Many Lutheran congregations offer a printed resource called a bulletin to assist worshipers. The bulletin may contain the order of the service, liturgical information, music listings, the day’s Bible readings, and important community announcements.
Arrive early.
A few extra minutes before worship will allow you to scan the bulletin and prepare for the service.
Receive the bulletin from the usher.
Upon entering the worship space, an usher will give you a bulletin. Some congregations stack bulletins near the entrance for self-service.
Review the order of worship.
When seated, open the bulletin and find the order of the service, usually printed on the first or second page. Some churches print the entire service in the bulletin so worshipers don’t have to switch back and forth between worship aids.
Determine if other worship resources are required.
The order of worship may specify additional hymnals, song sheets, candles, or other external supplies required during the service.
Fill out the attendance card.
A card may be located inside the bulletin or somewhere in your row. Fill it out completely. You may be asked to pass this card to an usher or to place it in the offering plate. Some congregations have visitors/communion attendance books for people to sign.
Reflect on bulletin artwork.
Covers often feature a drawing or design that corresponds to the season of the church year or the day’s Bible verses. Examine the artwork and make a note of its connection to the lessons or sermon.
Track your worship progress.
The bulletin will guide you through the liturgy, hymns, and lessons as you worship and let you know where you are at all times.
Watch for liturgical dialogues.
The bulletin may contain spoken parts of the liturgy not found in the hymnal. The worship leader’s parts may be marked with a “p:” or “L:”. The congregation’s responses may be marked with a “C:” and are often printed in boldface type.
Identify the worship leaders and assistants.
The names of ushers, musicians, greeters, readers, acolytes, and pastors usually can be found in the bul-letin. Greet these people by name following the service.
Make good eye contact.
Review the printed announcements.
Community activities, calendars, and updates are often listed in the back of the bulletin. Scan listings during the prelude music, the offering, or the spoken announcements.
Make good use of the bulletin after the service.
Some congregations re-use bulletins for later services. Return the bulletin if possible. Recycling bins may also be provided. If you wish, or unless otherwise instructed, you may take the bulletin home with you.
Be Aware
- Bulletins often use letter or color codes to signify which hymnals should be used. Look for a key or legend that details this information.
- Many church secretaries and worship committees need help preparing the bulletin each week. You may want to volunteer to copy, fold, or assemble the bulletin for an upcoming service.
- Most congregations stand at certain times during worship, such as to honor Jesus’ presence when the Gospel is read. Standing and sitting even occasional kneeling-aren’t for exercise. Rather, they’re an important physical participation in worship that helps you focus on the meaning behind the action.
