We’re glad you’re here.

Messiah Lutheran Church in Redwood City is a small-but-mighty, welcoming community that gathers around Jesus’ radical love, generous grace, and justice for the world. Whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer, a spiritual seeker, newly deconstructing, or not sure what you believe, you have a place here.

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When & How We Gather

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Sunday Worship – 10:00 am (Worship is approximately 45-50 minutes)

🕊️ In-person in the sanctuary

💻 Live on Zoom

 

You’ll find the current Zoom link and worship info on our homepage.

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What to Expect on a Sunday

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• Come as you are. You’ll see jeans, sweaters, and the occasional dress. Wear whatever is comfortable.

• Relaxed, liturgical worship. We follow a Lutheran pattern of worship (music, readings, sermon, prayers, Holy Communion) with room for questions, laughter, and silence.

• Music. We sing a mix of hymns and more contemporary songs, accompanied by piano/organ and other instruments when available.

• Sermons. Preaching is grounded in Scripture and honest about real life—progressive, justice-oriented, and focused on God’s grace. Pastor Courtney's sermons are usually 8-12 minutes long. 

• Coffee & conversation. After worship, you’re invited to stay for snacks and conversation. You can share as much or as little as you’d like.

 

You won’t be singled out or asked to stand and introduce yourself. You’ll be greeted warmly, given a bulletin, and shown where things are. That’s it.

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Holy Communion

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We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday.

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The table belongs to Jesus, not to us, which means:

•  All are welcome. No exceptions.

•  Children are welcome to receive (with a caregiver’s guidance).

• If you’re not sure what you believe, you are still welcome.

 

Gluten-free options and grape juice are available. If you’re joining online, we’ll guide you in sharing communion from home.

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Kids & Families

 

Children are welcome in worship just as they are—wiggles, whispers, questions, and all.

 

• We provide activity bags and welcome all noises! 

• We love when kids help with worship: lighting candles, distributing communion, reading, singing, or greeting.

• If little ones need a break, there is space to step out and then return when you’re ready.

 

We’re growing our ministry with children and youth—if you have ideas or hopes, we’d love to hear them!

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Accessibility & Inclusion

 

We strive to make Messiah a place where every body and every story is honored.

 

• The sanctuary and fellowship spaces are wheelchair accessible.

• We offer gender-inclusive, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, with changing tables available for caregivers and families.

• We use large-printed bulletins and screen sharing on Zoom to help everyone follow along.

• Hearing and visual needs can often be accommodated—just let us know how we can support you.

• We affirm the full dignity and participation of LGBTQIA+ folks, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women in leadership, and everyone on their faith journey.

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If there’s an accessibility need we haven’t addressed yet, we want to learn from you.

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Who We Are & What We Care About

 

As part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we are:

 

• Rooted in grace. We trust that God’s love is unconditional and freely given.

• Centered in Jesus. We follow a Savior who shows up with the marginalized, the questioning, and the hurting.

• Active in our community. From PB&J sandwich ministry with our unhoused neighbors to partnerships with local congregations and nonprofits, we seek to love our neighbors in tangible ways.

• Committed to justice. We believe that faith and public life belong together—caring for creation, advocating for housing, and standing with those most impacted by injustice.

 

Getting Connected

 

If you’re curious about Messiah, here are some next steps:

 

• Join us for worship (in person or on Zoom).

• Stay for coffee and introduce yourself to Pastor Courtney or any church member.

• Sign up for our email newsletter below to hear about studies, service projects, and special events.

• Ask about:

  • Bible study and seasonal studies (especially in Advent and Lent)

  • Ways to serve (sandwich ministry, property work days, worship leadership, etc.)

  • Membership and affirmation of baptism/confirmation

 

You can connect with us anytime via the Contact form on our homepage.

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Come and see what God is up to at Messiah Lutheran Church in Redwood City!