Newcomers are welcome

If you're new to the South Milwaukee area, you may be looking for a new doctor, dentist, school, store, bank, church, and more. You may also be frustrated and lonely because moving to a new town means finding new friends.

At Zion, we're a whole family of Christian friends. If we can help you get acquainted, find your way around, and locate community services you need, please call on us. Someone in our family lives near your family.

Join our family!

God called us to be part of His family for a good reason – it's hard to grow alone! Zion Lutheran will meet you where you are, and walk beside you to a closer relationship with God.

If you're wondering how to unite with our Zion family, just follow these easy steps...

  1. Worship with us regularly!
  2. Explore the ministry and fellowship opportunities we offer. Join us at special events, small groups, and meetings. Look for a comfortable place to "plug-in."
  3. Participate in a new member class. Led by our pastors, these sessions offer the opportunity to learn more about God, the Bible, and Zion – and you'll get to know others who are on the same path. Sessions are held several times per year. To express interest, contact the church office or speak with a pastor.
  4. If you wish to transfer your membership from a WELS or ELS church, contact the church office or speak with a pastor. We will be pleased to assist by writing for your transfer.
  5. If you are a new Christian, speak with our pastor about receiving the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
  6. If you are searching for answers about God, your faith, or the Zion family, contact the church office – we'll be happy to walk with you to find the answers you seek!

Whether you're long-time residents of South Milwaukee or new to the area, the families of Zion invite you to discover for yourself the joy and comfort that comes from knowing God's plan, not just for your life here on earth, but forever.

Come and see! Join us for worship services or contact us to ask questions or join a Bible information class.

What to expect when you come

Zion's community of Christians welcomes you! We are grateful to have guests join us, but we know that it can be intimidating to visit a church for the first time. There are probably many questions you'd like answered. We hope that the information below will help to answer some of those questions before you visit our church.

Just click on a heading to expand or contract each question.

When are church services held?
Our worship services are held in our new church facility on Saturday nights at 6:00 or on Sunday mornings at 9:00. During the summer months, the Saturday service is replaced by a Thursday night service at 6:00.

We also have special worship services on church festivals (Christmas, Easter, etc.). as well as other special occasions (Thanksgiving, Mission Festival, etc.) and seasons (Advent, Lent).

You can find a complete listing of our services on our calendar.

Are the services wheelchair accessible?
Our new worship facility is completely wheelchair accessible, and our downstairs fellowship hall is accessible by elevator.

We hope you will contact us with any questions you have about these services.

Where should I enter the building?
At the church, use the glass doors under the drive-through covered entrance (next to the bell tower). These doors lead into our welcome and worship center.
What are worship services like?
Our church services last about one hour. We normally follow a traditional order of worship, which is found in the service folder you'll receive, or in the front part of the hymnal. All of the congregation's spoken or sung responses are found here.

All of our services focus on readings from God's Word, the Bible. Music and singing also play a big part in our worship. Loud or soft, in monotone or in rich harmony, traditional or contemporary, all of our music praises the Lord.

Our worship services usually include the following parts in a variety of ways:

  1. Confessing our sins and receiving forgiveness -- we acknowledge that we have not been the kind of people God wants us to be, and we have not done everything He has asked. Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, however, we hear the blessed assurance that we have the forgiveness of sins.
  2. Bible readings -- we read selections from God's Old Testament prophets, the apostles of Jesus, and from Jesus Himself. Our pastor also gives a brief explanation of each lesson.
  3. Sermon -- the pastor offers instruction and encouragement in a Christ-centered message based on one of the Bible readings. You can also expect to hear God's guidance and grace for dealing with life's problems, as well as the promise of eternal life in heaven through the world's only Savior, Jesus Christ.
  4. Our response to the Word -- we respond with offerings and prayers for the things God has promised to us and for strength to do what He has asked.

Will I have to say anything, sign anything, or be singled-out in any way?
We will not make you wear a visitor badge or stand up so that everyone can see you. Our ushers, greeters, and other worshipers will probably greet you as you enter and leave the building. It is up to you whether you want to engage in an extended conversation with us. You may decide to visit a few times before starting a conversation. We would appreciate it if you would sign our friendship register on the table as you enter the welcome center.

Is it okay just to watch at first?
We don't want to pressure you to join our church. We know it is more important that you trust in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. You should first listen and evaluate whether our church teaches God's Word and that you are in agreement with those teachings. Then, when you are ready, we can discuss how you can become a part of our church family.

Will I have to give an offering?
Members of Zion bring offerings to God through the church. These offerings give them the opportunity not only to show love to Christ, but also to support the work of the congregation as we bring the Good News of Christ's love to more people. Since offerings are gifts of love for God, no one can dictate what an individual is to give.

Following the sermon, the ushers pass an offering plate so that our worship may include bringing gifts to God. Many of our members use offering envelopes to keep their gifts a private matter known only to the Lord. Others have chosen to enroll in an automated offering program.

As our guest, we do not expect you to contribute an offering, nor do we want to pressure you into doing so. You may wish to learn more about our ministry before bringing your offerings to the Lord through our church, but you are welcome to participate as your heart leads you to give.

Are my children welcome at worship?
We consider it a blessing to have your children in worship with us. We have a special message to share, and it's for all ages!

Young children are sometimes invited to come to the front for a children's sermon. Your children may want to participate if they feel comfortable doing so.

In addition to adult Bible classes, we also offer Sunday school for kids and a Bible study for teens on most Sunday mornings.

What should I wear?
Our members and visitors dress in a variety of ways. Some come in their favorite pair of jeans and a comfortable shirt. Others prefer to go "business casual." Still others enjoy wearing their "Sunday best" and pull out their dresses or suits.

May I receive communion?
In the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, Jesus supernaturally provides His very body and blood, together with the bread and wine. In doing so, God offers personal and tangible assurance of the forgiveness of sins.

Scripture teaches that this meal is intended for our Spiritual benefit, and yet it also says that this meal is spiritually harmful to those who don't have a proper understanding of it (1 Corinthians 11:28-29). God's Word also tells us that the act of communing together is an outward sign of agreement concerning all of the teachings of Scripture.

We would love to have you join us in communion... but before you do, please speak with the pastor so that he and the rest of the believers here can be at peace, knowing that you are receiving this meal for your spiritual benefit and that the outward unity we reflect during communion is a genuine one.