plan your visit
we’re glad
you’re here
We are so glad you’re considering worshipping with us. Whether this is your first time in a church, you haven’t been in a while, or you’re simply looking for a new community, you are welcome here. Below are some answers to questions you might have before your first visit.
before you come
We worship together every Sunday morning at 9:30am in the Sanctuary, and the service is also livestreamed on YouTube if you’d like to get a feel for it before coming in person. Twice a month we also offer a shorter 30-minute evening service in the Chapel.
The Sunday morning service is typically about 60 minutes. The twice-monthly evening service is around 30 minutes. After the morning service we invite everyone to stay for free coffee and treats on the front patio outside the Sanctuary, and you are very welcome to join us.
We are located at 909 N La Cumbre Rd in Santa Barbara, nestled at the foot of the mountains. There is a large parking lot belonging to the church, and the building is fully accessible. Please note that it is a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the Sanctuary entrance.
Come as you are. Dress up if that feels right, or come casual, whatever makes you feel comfortable. You don’t need to bring anything. During the service ushers will pass collection plates for free will offerings, but these are entirely voluntary, and there are small envelopes in the pews if you’d like to designate your giving. There are also Bibles in the pews if you’d like to follow along.
when you arrive
Our worship follows four movements that have shaped Lutheran worship for centuries: Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending.
During the Gathering we come together with a communal confession and forgiveness of sins, a hymn, prayers, and a welcome from the worship leader.
During the Word we hear four readings from Scripture: a passage from the Old Testament (also called the Hebrew Bible), a Psalm, a letter from the New Testament, and a reading from one of the four Gospels, followed by a 12–15 minute sermon rooted in Lutheran theology. We then say the Creed together, usually the Nicene or Apostles’ Creed, and share in the Peace, a moment where we greet one another with words like “Peace be with you” or “God’s peace.” A handshake is common, though a peace sign with your fingers is equally welcome.
During the Meal we celebrate Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist. We come forward pew by pew to receive the bread (or gluten free wavers) and wine or grape juice. Everyone is invited to participate. When you receive, feel free to say “Amen” or “Thanks be to God.” We use individual cups for the wine/grape juice.
During the Sending you will receive the benediction, and a call to go out into the world for mission and service.
Everything you need is printed in the bulletin, so don’t worry if the songs or the order of service are unfamiliar. Just follow along as you feel comfortable.
We practice an open communion table and invite everyone to receive, regardless of membership or background.
Absolutely. We have a small play area on the left side at the front of the Sanctuary, and you are very welcome to use it. Jesus welcomed children, and so do we.
We also have wonderful Sunday school teachers who engage children with age-appropriate teaching during the service. Sunday school children return to the Sanctuary for Holy Communion, because we believe children are a full part of the body of Christ and we want to share the Eucharist together as one community.
about the community
We are loving and varied group of people, some of whom have been part of Trinity for decades, others who are newer, and others who are returning after time away. What holds us together is a genuine care for one another and for the wider community, and a shared commitment to loving God and our neighbors.
Trinity is a Reconciling in Christ congregation, which means we have made a formal commitment to welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ people fully into the life of the church.
We are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the largest Lutheran denomination in North America. We are rooted in the teachings of Martin Luther and centered on the good news of Jesus Christ, who was crucified and risen for the sake of the world. That means we emphasize salvation by God’s grace alone rather than human effort, we take Scripture and the Sacraments seriously, and we are committed to justice in the world and unity among Christians.
Our worship is rooted in the Lutheran liturgical tradition. We follow the church calendar, take Word and Sacrament seriously, and draw from centuries of Christian hymnody through the Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal. Our music blends organ, piano, choir, percussion, and guitar. If you are looking for a praise band, we are probably not your church. If you are looking for something with depth, structure, and a little beauty, you might feel right at home.
Come back any Sunday you like, or try one of our evening services. Feel free to introduce yourself to Pastor Mark or any of the worship leaders after the service, and listen for announcements at the end of the service where upcoming events and opportunities are shared. Everyone is welcome to ask how to get involved in anything that interests them.
Also check out how to get more involved in worship, through one of our ministries, or church groups.
If you have any other questions, you can reach us by phone at (805) 687-1577, by email at office@telcsb.org or pastor.mark@telcsb.org, or by stopping by the church office in person. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9am–1pm.