Lutherans are Christians
Lutherans, along with all Christians, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We believe Jesus was fully divine and fully human. In Jesus, God became human, bore our human condition and our sins, in order to save us from sin and death and restore us to a right relationship with God. Jesus came to make known God's love and grace to our broken and seeking world. The ultimate symbol of that love is the Cross, where Jesus was crucified, and gave his life for the sake of the world. In Christ we enjoy grace, mercy, freedom, and new life.
Lutherans are Protestants
Martin Luther (1483-1546) is known as the Father of Protestantism. Luther was an Augustinian monk and a priest. On October 31, 1517, he posted a challenge to the church leaders on the church doors at Wittenberg University in Germany, requesting debate. Luther's hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God. A religious war followed, and instead of a reformation of the church there was separation. "Lutheran" was a name applied to Luther and his followers as an insult but adopted as a badge of honor by them instead. Lutherans still celebrate Reformation on October 31 and still hold to the following basic principles of theology:
• We are saved by the grace of God alone.
• Our salvation is through faith alone.
• The bible is the true norm of doctrine and teachings of the church.
Are there different kinds of Lutheran churches?
There are several different Lutheran bodies in the United States. St. Paul’s is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Lutherans are Biblical
Luther said that the Bible is the "manger in which the Word of God is laid". While Lutherans recognize differences in the way the Bible is studied and interpreted, it is accepted as the primary and authoritative witness to the church's faith. The Bible bears a remarkable testimony to the mighty acts of God in the lives of people and nations. In the Old Testament is found the vivid account of God's covenant relationship to Israel. In the New Testament is found the story of God's new covenant with all creation in Jesus.
What sacraments do Lutherans accept?
Lutherans accept two Sacraments. Although they are not the only means of God's self-revelation, Baptism and Holy Communion are visible acts of God's love.
Lutherans accept infant Baptism through which we believe God freely offers grace. Lutherans believe that in Holy Communion those who come to the table receive in bread and wine the body and blood of their Lord. This gift is itself the real presence of God's forgiveness and mercy, nourishing believers in union with their Lord and with each other.
What is St. Paul's communion practice?
We believe this is the Lord’s Table and God does the inviting so all are welcome to the table to receive Holy Communion. Worship with Holy Communion is offered each week.
What must a person do to become a member of St. Paul’s?
If you are already baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it will be necessary only to meet with the Pastor and signify your desire to become a formal part of its community. Members of other churches will be received by transfers and are encouraged to meet with the Pastor and learn about St. Paul’s and its ministry opportunities. If you are not baptized you are still welcome to join, and the invitation to be baptized would be extended. Simply contact the Pastor if you’d like to join our congregation.
All people are welcome to worship and to become members at St. Paul’s.
Lutherans, along with all Christians, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We believe Jesus was fully divine and fully human. In Jesus, God became human, bore our human condition and our sins, in order to save us from sin and death and restore us to a right relationship with God. Jesus came to make known God's love and grace to our broken and seeking world. The ultimate symbol of that love is the Cross, where Jesus was crucified, and gave his life for the sake of the world. In Christ we enjoy grace, mercy, freedom, and new life.
Lutherans are Protestants
Martin Luther (1483-1546) is known as the Father of Protestantism. Luther was an Augustinian monk and a priest. On October 31, 1517, he posted a challenge to the church leaders on the church doors at Wittenberg University in Germany, requesting debate. Luther's hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God. A religious war followed, and instead of a reformation of the church there was separation. "Lutheran" was a name applied to Luther and his followers as an insult but adopted as a badge of honor by them instead. Lutherans still celebrate Reformation on October 31 and still hold to the following basic principles of theology:
• We are saved by the grace of God alone.
• Our salvation is through faith alone.
• The bible is the true norm of doctrine and teachings of the church.
Are there different kinds of Lutheran churches?
There are several different Lutheran bodies in the United States. St. Paul’s is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Lutherans are Biblical
Luther said that the Bible is the "manger in which the Word of God is laid". While Lutherans recognize differences in the way the Bible is studied and interpreted, it is accepted as the primary and authoritative witness to the church's faith. The Bible bears a remarkable testimony to the mighty acts of God in the lives of people and nations. In the Old Testament is found the vivid account of God's covenant relationship to Israel. In the New Testament is found the story of God's new covenant with all creation in Jesus.
What sacraments do Lutherans accept?
Lutherans accept two Sacraments. Although they are not the only means of God's self-revelation, Baptism and Holy Communion are visible acts of God's love.
Lutherans accept infant Baptism through which we believe God freely offers grace. Lutherans believe that in Holy Communion those who come to the table receive in bread and wine the body and blood of their Lord. This gift is itself the real presence of God's forgiveness and mercy, nourishing believers in union with their Lord and with each other.
What is St. Paul's communion practice?
We believe this is the Lord’s Table and God does the inviting so all are welcome to the table to receive Holy Communion. Worship with Holy Communion is offered each week.
What must a person do to become a member of St. Paul’s?
If you are already baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it will be necessary only to meet with the Pastor and signify your desire to become a formal part of its community. Members of other churches will be received by transfers and are encouraged to meet with the Pastor and learn about St. Paul’s and its ministry opportunities. If you are not baptized you are still welcome to join, and the invitation to be baptized would be extended. Simply contact the Pastor if you’d like to join our congregation.
All people are welcome to worship and to become members at St. Paul’s.
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