors are always welcome
Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church

We welcome visitors with open arms and our family friendly services
allow you and/or your entire family to share in worship together!
Below is some reference information about our church
and what you can expect during your first visit to Shepherd of Peace Church!
At the end of this page you can learn what it takes to become a member.

When are your services?
Our services are every Sunday at 9:00 AM & Wednesday at 7:00 PM
Coffee and donuts are usually available after Sunday worship service in the Fellowship Hall.

Where do you meet?
We meet in our Church Building on 203 Port Neal Rd, Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054
(Corner of Port Neal Rd & Topaz Dr)

How should I dress?
We have a friendly and casual atmosphere, dress the way you feel most comfortable, from jeans to business casual to suit and tie. But don’t worry about what you are wearing. We’re more concerned with meeting your real life needs than what you wearing.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, but feel free to bring a pen and note pad to take notes if you wish. Bibles are available for use in each pew. Be sure to pickup a worship bulletin from one of the ushers when you arrive. The service outline and all of the readings and prayers are displayed on screen and printed if you wish.

Will I have to stand up and introduce myself?
Newcomers and visitors do NOT introduce themselves during the worship services.

What are the services like?
We celebrate a single worship service at 9:00am which includes a mix of traditional and
contemporary i-worship music, Bible readings, Children's message and more.

What is the music like?
Our services contain music from the Lutheran Hymn Book , Red Song Book, i-Worship Videos and special arrangements played on our Clavinova and special music during the holiday seasons.

Where should I go once inside the building?
Just follow the crowd through the main entrance which opens into our fellowship hall.
You can mingle around with others or proceed into the sanctuary (coffee and donuts available
in fellowship hall). Ushers are located just inside if you have any questions. The usher is the person
to see for a worship bulletins, or if you have any questions at all.

What about the offering?
We pass an offering plate during the service so that our worship may include bringing gifts to God. This is completely voluntary and is intended for our members. Visitors should not feel obliged to participate.

I'm worried that I will feel out of place.
We hope that our web site will ease your mind but if you have a question, please feel free to call us ahead of time at 712-943-4502 or ask an usher for help. Don't hesitate to say, "Hello, I’m visiting, can you tell me what I need to know?" Our congregation is very friendly and is happy to have the chance to welcome new visitors. There are often other visitors at each service so you shouldn't feel alone.

I don't know that much about the Bible.
That's OK. You are not alone and that is why we're here. Church and Bible Study are opportunities to grow in our knowledge of the Bible and faith in Jesus. You don't have to know anything about the bible or even any religion to attend a service.

I come from a non-Christian or non-Lutheran background.
Please come by and check out one of our services. You will not be expected to say or do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Come to see what we're all about and participate in as much or as little of the service as you feel comfortable with. Please be sure to read about our communion policy on the cards located in the seating area before participating in communion if you choose to do so.

Are my children welcome to visit Sunday school?
Absolutely! When you arrive at the church on Sunday, simply check with an usher and they will be happy to show you and your children where the Sunday school classrooms are located and introduce you to one of our Sunday school teachers.

How do I become a member of Shepherd of Peace Church?
Shepherd of Peace Church is about fellowship. Fellowship in Christ and with his Church and all you have to do is ASK to become a member! From there, we'll get to know each other and like everything else in church life, membership centers around worship!

How do I or my family become members?

Worship is the first step. It gives us a chance to get to know each other! This should help strengthen your desire to be a part of God's work here in the Sergeant Bluff community.

Next, the pastor and Board of Lay Ministry will seek to learn whether you and/or your family understand what we believe, teach and confess. Usually this is a very simple process. If any instruction is needed, Wednesday nights provide the easiest opportunity. If another venue for personal instruction is needed, the pastor will arrange this with you as needed.

There is no timeline for any of this to happen. Pastor is able to commune visitors usually after a brief conversation. Until you officially become a member, you are welcome to participate in every way except to vote at our voters' assemblies. When you become a member you should know us and we should know you. Hopefully by this time you already feel like a part of our church family

• The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.”
  And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life
  without price. - Revelation 22:17
• And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship,
  to the breaking of bread and the prayers. - Acts 2:42 ESV
• Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their
  number day by day those who were being saved - Acts 2:47 ESV
• So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members
  one of another.- Romans 12:5 ESV