Frequently Asked Questions





Don't be shy. You are welcome here just as you are. 

Sometimes visiting a new church can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be that way. Just as God loves you for who you are, regardless of anything you've done, we also accept you just as you are. Come join us in whatever way you feel closest to God. And if you can't make it, you can always hear our weekly sermon online. You can also send us your prayer requests. 


Below are some answers to frequently asked questions, but if you don't learn what you want to know here, contact us or call us at (813) 961-2182.


Worship Services

8:30 & 11am

Traditional Worship Service

(Holy Communion weeks 1, 3 & 5)

9:45am

Contemporary Worship Service & Sunday School

(Holy Communion weeks 2, 4 & 5)

1pm

Servicio en Español led by Pastor Miguel Dario Sanabria

(weekly Holy Communion)

How do I meet new people?

• Let us know you’re here by introducing yourself to our greeters and signing the woven booklet in the pew when you sit down. You can also review our newsletter and our monthly calendar of events. 

• Look at the church bulletin. A calendar of events shows days and times of regularly scheduled meetings and announcements from our various ministries about current events and activities. Pick a favorite and get involved.

• Complete the Time & Talent Survey and share your interests with us so we can follow up with you.

• Call our church office and ask questions! (813) 961-2182.

• Socialize around the coffee and munchies between services and after worship. You will find friendly people.


LEARN MORE

Can my children attend service? 

Relax! God put the wiggle in children, don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. Here are a few tips to make the service enjoyable and meaningful for children. Also note the special "children's message" we have during our regular Sunday services. Be sure to bring or send your child forward during that time. We also offer Sunday School for kids of all ages. 


Tips:

  • Sit toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what is going on at the altar. They tire of seeing the back of others’ heads.
  • Quietly explain the parts of the service and actions of the pastor, acolyte, ushers, choir, elders, etc.
  • Sing the hymns, pray and voice the responses. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.
  • If you have to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so but please come back. We have a quiet room at the back of the sanctuary for babies and children to unwind if the service gets too long for them. As Jesus, said, “Let the children come to me.”
  • Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in this house of worship.
  • There are pew cards in each pew for children to use for doodles and drawings as well as activity bags in the entrance of the sanctuary in our Kid Zone for use during the service.

We encourage our church members and friends to remember that the presence of children is a gift to the Church and they are a reminder that the Kingdom of God and our church is growing. Smile and welcome our children and encourage their parents.


What Should I Wear?

We want you to be comfortable during our worship services. Most men wear nice slacks & shirt. Most women wear nice slacks or skirt & blouse. 


Typically, you will find more people wearing jeans at our 9:45am Contemporary service than at either of the other two. 


We keep our sanctuary temperature at a comfortable level, and you will see people in jackets, sleeveless dresses, slacks, skirts, shorts, jeans and t-shirts. 

How will I know the prayers and the songs?

Our Music Ministry selections combine traditional and contemporary songs for the congregation to sing. During our traditional worship services (8:30am & 11am), the words are always on the screens at the front of the sanctuary as well as printed in the weekly bulletin. There are also hymnals at each pew. 


Sometimes we learn new songs together, and other times we rely on the tried and true that have a familiar melody. The goal is to praise God in the best way we can, letting the Holy Spirit transform our voices.


In addition, the program for our traditional worship services (8:30am & 11am) are printed in our bulletin and projected on the screens at the front of the sanctuary so the congregation can follow along. 

Adult Inquirer's Class

To explore becoming a member of our Messiah family or to learn more about what we as Lutheran Christians believe, teach and confess, Messiah offers an Adult Inquirer's Class several times per year. If you are interested in attending an Inquirer’s Class, send us a note or call (813) 961-2182, so materials can be prepared for you.

Weddings & Funerals

Funerals

One of the hopes we have as Christians is the resurrection of Jesus. We believe that Jesus conquered sin, death and the devil as he was raised at the first Easter. He accomplished this for all who believe in Him. When we have a loved one die in the faith, we grieve with the hope of the resurrection. If you would like more information about funerals, please contact Pastor Mark at pastormark@messiahtampa.com. 


Holy Matrimony

At Messiah, we focus not just on weddings but on healthy marriages. In marriage, a husband and a wife form a covenant to become one flesh and reflect the love of Christ to one another (Ephesians 5:21-33). If you are a member of Messiah and would like to learn more about preparing for marriage, please contact Pastor Mark at pastormark@messiahtampa.com.