What to expect at Zion

Zion Lutheran Church welcomes all people into this community of faith. We hope you’ll choose a Sunday to worship at Zion. Here are some frequently asked questions which may help!

When do you worship?

We worship every Sunday at 10:30am. We also offer a variety of seasonal worship services, special events, and educational and social groups throughout the year. Please see our online calendar for the latest information.

What should I wear?

Zion doesn’t have a dress code—in the summer, you’ll see people dressed from suits to shorts! Come as you are, dressed however you wish, with a heart and mind open to God’s grace.

Where do I go when I get here?

For worship and other events in the sanctuary, you may enter the red doors on First Street nearest Pittsfield Common. The sanctuary is also handicap accessible via a ramp on the north side of the building. To access our church offices, please enter the doors nearest the former Plunkett school on the south end of the building.

Parking is available in the municipal parking lot across First Street. On Sunday mornings, there is plenty of free parking in the lot with no time limit. During the week, you can park for free up to three hours in one of the marked “3 Hour Parking” spaces. Designated handicap spaces are also available in the municipal parking lot.

As you enter the sanctuary, an usher will welcome you, give you a bulletin, and gladly answer any questions you have.

What is worship like?

First of all, if you are new, we promise to never point you out during worship or otherwise make you feel uncomfortable. We will greet you with a simple smile. When you sit, you’ll notice a yellow welcome card, which we ask that you please fill out.

Although the exact words and music change from week to week, our weekly liturgy observes the rich historical pattern of the early Christian church. We read from Scripture, hear a sermon, sing hymns and songs, pray for one another and those in need, celebrate Holy Communion, and go forth to serve.

Following worship, join us for coffee hour featuring Equal Exchange coffee, hot tea, and plenty of snacks and it takes place right in the sanctuary!

Are there special ministries for children?

Yes! On Sunday mornings at 9:00am (September-May), children of all ages nourish their faith through Bible study, art, music, and more. During worship (year-round), Pastor Tim invites the children forward for Children’s Time. In addition, our children take part in other programs throughout the year, including an annual Christmas program. For more information, see our Children & Youth page.

Can I receive Holy Communion?

We celebrate Holy Communion each and every week. All baptized Christians, from anywhere around the world, are invited to receive Holy Communion. Ushers will guide participants around the altar table, and please feel free to stand or kneel as you receive the bread. You may dip the bread in the red wine or white grape juice (called “intinction”) or drink red wine directly from the common cup.

If you don’t wish to receive communion, you can still participate by coming forward for a pastoral blessing. If you wish to receive communion but are unable to walk forward, please let an usher know, and the communion assistants will come to you.

Is there an offering?

Zion sustains its ministries through the regular giving of its members and friends. Financial stewardship is an opportunity to respond to the gift of God’s abundance by giving back to God through financial support of the church.

Just before Holy Communion, the ushers will collect an offering. We certainly don’t expect newcomers to put anything in the offering plate; it’s completely up to you! Learn more about giving to Zion.