We Believe

• in the one true God, the Holy Trinity, as confessed in the three ecumenical creeds, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things

• that the entire Bible is the inerrant, inspired, and holy Word of God and the source and norm of Christian doctrine; the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as found in the Book of Concord of 1580 are a correct exposition of this Word of God.

• that all people are in bondage to sin, death, and the devil, and are unable to free themselves or make themselves right with God by their own powers

• that Jesus Christ, true God and true man, lived a perfect and holy life for us, shed His blood for us on the cross to atone for our sins, and rose from the grave on the third day to conquer Satan and the grave for us.

• that the Holy Spirit delivers Christ's forgiveness, life, and salvation to us-fully and freely-through the preaching of the Word and the holy Sacraments of Baptism, Absolution, and the Eucharist

• that Christ is working in us to lead lives of faith toward God and fervent love toward one another

• that Christ will come again on the Last Day to judge the living and the dead and give eternal life to all who believe in Him






"When you are baptized, partake of Holy Communion, receive the absolution, or listen to a sermon, heaven is open, and we hear the voice of the Heavenly Father; all these works descend upon us from the open heaven above us. God converses with us, provides for us; and Christ hovers over us--but invisibly. And even though there were clouds above us as impervious as iron or steel, obstructing our view of heaven, this would not matter. Still we hear God speaking to us from heaven; we call and cry to Him, and He answers us. Heaven is open, as St. Stephen saw it open (Acts 7:55); and we hear God when He addresses us in Baptism, in Holy Communion, in confession, and in His Word as it proceeds from the mouth of the men who proclaim His message to the people."

- Martin Luther (1538)









CATECHESIS: LEARNING FOR LIFE

"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) "Catechesis" means instruction in or the hearing of God's Word. For Christians catechesis is a life-long hearing or instruction in God's word. Our faith in Christ is always in need of being fed and nourished through Word and Sacrament. God blesses us through the hearing and study of His Word and the reception of His grace in the Sacrament of the Altar. In the Divine Service we are strengthened in faith toward God and love toward the neighbor.

All that corresponds to "catechesis" or, the teaching and learning of the holy faith, is provided for those who desire and are regularly attending the Mass where the faithful are gathered to hear God's Word and receive the Sacrament of the Altar, or Holy Eucharist. "Catechesis" therefore is connected to all aspects of life in the Church inluding Holy Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation (adults and children) and life as a Christian in the world. Thus by God's grace through faith in Christ we come to know what it means to be "in Christ", from beginning to end, and, through faith, come to know and worship God the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

August 17-21, 2009, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

ADULT STUDY

Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (420 W. Scott St.)

FIRST COMMUNION

Instruction for baptized children in the Holy Scriptures and the Christian faith as confessed in the Small Catechism with focus on God's gift of Holy Communion. First Communion is prior to, but not a replacement for, Confirmation.

CONFIRMATION

Instruction for baptized children, youth and adults in the Holy Scriptures and the Christian faith as confessed in the Small Catechism. Confirmation moves the baptized believer to church membership.

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