Welcome to St. Paul! We are so pleased to have you join us for worship on Sunday.
Whether you are searching for a new church, or visiting from out of town, we know it can feel a bit challenging attending a different church the very first time. We hope the following information will help ease any concerns you may have. We want to make your 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, and we welcome you with open arms to God's house to hear His Word. Looking forward to meeting you!
Feel free to also contact our church administrator with any questions and one of our pastors will get back to you with answers. 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 at the corner of El Monte and El Camino Real.
What are the times St. Paul worships?
We hold a 9:00 am service in English. We also gather for fellowship, followed by adult bible study at around 10:30 am. We will hold Sunday School for children when we are safely able to.
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 for the worship service?
We suggest that you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of service. This allows time to enter the sanctuary, as well as prepare yourself to worship. We understand you cannot always arrive early, and so we are still very happy that you chose to join us!
What type of music will I hear?
On alternating Sundays, our choir and praise band offer traditional hymns and contemporary music that praises God and lifts spirits.
Giving
As a guest, you are not at all expected to give. The Good News is always free! As part of our regular service, we do provide an opportunity for our members and those who regularly attend to worship God through the giving of their tithes and offerings. The desire in such giving is to honor God, show that our trust and dependence is on Him, as well as to support St. Paul in the work of proclaiming Christ.
Does St. Paul offer Sunday School for my children?
Sunday School begins after fellowship at around 10:30 am and runs approximately 50 minutes. The Sunday School experience is a safe and loving environment for learning, prayer, and song, along with arts and crafts. 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 teachers in the Narthex area prior to them going to their classroom. Check-out also occurs when the teacher recognizes the parent or guardian and formally transfers the child to them.
Our 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 so the Kid's Corner is a great option when needed. You can still hear and see the service from the room!
Is there food or coffee served after the worship service?
Yes, we currently (and safely) offer light snacks, coffee, tea, and juice in Luther's Café located in the Fellowship Hall next to the narthex. Luther's Café opens following the 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