Wonder how Luther Memorial Church maintains tradition. It does so through practice and its very building. The Luther Memorial Church’s worship reflects its Danish Lutheran roots. The building offers refuge and fellowship.
Luther Memorial Church is experiencing growth. Its membership and mission are expanding. This growth offers unique opportunities. It impacts members, Grand View University students, and the wider community. The church connects individuals to Christ. It fosters connections between members.
The Luther Memorial Church is part of the ELCA. That is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It has about 4 million members. They are in nearly 10000 congregations. These congregations are across the United States. They are also in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Lutherans walk by faith. They trust God’s promise. They proclaim Jesus Christ. He was crucified and raised for the world. God gives the Holy Spirit. The Spirit uses gospel proclamation. It is in preaching and sacraments. It is in forgiveness. It is also in healing conversations.
Luther Memorial Church seeks full participation. It includes all in the life and work of the church. The Luther Memorial Church avoids any one group becoming the norm. It strives to address injustice. This includes racism and sexism.
In 1896, Danish Lutherans met. They gathered in Grand View College’s lecture hall. They decided to build a church. It would be on land opposite the college. From 1918, the congregation met here. The church’s name changed to Luther Memorial Church.
Des Moines was a focal point. It was for the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The church building was erected as a cathedral. The Danish Church turned to Jes Smidt. He was a Danish immigrant and woodcarver. He built the pulpit and altar.
The pulpit is noteworthy. The figures represent the four evangelists. They are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The altar table bears intricate carving. Christian Larsen donated the pulpit and altar’s cost.
Jes Smidt painted the altar picture. It represents Jesus speaking. He is speaking with the Samaritan woman. The inscription is in Danish. It quotes Jesus saying about water. Whoever drinks will never thirst.
A ship hangs in the nave. The custom is widespread in Denmark. It is also found in churches of Danish origin in America. The custom is ancient. People believed a miniature ship assured a safe voyage. In Christianity, the tradition remained. Retired seamen carved ship replicas.
The church is like a ship. The nave comes from the Latin word for ship. The Christian life is a journey over the sea. Jesus is the pilot. The ship may not be a major Christian symbol. It is an appropriate one though.
Luther Memorial’s mission is transformation. It seeks to transform people with God’s love. It wants to serve the community. It wants to address pressing needs. God’s love changes lives. When reflected in actions and words.