We are glad you are interested in our congregation! We would love to have you join us for worship. Below are answers to some questions you may have about us.
When do you meet?
- We meet each Sunday at 8:30 a.m and 11:00 a.m. for worship. On the first Sunday of each month we celebrate Holy Communion at both morning services and a service at 6:00 in the evening.
- From 9:45-10:45 each Sunday, we have Bible classes for all ages. The adults meet on the sanctuary (middle) level and upstairs in our “Upper Room.” The children and youth meet on our lower level.
- We also have a number of opportunities to come together throughout the week. If you are interested in these gatherings you can find out more here.
What is your service like?
- Our members love to see new faces of all ages, and we warmly welcome visitors. Your presence would be a blessing to us!
- Our pastors preach and teach from the Bible. We believe the Bible to be God’s true and faithful Word to us, and trust it as the source and guide for life and faith.
- We are an “evangelical” church, meaning we emphasize the good news of Jesus Christ. This good news means, in spite of our failures, God has shown us love and forgiveness in Christ to all who believe (John 3:16). Faith in this good news provides life that cannot end, hope in the face of despair and a new power to live for God.
- Our order of worship is called the “Common Service.” This service possesses a rich and biblical history that stems from the early days of the Protestant Reformation. It is designed to teach through readings, responses, songs and teaching, the good news of Jesus Christ. If this style of worship is unfamiliar to you, our weekly bulletin will guide you through the service. Before coming, you may desire to check out the bulletin. You may also listen online to a recording of the service.
Where did you come up with the name Ruthfred?
- In the 1940s, land belonging to Fred and Ruth Brown was acquired by the municipality of Bethel Park. This area became known by a portmanteau of their names (ladies first, of course) and was dubbed “Ruthfred” Acres. The church was built in 1949 on a donated part of that land, and therefore was named “Ruthfred” Lutheran Church.
- A common misconception is that the church is named after these two individuals. While Mrs. Brown did become a member of Ruthfred Lutheran Church, the church was specifically named after the area, not the people.
Affiliated with any national Lutheran Church bodies?
We belong to the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC).
What about my children?
- Jesus loved children, and so do we. We are glad to welcome them in our services, and have a number of other opportunities for them to grow.
- During the services and Sunday School, we have a staffed nursery on the lower level. If you think your child may have trouble sitting through the service, or if you would like freedom to focus more on worship, you can trust your children will be well cared for in the nursery.
- The safety and care of your family is very important to us. All of our teachers, nursery workers, and any staff working with children have passed background clearances in compliance with PA law.
What should I wear?
- We have no dress code. You are welcome to come how you would feel most comfortable. You will see some in suits and dresses and others dressed more casually.
- For those who are afraid of standing out, and would like a general direction, a good rule of thumb would be to wear what you would wear for a nice dinner with family. Remember, God doesn’t concern himself with outward appearances, but rather his concern is for a person’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Am I expected to give during the offering?
- If you are visiting with us, we would like you to feel no pressure to give. We hope that our service can be a blessing to you and that God would use us to serve you with his Word.
- If you choose to join our church family, we have no set guidelines for giving except what is given in God’s Word. God’s design for supporting the needs of his people and his ministry in congregations is through the generosity of the members (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37).
- Our offerings are used to support ministries of the teaching of God’s Word and to help those in need, both at Ruthfred and throughout the World. Transparency in our financial dealings is important to us, and approval of our budget is decided by congregational vote each November. We also receive regular audits and input for the direction of our offerings.
I’d like to learn more about or join Ruthfred
- On the back cover of our bulletin there is a perforated tear-out section which has space to provide any information about yourself you would like us to know. We would love to get in touch with you to provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have. You may place the tear-out in the offering plate as it goes by or give it to the pastor by the door as you exit after the service.
- If you wish to join, there are new member informational sessions each spring and fall. When these come up, we announce the times and locations of those sessions during the service. That bulletin will also contain that information.
- You can contact us through our website here.
What if I need prayer?
- On the reverse side of the tear-off section on the back of the bulletin, you may also request prayer. We would love to pray with you and for you. If you use the tear-off section for a prayer request, you can place it in the offering plate as it goes by, or hand it to the pastor at the door after the service.
- You may also request prayer directly from this site. All requests will be kept private and confidential if you wish.