I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy.

Psalm 43:4

All Services at Emmaus follow the beautiful and historic liturgy of the Lutheran Church as contained in the Lutheran Service Book.   The rites, hymns and reverent ceremonial of our worship bespeak our conviction that God Himself is present in the Word and the Sacraments, offering us every spiritual blessing that we need in this life, and preparing us for the life of the world to come.  The altar of the Lord is thus the meeting place between God and His people -- between heaven and earth.

On Sunday mornings throughout the year we gather at 10:30 for the celebration of the Divine Service, also known among Lutherans as the Mass or the Holy Eucharist.  We use both Setting One and Setting Two of the liturgy, alternating them seasonally.  

Our Communion practice  reflects the church's ancient belief  that sharing in the Eucharist is an outward sign of unity in doctrine.  For this reason,  members of congregations in fellowship with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are invited to join us in receiving the Lord's Body and Blood.  Other visitors who have not previously received the Blessed Sacrament at our altar are asked to speak with the pastor before the Service.

On Wednesdays in Advent and Lent we gather for Vespers at 7:00 P.M.  These shorter and more contemplative liturgies also feature a sermon, but there is no celebration of Holy Communion.  Their emphasis is seasonal, offering worshipers an opportunity in the middle of the week to sing, to pray and to reflect on the Scriptures.  

Holy Day Services are also offered at Emmaus on

• The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Eve - 7:00 P.M.
• The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day - 10:30 A.M.
• The Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6) - 7:00 P.M.
• The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Presentation of Our Lord (February 2) - 7:00 P.M.
• Ash Wednesday: The First Day of Lent - 7:00 P.M.
• Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Holy Week - 10:30 A.M.
• Maundy Thursday - 7:00 P.M.
• Good Friday - 7:00 P.M.
• The Ascension of Our Lord - 7:00 P.M.
• Thanksgiving Eve - 7:00 P.M.

Because of variations in the liturgical calendar, please phone ahead (718-821-5253) to confirm the times of these special Services.  The church office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 

Our parish organist is Ms. Chien-Yin Chen, who earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees at the Vienna Academy of Music, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at New York University.  She leads the congregation's singing on our 16-rank Wicks pipe organ.  Her beautiful preludes, offertories and postludes are a delight to anyone who loves good church music.