Contemplate the notion that St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of community. St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church offers a welcoming embrace to all.
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church is more than just a building. It is a living, breathing community of faith. Lutherans believe God created the universe. They think God is continually creating. He calls into being each moment of each day. Human beings have a unique position in creation.
Freedom implies humans can choose to respond positively or negatively to God. It is God’s most generous gift. Lutherans believe all people live in a condition resulting from misused freedom. Sin describes a fractured relationship between creation and God. Every attempt to please God falls short. God expresses his just and loving expectations for his creation.
Jesus is God’s Son. He broke through the prison of sinfulness. He restored the relationship of love between God and his children. Jesus lived and died in Palestine. He was the Messiah chosen to show God’s love. He was fully God with the limitations of being human. Jesus was condemned on the cross for the sake of a sinful world. Death could not contain him. He appeared among his followers as the risen Lord. God declared himself the good news of reconciliation by this victory.
Lutherans believe reconciliation with God is a free gift. It cannot be earned. God offers everyone a new life. It begins at baptism and continues beyond death. Martin Luther understood the Christian faith in this way. We cannot climb to God. God comes to us in Jesus. We only need faith to receive God’s acceptance. This became known as Justification by Grace through Faith. Lutherans recognize how easily Christians forget this.
The Bible is the manger in which the Word of God is laid. Lutherans accept it as the primary witness to the church’s faith. It bears remarkable testimony to God’s acts. The Old Testament tells the story of creation and God’s love. The New Testament proclaims the events of Jesus’ life. It is the authority for Christian faith. The Bible is the record of God’s saving care.
The Christian church comprises those baptized. They have received Christ as the Son of God. Lutherans believe they are part of the community of faith that began on Pentecost. The church is the fellowship of those restored to God by Christ. It is essential to Christian life. Its members are all sinners needing God’s grace. The church exists for the hearing and doing of the Word. It administers the sacraments. It gives itself to the world in service and love.
Lutherans accept two sacraments. Baptism and Holy Communion are visible acts of God’s love. In Baptism, God offers his grace and establishes a new community. In Holy Communion, people receive the body and blood of their Lord. This gift is God’s forgiveness. It nourishes people in fellowship with their Lord.
Lutherans believe fellowship with God persists after death. Judgement is a present and future reality. Anxiety for the future is not a mark of faith. Christians trust in God’s grace. They live a life of service.
To become a Lutheran, only baptism and instruction are required. If already baptized, attend a New Member Workshop. Active members transfer their membership.
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church provides mobility accommodations. There are designated parking spaces. Accessible entrances are available. Wheelchairs are available. There is an elevator. Accessible seating is available. All restrooms are accessible.
The church also provides hearing and vision accommodations. There is a sound system. Hearing devices are available. Reading glasses are available. Large print and Braille programs are available.
As you leave St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church remember its message. Embrace faith. Embrace community. Embrace the love of God.