First Time Here?
Welcome to St. Paul! We are pleased to have you join us for worship on Sunday. Whether you are visiting from out of town, or are looking for a new church, we know it can feel a bit challenging the very first time. We hope the following information will help ease any concerns you may have. We want to make your first visit with us one that is enjoyable and spiritually enriching to you and your family. You will find that St. Paul makes available various opportunities for worship, growth, and service for all ages. We are here to offer whatever help and support we possibly can. We welcome you with open arms to God's house to hear His word, and we look forward to meeting you!
Feel free to also contact our church administrator or our Senior Pastor for answers to other questions.
If you have already visited with us, thanks! We would love to hear from you. Please take a minute to complete a Visitors Form
Where is St. Paul located?
We are at 1075 El Monte Avenue in Mountain View, just past the shopping plaza off of El Camino Real. Please click the 'Contact Us' tab above or Google Map for directions.
What are the times St. Paul worships?
We hold a 9:00 AM service in English and an 11:30 AM service in Spanish. In between services, we gather for fellowship at around 10:00 AM, followed by adult/youth education hour at 10:30 AM. Sunday School for younger children also takes place concurrently with the education hour with both concluding just before 11:30 AM. Full Sunday Schedule
Does St. Paul offer Holy Communion at worship?
Yes, we distribute the sacrament of Holy Communion each Sunday. As Lutherans, we believe communion is given on the basis of the Holy Scriptures. We ask that you kindly contact one of our pastors prior to communing with us.
From the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod: The LCMS believes that Scripture teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a precious gift of God in which Christ gives us His true body and blood (in a miraculous way), together with the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith. Because the Bible teaches that this sacrament may also be spiritually harmful if misused, and that participation in the Lord's Supper is an act of confession of faith, the LCMS ordinarily communes only those who have been instructed in the teachings of our church and who have confessed their faith in these teachings.
How long is the worship service?
A typical worship service lasts just about an hour. Sometimes the service will run longer for special events, invited guests, or other worship dynamics.
What time should I plan to arrive at either service?
We suggest that you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of a service. This allows time to enter the sanctuary, as well as prepare yourself for the worship. We understand you cannot always arrive early, and so we are still very happy that you choose to join us!
Does St. Paul offer Sunday School for my children?
Yes, we are very happy to offer Sunday School to children age 3 and above. Sunday School begins after fellowship at 10:30 AM and runs one hour. The Sunday School experience is a safe and loving environment for learning, prayer, song, and art. St. Paul believes that our faith begins at a very early age and we endeavor to teach children how God and His son Jesus Christ loves them dearly!
Please check your children in with the Sunday School teacher at the room entrance within Fellowship Hall. Check out also occurs when the teacher recognizes the parent or guardian and formally transfers the child to them.
Our first worship service also has a Children’s Message in which the children gather in front of the altar with the pastor for a special message related to the readings and gospel.
Is there somewhere I can take my young child during the service if needed?
Yes, we have a "Kid’s Corner" perfect for privacy or to calm a child down with a book or toy. While we encourage parents to do their best to remain in the sanctuary with their children, we realize there are times when it becomes difficult. We certainly do not want you to feel uncomfortable and so the Kid’s Corner is a great alternative when needed. You can still hear and see the service from the room!
Is there a food or coffee served after worship service?
Yes, we offer light snacks, coffee, tea, and juice in Luther’s Café located in Fellowship Hall next to the narthex. Luther’s Café opens following the first service at around 10:00 AM. We would love to have you join us for some great refreshments and awesome fellowship!
How can I learn more about St. Paul or get other information?
You are welcome to call the church office anytime at 650.967.0666 or email admin@st-paul.org. You can also fill out a Welcome Card (just ask an usher) and drop it in the offering plate. An online version is available as well at Visitors Form
