Church can be confusing! Here are a few questions we get a lot:
When and where is church?? Unless otherwise noted, you can find us at 9169 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114. Services are at 8:30am and 10:30am on Sunday mornings, or 7:30pm on Wednesday nights. Office hours are from 10am-2pm Monday-Thursday, or by appointment.
How do I get in, and is it handicap-accessible? It depends what you’re looking for! The church office, Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, and Christian Nursery School can all be accessed by the side door on Linden Avenue. If you’re coming for a worship service, you can come right in the front doors, right on the corner of Academy Road and Linden Avenue. Those front doors are handicap-accessible.
How do I park? St. David’s has street parking only, so wherever you find a spot. There is, however, parking reserved for handicapped attendees on Linden Avenue.
Who’s welcome at St. David’s? Everyone - and we really do mean everyone! Whether you’re just starting out in life or have it all figured out - if you’re young or old or somewhere in between - if you’re gay, straight, or questioning - if you’re conservative or liberal - if you’re employed or don’t know what you want to do when you grow up - if you’re a lifelong Lutheran or have never heard of this Martin Luther guy - you’re welcome here!
What if I want to become a member? Becoming a member is easy! Set up a meeting with the pastor, who will walk you through the process - but in short, a member is somebody who worships with us and helps support the ministry of the church, in whatever ways they can.
Where do I find the restrooms? If you’re sitting in church, the restrooms are behind you - out the back in the “Narthex,” or the foyer to the church. If you’re coming to the church office, they’re next to the Pastor’s office on the lower level.
How do I take communion? Everyone who is baptized is welcome to receive communion - and if you’re not, please contact us about baptism! We practice “intinction” here - that means that we dip the bread (wafer usually) into the wine or juice. We offer both wine and juice in order to be welcoming to those in our community who aren’t able to take alcohol for any reason, and we offer gluten-free wafers upon request for those unable to process gluten. So, when the moment comes, an usher will gesture for you to join the line toward the pastor, standing up near the baptismal font. When you get there, hold out your hands, and the pastor will give you the bread, saying, “The Body of Christ, given for you.” You’ll then turn to the communion assistant who will offer you both cups - silver for wine, ceramic for grape juice - and say, “The Blood of Christ, shed for you.” If you don’t wish to receive, cross your arms over your chest or tell the pastor, and the pastor will give you a blessing instead.
When is worship, and what does it look like? Check out our worship page, here.
I have kids, and/or I want to study the Bible too! How do I do that? Check out our Christian Education pages for our Nursery School, Sunday School, First Communion, Confirmation, or Baptism!
If you don’t see your question, contact us at 215-332-7424 or stdavidselca@comcast.net.