Beyond its welcoming doors, Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church has a story to tell. It is a story of faith, community, and joyful service. This church is not just a building. It is a living testament to the power of belief and togetherness.
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church extends a warm welcome to all. It invites everyone to worship, grow, serve, and reach out in the spirit of Christ. Trusting in God and loving the world are central to its mission. Weekly worship includes Holy Communion at 10:00 am on Sundays. Adult education takes place at 9:00 am followed by fellowship with snacks at 11:00 am. You can even join the service via live stream.
What exactly does Holy Shepherd believe? The Triune God is at the heart of their faith. This includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They believe God is gracious, merciful, forgiving, and full of unconditional love. This love is shared generously with all of creation. God’s love is fully expressed through Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit freely grants this love to us. God declares us acceptable through Jesus’ sacrificial death. Life with God is a gift to be lived with faith, gratitude, and joy. This faith is declared in the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds.
Holy Shepherd recognizes the Word of God in three forms. First, Jesus Christ is the living Word. Second, the Bible is God’s inspired written Word. Finally, the Word of God comes through the proclamation of faith by Christian people.
Like many Lutheran churches, Holy Shepherd reveres and practices two sacraments. These are Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptism is the entrance into life with Christ and the church community. It occurs during worship in the presence of the congregation. Holy Shepherd recognizes baptisms from any Christian tradition that uses the name of the Triune God. Baptism is offered to anyone, regardless of age, who has not been baptized. They should desire to grow in Christ with God’s people. Consultation with a pastor is expected before baptism.
Holy Communion is a gift where Jesus Christ is present in the bread and wine. All are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Families and parents decide when children participate in communion. This happens with guidance from the pastor and age-appropriate education. Holy Communion is celebrated at all weekend services and on festivals.
The Bible guides the church’s teachings. It also guides faith and life. Holy Shepherd treasures and studies the Bible. They base preaching and teaching on it. Much of their worship comes from the Bible. However, they worship the Triune God revealed in the Bible, not the Bible itself.
At Holy Shepherd, the church helps people live out God’s gift of life. The church is a community that knows it is not perfect. People gather to hear God’s Word. They also receive the sacraments. They seek forgiveness, renewal, and strength to follow Christ. The church witnesses to God’s grace and power in the world.
Holy Shepherd’s mission is clear. They are “Worshiping and Growing Together in Christ, Serving and Reaching Out Joyfully to All.” All members are ministers. Some are pastors, deacons, and church workers. Everyone has gifts to use in the church and in daily life.
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA includes almost 11000 congregations in the U.S. and Caribbean. The ELCA is divided into 65 synods led by a bishop. Holy Shepherd belongs to the Rocky Mountain Synod. Its offices are in Denver. Bishop Jim Gonia leads the synod. Through the ELCA, Holy Shepherd connects with other Christian traditions for worship, study, and service.
So come and experience the welcoming spirit of Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church. Embrace its rich traditions, and discover how you too can worship, grow, and serve joyfully.