A Home for Your Heart

Even if you grew up in the church, finding a church home can be difficult.  It's even harder if you are just beginning to explore what it means to be a Christian.  Regardless of where you are in your journey, we hope you will consider Richland Lutheran Church as a possible church home.  Let us know when you plan to visit.  We will make sure someone is there to greet you, show you around, and answer your questions.  Use the form to the right to introduce yourself.  We are eager to help you find a home for your heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make your first visit to Richland Lutheran Church more enjoyable, here is some information we hope you will find helpful.

•What can I expect at worship? 

Even if you have never been to church, you will be able to follow along quite easily since our entire service is printed out in special booklet every week.  Our church honors the authority of Scripture, so you will hear a lesson from the Old Testament, a Psalm, a lesson from the New Testament, and a special reading from a Gospel.  You may also notice that the words in our worship service come from Scripture or are based upon it.  The pastor's message (sermon) applies the Scripture to our daily lives.  Services last about an hour.

•When are the worship services?*
Join us for worship at 8:30 or 11 AM and 5 PM.  

Our 8:30 and 11:00 AM worship services on Sunday mornings are also livestreamed.  You can find the living streaming link on our Worship with Us page. 

* The worship schedule sometimes changes for special circumstances.  Please call the church to confirm the schedule (509-943-3164). 

•What about Holy Communion?

Holy Communion is celebrated at all regular worship services on Sundays.  All baptized Christians, fifth grade and older, who believe Christ is truly present in Holy Communion and desire His assurance of forgiveness are welcome to receive the sacrament.

•What's available for children during services?

Nursery care is provided on Sunday morning (during both services and the Sunday school hour), at Lenten services, and at congregational events.  

Another option for parents with children not ready to sit all the way through a service is the Cry Room located in the narthex.  It is a special room equipped with a soundproof window, speakers, rocking chairs, and activities for children.  Parents are still able to see and hear the service while their little ones are occupied.

•How accessible is your church and other facilities?

The church has made many improvements and modifications over the years that make it accessible for most people with limited mobility.  Special parking spaces are available near the parking lot entrance to the church, and we have restroom facilities that are wheelchair accessible. On the east side of the narthex, a door is equipped with an automatic opening device. Simply push the large silver button, and the door will automatically open. Adult Sunday school classes are taught in rooms on the ground floor. However, at this time children and teenager's classrooms are not wheelchair accessible.

•What is required to have a wedding at your church?

Before any wedding plans can be made, all couples must first meet with one of our pastors and obtain their consent to perform the wedding. All couples will have pre-marital counseling sessions with the pastor; these take about six hours altogether. In cases where neither partner is Lutheran, the couple will also be required to take the New Members class. For further details on wedding policy, download the weddings publication, fee schedule, and reservation form.


You're Getting Married!

What You'll See
Once You Get Here

 •What is required to have a baby baptized? 

Infants and small children are baptized with the expectation that as they grow up will be nurtured in the Christian faith and participate in the life of a congregation. For this reason, we ordinarily baptize only the children of members.  In rare extenuating circumstances, pastoral discretion may allow for flexibility.

•How do I join Richland Lutheran Church?
Anyone wishing to join RLC is encouraged to attend a two-session New Members Class.  Our pastor will go over basic belief information and discuss with you what it means to be a fully-functioning member of RLC.  The class is offered about three times a year and is held between services during the Sunday school hour.  Following the class you will affirm your faith at a worship service, and be welcomed into membership by the staff and council with a brief orientation and luncheon.

If you are a confirmed member of another Lutheran church, you can easily transfer your membership.  Either phone the church office (509-943-3164) or indicate your desire on a yellow worship registration slip.  We will contact your former church and handle the arrangements. If for some reason your former Lutheran church will not transfer your membership to our congregation, you can still join by reaffirmation of faith,which is essentially a transfer without the paperwork.  Please plan to attend the New Members class before your membership transfer is complete.

If you are not a confirmed Lutheran and will be received by transfer from another Christian denomination or by Baptism, you will affirm your faith during worship after you have taken the New Members Class. 

You will also need to fill out a Membership Information form, which you will find in the resource area in the Prince of Peace Fellowship area, or in the office.