A Church with a Strong Liturgical Tradition
From its very beginnings in 1931, Grace Lutheran was a church with a strong liturgical tradition. Struggling through the Depression years, the small congregation called its own pastor, the Reverend Theodore W. Beiderwieden Jr., in 1934. Father Ted believed in the centrality of Word and Sacrament, so Grace celebrated Holy Communion at every Sunday liturgy and on every Holy Day, an uncommon practice at the time and one that continued to be a hallmark of Grace.
Today, this hallmark continues. While each Sunday liturgy is celebrated as a Mass, it is done so with great attention to quality music by our director of music, Carol Weber, much value on effective communication of the Gospel through sermons, and special care for the beauty of liturgical forms, while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for worship. After prayerful deliberation it was decided to discontinue the use of incense during our Sunday liturgies, and chief festivals, when we expect many worshipers and guests, who may not appreciate the use of incense. However, in order to continue the tradition and spiritual meaning of using incense during worship, Grace is recapturing the tradition of recognizing almost every Holy Day that falls on a weekday with a high liturgical Mass with the use of incense.
In addition to the liturgy of the Mass, Grace offers a weekly Compline service on Thursday evenings. During Advent and Lent the Thursday evening worship is celebrated as Vespers. Last but not least, two times per year Grace's Concert Choir presents a Bach Cantata within the context of a Vespers service.
Sunday Mass
Every Sunday at 10:00 AM
Compline
Every Thursday at 8:30 PM
(except Advent & Lent)
Vespers
Every Thursday at 8:30 PM
(during Advent & Lent only)
High Mass on Holy Days
(with Incense, except on Sundays)
January
6WedThe Epiphany of our Lord
February 2Tue The Presentation / Candlemas
March 19Fri St. Joseph, Guardian of our Lord
April 25SunSt. Mark, Evangelist Sunday Mass
May 13ThuThe Ascension of our Lord
June 11Fri St. Barnabas, Apostle
24Thu St. John, the Baptist
29Tue Sts. Peter & Paul, Apostles
July 22Thu St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle
25Sun St. James, Apostle Sunday Mass
August15Sun St. Mary, Mother of our Lord Sunday
24Tue St. Bartholomew, Apostle
September 14Tue Holy Cross Day
21Tue St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
29WedSt. Michael and All Angels
October 4MonSt. Francis of Assisi
(Blessing of the Animals / no incense)
18MonSt. Luke, Evangelist
28Thu Sts. Simon & Jude, Apostles
31SunReformation Day Sunday Mass
November 30Tue St. Andrew, Apostle
December 6MonSt. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra
(Children's Celebration / no incense)
26Sun St. Stephen, Martyr & Deacon Sunday
