In our faith journey, God calls us to become part of a larger faith community. This invitation is a significant step and one not to be taken lightly. While it is important to find a church that fits with your personal beliefs and values, a place where you are accepted and welcomed, it’s also important to find a community that will challenge you to grow in faith. Church is a place to discover God’s gifts of love, grace and forgiveness as well as life-long friends and a community willing to share significant life events alongside you.
Please take time to visit Creator’s website to learn more about who and whose we are as a faith community and then come as our guest for a visit – you will be welcomed. Below you will find links to help you navigate this page as you learn more about your journey with us here at Creator Lutheran.
Creator Lutheran offers designated parking spaces for Sunday visitors near the front door. Additional visitor spaces are available in the main parking area. Handicap parking is also available.
Entering the Church
As you first enter the front door and walk into the lobby, the Visitor Welcome Center is located to your left. We invite you to stop and chat with the church members at the Welcome Center for church information, to get answers to any questions you might have, and to receive a gift. The Welcome Center volunteers will direct you to the worship space, nursery, and restrooms.
Where the Children Go
Children are always welcome at our worship services. A children’s sermon and bulletin are available for our young worshippers. There is space to the front of the sanctuary that is designed for young children to have line of sight to help them worship and some items to keep them engaged. Creator does offer a staffed nursery for infants through four year old children, where they can play in a supervised environment while parents participate in worship. The nursery is open 15 minutes before the first worship service and closes approximately 15 minutes after the last worship service.
Sunday Education
Our Sunday Education Hour is from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Kid’s Club is available for children from 3 years old through 6th grade. This group usually begins in the Sanctuary with music. Middle school youth meet in the Youth Room. The Adult CoffeeTalk study meets in the sanctuary and offers a variety of speakers, topics and formats throughout the year.
How to Dress
Although we do not have a dress code, we would recommend comfortable, casual clothing.
Worship Service Style
The key parts of our worship service include music, greetings, prayer, Bible readings, a message from the pastor interpreting the Bible readings, and Communion. At Creator we believe that worship is the work of the people. Communion is available to all baptized adults and baptized children who have had Communion instruction – all worshipers are welcome at Communion to receive a blessing.
From Labor Day through mid June, we offer two worship services. Our 8:30 am Service has a more formal style with traditional hymns, responsive readings, and community prayer. Our 11:00 am Service is more energetic, with an informal style and with more contemporary songs.
From mid June through Labor Day, we have one worship service at 9:30am. This service offers a wide variety of music and worship styles.
Next Steps
Sometimes knowing what to do next is difficult. The next step could be to…
Pray: Finding a church home takes time and effort. Remember that it is God that is moving you in this direction – ask for His guidance.
Visit the church: Stop by any Sunday. While Creator is a growing church, it is not so large that a visitor would feel lost or overwhelmed. Chat with the church members staffing the Welcome Center, they will help you with any questions. Stay for worship. Be prepared to be greeted by a warm congregation.
Call the church office: The office hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm and Fridays 9 am – 1:00 pm. Summer hours commence on June 10th and will be in effect until September 9th, 2019. Those hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with the office closed on Fridays. The office staff will link you with church members and employees to address your questions and needs.
We look forward to worshiping with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lutheran?
On October 31, 1517, a Catholic monk by the name of Martin Luther posted a list of objections he had with the Roman Catholic Church and some of its theological practices. His letter to the Roman Catholic Church, known as the 95 Theses, was an invitation to have a scholarly discussion primarily on the practice of indulgences. Luther’s hope was that the church would reform its practice and that preaching would be more consistent with the Word of God in the Bible.
Do I have to be a Lutheran to come to Creator Lutheran Church?
Not at all. It is not necessary for you to be a Lutheran to come to Creator. We are open to all people seeking to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Being Lutheran isn't nearly as important as simply having a heart that seeks Christ. If you want to learn more about Lutheran teachings, that is your choice to make. But it is not a requirement for attending or being active in this faith family.
I haven't been to church in a long time. Is it okay for me to come?
You bet! In fact, it's okay if you have never been to church. Every weekend, many people visit Creator Lutheran Church for the first time. Our worship services are easy to follow and don't require that you have any past church experience.
What can I expect when I come to Creator Lutheran Church?
Creator Lutheran is a very friendly congregation, so you can expect to be warmly greeted. During the service you will hear music and a message of forgiveness. Key Bible passages will be read and the pastor will provide a sermon based on those passages. We will pray together and share in the Lord's Supper. Finally, we will be sent to "serve the world". Creator is a very kid friendly church, with a great Youth Program. During our services, youth are invited to participate in the "children's message", "Circle Time", and in Communion. We have a fully staffed nursery for the younger children during service and during our Sunday Educational hour.
Is there a dress code? What should I wear?
Wear what you feel is comfortable and appropriate. We do not have a dress code and we certainly wouldn't want you to worry about this! Some people wear jeans and t-shirt, while others come in "business casual" attire. Some people prefer to dress up, while others prefer to dress down. During the football season, we see several Seattle Sea Hawks jerseys. We are more concerned about your heart and your needs than we are about your clothing.
Is there something for my kids to do on Sundays?
You bet! For infants and little ones, we have a nursery with a loving qualified staff. The nursery is safe with age-appropriate toys.
We have Kids Club (Sunday School) for 3 year olds through 6th grade from 9:45 to 10:45am. During the church services, there is a children's message that relates to the key lesson for the day. During the school year, the confirmation students lead children age 4 through 7 in "Circle Time" with activities in the multi-purpose room during the sermon.
For middle school youth, we have confirmation from 9:45 to 10:45. Confirmation is a two year program in which the youth learn about the Bible, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments and Luther's Small Catechism through large and small group activities.
For high school youth, there is Sunday School from 9:45 to 10:45 in the youth room. There is a high school Bible Study every on Sunday evening.
Our older youth are very active as worship assistants during Sunday service - serving as acolytes, ushers, communion assistants, and staffing the sound system and worship slides.
What if I want to receive Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper)?
Baptized adult Christians (any denomination) who know they need God's daily forgiveness, and who believe that the body and blood of Jesus Christ are truly present in the Lord's Supper are invited to share this great gift of God with us. Children who have been baptized and have received instruction in Communion are also invited. All others are encouraged to come to the Communion rail to receive a blessing.
Jesus called us to celebrate Holy Communion until he returns so that we may have assurance of forgiveness of sins, strengthening of faith, and the power to live God-pleasing lives. God's Word tells us that when we receive the Lord's Supper, we are not merely receiving bread and wine, but in a mysterious way, we are receiving the real body and blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 26:26-30, "This is my body, this is my blood"
If you have doubts or do not understand our beliefs about the Lord's Supper, please contact Pastor Heidi Calhoun.
White grape juice is available at the altar for those who prefer it over wine. Gluten wafers are also available at the altar. The Communion Assistant will help you with either preference.
I'm struggling with some personal problems. Is help available?
Yes. Many people, including Christians, face challenges in their personal and family lives. These challenges can include physical illness, personal problems, marital problems, grieving the loss of a loved one, divorce, addictions, financial crises, abuse, and depression, We want to support you and encourage healing in your life however possible. It is admirable and courageous to recognize that you need support in sorting out life's difficulties.
Creator has a great Stephens Ministry program, which uses highly trained congregational members to support those facing life challenges. Contacting the Pastor is often a good starting place for getting help, with a referral made to the appropriate area counseling program and/or service provider. To contact the Stephens Ministry or Pastor, please call the church office at 253 862-7700.
What goes on at Creator Lutheran?
One great way to find out is to check out the "News and Events" and "Serving" pages on this web-site. We have a page dedicated to our Youth Programs. You can also check out the calendar page. In addition, you may want to look at our individual ministry teams to see what is happening in those areas. You'll soon discover that there are all kinds of things happening at Creator, and you are welcome to join in.
How do I get involved?
The opportunities are endless. Possibly you want to get involved in Bible study or join a Small Group. Maybe you simply want to see where you can volunteer or what's available for your children or teens. The "News and Events" link on the Creator website home page would provide opportunities to experience service and fellowship with other believers. The Church Life Coordinator can direct newcomers to volunteer and ministry opportunities. The church office staff is also a great resource for connecting those who wish to serve.
How do I become a member?
We offer new member classes in the fall and the spring. The class occurs after the 11:00 service for three to four Sundays. Lunch and child care is provided. Contact the church office to see when the next class begins.
What is the ELCA?
The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) is the currently largest Lutheran denomination in the USA with more than 4.2 million members and 10,000 congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The ELCA supports Lutheran ministry in the United States and is engaged world-wide in the mission of God to reconcile the whole world. The ELCA seeks, invites and welcomes all, regardless of race, gender, nationality, social or economic status, identity or orientation. YOU are welcome.
