Our mission statement helps us focus on what we believe. "We are a congregation formed by God's grace..." We believe that Jesus calls us to follow him and join his band of disciples, to worship, serve learn and witness to him. We believe that we are saved by God's grace, as a gift, not by anything we do. This joyful truth is deep within the Lutheran tradition. "through Jesus Christ..." We believe that Jesus Christ and the cross is the center of our faith. In the cross we learn God's great love for us and that he comes to us when we need him the most. "we shall use our diverse gifts..." We believe that God has blessed each person with gifts to be used on behalf of others and in praise of God. Each person is different from anyone else but we are all on in Christ. "guided by the Holy Spirit..." We believe in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We share this belief with all Christians and are part of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. "to share God's love and make Christ known." We believe we are called to love as we have been loved, and to live our lives as stewards of God's creation and as witnesses to God's love for us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since 1884, First Lutheran has been anchored in God's Word even as it has adapted the changing needs and issues of our present world. We seek to be a welcoming community where people can grow as individuals and yet have the blessings of belonging. Through varieties of music we sing our praises to God. Through caring engagement in the community we reach out with food programs and social service projects. Through learning opportunities for youth and adults we encourage growth in life and faith. |
