We are glad that you are thinking of visiting Our Saviour. This page answers the questions that most guests have before they come.
Sunday schedule
- 8:30 AM: Matins (Morning Prayer)
- 9:00 AM: Book of Concord study
- 9:45 AM: Bible study
- 11:00 AM: the Divine Service, with Holy Communion
You are welcome at any of these. If you are coming for the first time, the 11:00 Divine Service is the main service of the day. Matins is a short service of psalms, Scripture, and prayer, and the two studies are open to anyone who would like to learn with us.
Getting here
We are at 3301 The Alameda, at the corner of 33rd Street, in northeast Baltimore.
You are welcome to park in the lot behind the church.
A lower entrance opens from the parking lot. If this is your first visit, we encourage you to walk up 33rd Street to the front entrance instead, so that the sanctuary is the first thing you see as you arrive.
What to wear
Wear whatever is comfortable for you. Many members dress up for church, and you will also see guests in everyday clothes. No one will mind.
During the service
You will receive a bulletin as you come in. The bulletin lists the hymns and readings for the day and gives the hymnal page for each part of the service. The hymnal is Lutheran Service Book, which you will find in the pew rack. The pastor or the bulletin will also tell you when to stand and when to sit.
The service follows the historic liturgy of the church. The pastor and the congregation speak and sing to one another, and much of what we sing comes directly from Scripture. It may feel unfamiliar the first time. Listen, sing what you can, and do not worry about keeping up. After a few Sundays, the words will begin to stay with you. You can read more about the service on our Worship page.
The Divine Service lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. The color of the altar cloths and the pastor’s stole changes with the season of the church year.
Children
Children are welcome to worship with their families in the pews. We do not have a separate nursery at this time. Children are part of the congregation, and we are glad to hear them. If your child needs a break, you are free to step out and come back in at any time.
The Lord’s Supper
We practice closed communion. Please speak with the pastor before the service. If you are a communicant member of a congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or of a church in fellowship with it, you are welcome to receive the Sacrament with us. If you are not, please come to the altar with the congregation and cross your arms over your chest, and the pastor will give you a blessing. You are also welcome to remain in your pew. Our page Closed communion: a table set with love explains this practice.
After the service
Please stay and introduce yourself. The pastor greets everyone at the door after the service, and members will be glad to meet you. If you would like to learn more about the Lutheran faith or about joining the congregation, the pastor will gladly talk with you.
Questions
Call the church office at (410) 235-9553, or ask anyone on Sunday morning. You can read a summary of what we believe on our Doctrine page. Our page on confessional Lutheranism explains how we hold the Lutheran Confessions.