"Lutherans are Christians, but not all Christians are Lutherans."
This means that a Lutheran shares many of the beliefs, practices, and customs of other
Christian denominations (Presbyterian, Methodist, United Church of Christ, Roman Catholics, Orthodox, Anglican, etc.)
Lutherans are Christians who accept the teachings of Martin Luther (1483 – 1546). Luther was a German theologian who realized that there were significant differences between what he read in the Bible and the practices of the Roman Catholic church at that time. On October 31, 1517, he posted a challenge on the door of Wittenberg University, titled “95 Theses” (to debate 95 theological issues). His hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God as contained in the Bible.
• We are saved by the grace of God alone -- not by anything we do
• Our salvation is through faith alone -- we only need to trust God made known in Christ who promises us forgiveness, life and salvation
• The Bible is the norm for faith and life -- the true standard by which teachings and doctrines are to be judged.
• We believe that the grace and mercy of God is seen and experienced through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• We rely on God’s promise to be with us always and everywhere.
• We know the hard days don’t disappear just because we believe in Jesus. But we do know that Jesus walks with us through the hard days.
• We have satisfaction in knowing to whom we can turn to ask for help or give thanks.
• In Baptism we are ALL made children of God.
• In the Eucharist, God comes to us, strengthening us to love and serve our neighbors.
• We believe God has always desired to love humankind and be in a relationship with us.
• We rejoice that God loves us so, and we celebrate the new life God gives us, promised by the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• Each time we gather for worship we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus.
FAQ
What will Worship services be like?
Worship is inviting, participatory, relevant and transforming. It is a ‘come as you are’ casual service that follows the same pattern (liturgy) each week. The service is tradiational, and there is much singing. Also expect the Peace to last 5-10 minutes, as the congregation is very friendly and are like a family.
Do I have to become a member to attend?
No! We welcome everyone to attend our services; members and guests.
How does someone become a member?
We hold regular new member classes that will help you get to know the basics of Christianity, the Bible, and Lutheranism.
Can I take Holy Communion if I’m not baptized?
All are invited to receive Holy Communion. Lutherans believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the bread and wine. Children not yet communing are encouraged to come for a blessing as well.
We have young children, can we still attend Services?
There is a nursery with an attendant for children 6 and under, and is available during Sunday school and worship. However, all children are encouraged and welcome to participate in the worship with their families. There is a children's message where all children are welcome to come to the front of the church and learn with the Pastor.
What does it mean to be Reconciled in Christ?
This means that through continuous reformation, the Church embraces in holiness and into wholeness people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, strengthening us for authentic, visible, faithful lives.
What is the ELCA?
Over the years, different Lutheran church bodies have been established and organized to meet the needs of Lutherans in communities and nations all over the world. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is the largest Lutheran group in North America, founded in 1988 when three North American Lutheran church bodies united.
Lutherans are part of a reforming movement within the whole Christian church; as a part of practicing their faith, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its predecessors have engaged in ecumenical dialogue with other church bodies for decades. Lutheranism is a faith tradition that is open to all, regardless of background. The ELCA alone is almost five million members strong, with nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. (from www.ELCA.org)
