Visitor FAQs

Visitor FAQs: What to Expect

Naturally, there are plenty of things you'd like to know before visiting a church. Here are the most frequently asked questions we get from first-time guests.. If we haven't answered everything you'd like to know, please contact us.

When do you worship?

Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in our worship space (which we call a sanctuary). Our service lasts about one hour. We also hold evening services at Living Faith Lutheran every Good Friday and Christmas Eve. In some years, we also gather at our church for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and right before Thanksgiving Day; other years, we are guests of partner congregations for all (or some) of these special days. To get the latest details of upcoming worship services and other Crusader happenings, please visit our events calendar.

Where can I find Living Faith Lutheran?

We're at the corner of Veirs Mill Road and Broadwood Drive in Rockville, Maryland. Just follow these links to a basic area map with detailed directions, or an interactive map that allows you to get (and print) interactive driving directions from your home.

Where will I park?

Living Faith Lutheran has a large parking lot behind the building. From Broadwood Drive, you'll turn onto Burris Road; the parking lot entrance is immediately on your left. (Burris runs in only one direction from Broadwood.)

How do people dress for church at Living Faith?

Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. Our worship services are casual, but you'll probably see some people in dresses and suits ... others in jeans and golf shirts ...and lots of folks in slacks and sweaters. So don't worry about it -- come as you are. After all, we're gathering together in loving fellowship to worship and serve God ... not dressing to impress.

Is there childcare during church?

Absolutely -- and children of all ages are warmly welcomed at Living Faith Lutheran. We have a nursery staffed by a volunteer every week, plus Sunday School for both PreK - 2nd Grade and Grades 3-6.

Will I be expected to say anything?

Not unless you want to! We certainly hope to make you feel welcomed. However, we will do nothing to make you feel singled out or "in the spotlight."

If I visit your church, will I be subjected to a heavy pitch?

Not a chance! It's just not our style ... and we don't think it's a good way to grow a community of faith. After you visit us for Sunday worship, we'll make available a visitor's packet with more information about our church, ministries and more. We'll gladly answer any questions ... offer you our guest book (sign it only if you want to) ... send you a short note of thanks for your visit ... and that's it.

We'll greet you warmly if you join us for worship again; if not, we'll be grateful for your initial visit. If you decide at some point that you'd like to join Crusader, just call or email Pastor Sandra Cox Shaw. She'll be happy to talk to you about the next steps.

What if I want to get baptized?

Living Faith Lutheran takes great joy in offering the sacrament of baptism to prospective members who wish to declare their unity with Jesus Christ. If you feel ready to take this important step in your spiritual journey, Pastor Sandra will meet with you and discuss a baptism preparation plan. Many new members are baptized within two months of their first visit to Crusader.

Must I be familiar with Lutheran worship to fully participate in your Sunday service?

No - every part of our service is detailed in a program that will be given to you by an usher. Many elements will be familiar if you've attended a Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist or Presbyterian church. For more information on what worship is like at Crusader, click here.

Do I need to bring a Bible with me?

No - all of our Scripture readings are printed in the programs, and Bibles and hymnals are located in our pews.

Will I feel uncomfortable if I am not well-versed in the Bible?

Not at all. No one will quiz you on your Bible knowledge, and Pastor Sandra Cox Shaw delivers powerful sermons that are accessible to everyone - and full of practical, take-home lessons from each Sunday's scriptural readings. To read (or hear) some of Pastor Sandra's most recent sermons, click here.

Is the building accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes - and we are committed to creating the best possible worship experience for anyone with physcial challenges. Our sanctuary has ample room for guests in wheelchairs; however, if you need accessibility, please park in front of the church on the access road that parallels Veirs Mill Road. By parking there you will encounter no steps. We also offer assisted listening devices to people with impaired hearing; just ask an usher before worship.

Are their other activities on Sunday morning?

Yes -- we offer Sunday School for elementary-age children from 10:40 until 11:15 a.m. (Children return to church services with their parents right before Holy Communion). From 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. during the academic year, adults can gather in our conference room for Bible study. After church, we have refreshments in the narthex area (lobby) right outside the worship space. Everyone is encouraged to stay and enjoy this fellowship time.

A few times a year, this after-worship gathering is followed by a special presentation that dovetails neatly with our ministries. For example, a member of our congregation recently returned from the Galapagos Islands with amazing photos -- and plenty of insights about protecting the fragile, wonderful world that God has created.

Another Living Faith member shared incredible images and lessons from his work in Afghanistan, where he's building water systems to improve life for the impoverished people there. Both were standing-room only events none of us will soon forget. Check our events calendar to see if there are any presentations in the near future.

Have we answered all of your questions?

If not, please contact us and let us help you with anying else you'd like to know. We'll answer your question as thoroughly & honestly as we can ... and we might even add it our FAQs!