About

FAQ

How did the Lutheran Church begin?

In the 1500's, Martin Luther, a Catholic priest and teacher began a reforming movement which sought to lift up the centrality of grace, faith, and the Scriptures. Those who joined him in this reforming movement called themselves "evangelicals" or "people of the gospel." Their opponents called them "Lutherans."

What does ELCA mean?

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA was birthed in 1988 when three Lutheran denominations – the Lutheran Church of America (LCA), the American Lutheran Church (ALC), and the American Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) – merged. Over five million people in nearly 11,000 congregations belong to the ELCA.

What does it mean to be a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church?

A 'member' is a person who is a living partner in the mission and ministry of Our Savior’s. What that looks like may be different for different people. All members hold these things in common; they are:

  • Committed to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
  • Regular participants in worship.
  • Eager to grow in understanding and discipleship.
  • Consistent in their giving of themselves and their resources to the mission and ministry of Our Savior’s.
  • Persistent in prayer.
  • Willing to tell others about God's great love.


These are not rules to be followed in order to gain God's love. Rather, they are the result of being loved by God. They are tools for better enjoying your relationship with Christ.


What about Baptism?

Baptism is God's chosen way of naming and claiming us as members of that special family called the Church. Through Baptism, God promises to be our God and promises that love and forgiveness can be ours. Baptism is done with simple water joined to the powerful promises of Christ.

Baptism at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is seen as the beginning of a journey that is life-long, a journey of an ever growing commitment to Christ's mission, ever growing appreciation for God's great love for us. Baptized Christians worship regularly and strive to deepen their relationship to Christ and to Christ's people. Baptism is for infants, children, and adults. It is usually celebrated as part of our worship gathering. Please contact the church office if you would like more information on baptism or being baptized.

What about Communion?

Holy Communion, or the Eucharist, is a regular part of Our Savior’s worship. In, with, and under the bread and the wine of this meal, Jesus Christ promises to share his very life with us. Holy Communion is a time to remember Christ's great sacrifice for us and to receive anew Christ's great love for us. It is truly 'food for the journey' as we live out our discipleship day after day.

Holy Communion is the Lord's Supper and all who are baptized and seek Christ's love and forgiveness are welcome to the table.

Children and Communion: There is no universally accepted rule on the age one should begin taking Holy Communion. Here at Our Savior’s we offer a class yearly for those children who in consultation with parent(s) and Pastor feel called to the table. The target age for the classes is 4th-5th grade—however younger children are welcome with permission of parents and Pastor.

What if I'm not Lutheran?

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is for anyone who wants to be part of a Christ-centered community that celebrates God's amazing grace and wants to grow in their relationship to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our Savior’s family is made up of many people from many different religious backgrounds. We are united in one family by our love for Christ and for each other, and because we can identify with the way Our Savior’s expresses and lives out its faith.

At Our Savior's Lutheran Church, we believe that there are many ways to express and live out the Christian faith. We encourage our sister Christian churches and do not see ourselves in competition with them. We believe that, together with these churches, we form a great symphony that gives glory and honor to our God.