What does it mean to be Lutheran?

Lutheranism at its heart is very simple: God takes the initiative to come into our lives through sending his Son Jesus Christ. Through the life of Jesus, we learn about God, and Jesus’ death and resurrection make it possible for us to have a relationship with God. This relationship is the basis of our lifelong spiritual journey.   Lutherans believe in the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God created and loves all of creation. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world working through us.

Christ the Savior Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA).  The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God and experience God's grace in our lives.   We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways.   Visit the ELCA website to learn more about Lutheran beliefs. 

If you are interested in baptism for

a member of your family, please

arrange to discuss your interest

with one of the pastors.

The Gift of Grace

The gift of grace is an important concept in the Lutheran expression of the faith. We believe that grace is God's life, power and righteousness coming to us, the undeserving, through the gift of forgiveness. It is an expression of God’s abundant love, a gift that we can not earn and do not deserve.  In response to God’s gift of grace, we seek to grow in our faith, serve Him and serve others. We gather as a church family to provide a place of belonging where we can be authentic persons who encourage one another through life’s challenges.  

Understanding Baptism

Lutherans believe that baptism symbolizes new life and the forgiveness of sins, and we baptize people of all ages, including infants. In baptism the pastor says, ‘I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”   When that happens, the baptized person now belongs to Christ’s Family, and the Holy Spirit is sealed within that person.  Baptism is God's way of taking a natural born person and launching them onto a spiritual journey.  With resources of family and faith community, the baptized person continues to be formed in Christ.

If you are interested in baptism for a member of your family, please contact the church office and arrange to discuss your interest with one of the pastors.

Our View of Holy Communion

 In Holy Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, those who come to the table receive in the bread and wine the body and blood of our Lord.  We are invited to approach this sacred event with two sets of eyes.  With our natural eyes, we see bread and wine.  With our eyes of faith, bread and wine become the presence of Christ in our midst.  Through Holy Communion, we remember Christ's sacrifice for us, receive God's forgiveness, and our faith is nourished as we are assured of God's love.  By participating together we also confess our oneness in Christ and our unity in what we believe.  Persons who share this belief are invited to receive Holy Communion.   Young children are welcome to come forward with their parents to receive a blessing.  If your child has completed Communion instruction (normally during the fifth grade in our congregation), they should put one hand out with palm up to receive the bread.  Wine or grape juice may be chosen from the serving tray.  The grape juice is in the center rings of the tray.

What is Confirmation?

At baptism, we become members of the family of God. When the young baptized person moves into 7th grade, he or she is invited with other youth into two years of faith instruction, called Confirmation.   Young people study the basics of the faith, engage in periodic retreats and service projects, and are part of a weekly small group with a high school peer guide and adult mentor. The end result is the young person confirms is/her faith and now assumes responsibility for his/her lifelong faith journey.   

Growing Closer to Christ

Scripture tells us that our duty as a Christian is to become more and more like Christ. That journey toward Christ-likeness is ultimately each individual’s responsibility, and Christ the Savior exists to support you on that journey.  Through Christ and Christian community, we mature in faith and personhood, and discover and embrace God’s purposes for our lives.   Part of our learning involves growing not only in knowledge, but also growing in stewardship and service.  There are many opportunities to grow closer to Christ through worship, bible studies, classes, and activities.  

Stewardship

Stewardship is a way of life that acknowledges everything we have belongs to God.  It is understanding that what has been shared with us freely, should also be shared with others.  The question to ask and answer is, "How would God have me manage the treasures of people, skills and possessions that He has entrusted to me?  Regarding people in your life, you handle them with love.  Regarding your skills, you continue to develop them and become a productive person benefiting others.  Regarding possessions including your money, you reach that depth of faith where you move from 'tipping' God like a waiter to tithing (giving 10% of your income) to His kingdom building efforts through your local congregation.  Here are ways that gifts given to this church have touched the lives of others.   

Serving Others

God clearly instructs us and Christ has shown us by his humble service, that the greatest response to God’s outpouring of love for us is our service to others.  Through serving others we grow closer to God and become His hands and feet, accomplishing His work in the world."The Lord has shown you what is good.  He has told you what he requires of you.  You must treat people fairly.  You must love others faithfully.  And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to."  (Micah 6:8 New International Reader's Version) There is an opportunity to be a reflection of God's love each day, whether at home, at work, or through the church.  Here are some ways to serve at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church.