Are my children welcome in church?

Your children are welcome here at Mt. Calvary, and that especially includes the worship service. What Jesus does here in the Liturgy is for children as well as adults!


Please dare to sit toward the front where your children can see easily. Softly explain the Liturgy to your children. Encourage them to chime in on their parts: Amen! And with thy spirit! Lord, have mercy! Our Father! Sing, say, and pray your parts as best you can; your children learn by your example.


Jesus knows that children tend to wiggle and squawk a bit, so don't feel embarrassed by it. If you and your child must leave for a moment, there is a children's area underneath the narthex (if you need assistance finding it, ask one of the ushers). Do hurry back! Like Jesus, we want your children in the Liturgy, not out.


Please know that while you are caring for your children, the rest of us will be rejoicing in Jesus' words, "Let the little children come to Me...for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Lk 18:16). We know that you and your children are a gift to the church, so we will do our best to smile, encourage, and help you.


May I receive Holy Communion?

Holy Communion is the gift of Christ's true body and blood, under the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of sins (Matt 26:26-28; 1 Cor 11:23-25). This gift is given for baptized Christians who confess that they are sinners in need of Christ's forgiveness and salvation, and who confess faith in Jesus' own words regarding the Sacrament and what it gives. 


The reception of Holy Communion with other Christians also confesses unity in doctrine. The teaching of Holy Scripture, the doctrine preached in our pulpit, and the faith confessed in Holy Communion are one and the same (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:26). Holy Communion is not just a moment between "me and Jesus," but a declaration of unity with others in what God's Word teaches.


Our pastors, as a "steward of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor 4:1), are charged with the spiritual care of all those who commune at our altar, and must "give an account" for their care of Christ's sheep and their administration of Christ's Word and Sacrament (Heb 13:17).  Therefore we kindly ask that visitors who wish to commune speak with one of our pastors before approaching the altar.

What if I have difficulty with my hearing?

Mt. Calvary has a Hearing Loop, which is a system that sends the voice of the pastor from our microphones directly into a hearing aid or cochlear implant instead of picking up all the surrounding noise (coughing, crying, etc.).  As one of our members who uses the Hearing Loop put it: "It's like the Pastor is standing right behind me!"


This system provides the clearest, cleanest sound imaginable and does not require a headset, as it works with the Telecoil (T-Coil) that most hearing aids come equipped with. 


A T-Coil is a tiny wireless receiver inside hearing aids, and it is accessible via the programming button or switch on your hearing aid. If you have never used your T-Coil, it is recommended that you consult your audiologist to activate and learn how to use it.


The system is available in the entire seating area of the church.


Some hearing aids do not have a T-Coil. Some people have difficulty hearing but do not wear a hearing aid. In this case, please ask an usher for a Loop Receiver (headphone set) which you can use for the service. You will be amazed at how much more you can hear and understand, given the clarity of sound!