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Information about the Christian Faith, the Lutheran Church, and First Lutheran's Core beliefs:
First Lutheran, as a member of the ELCA along with other Lutheran church bodies in this country, traces its history back to the Protestant Reformation that took place in the 16th century in Europe. This movement began primarily in Germany and was influenced greatly by the teaching and writing of Dr. Martin Luther, together with a student of his at the University in Wittenburg, Germany, Philip Melancthon. By the late 16th century, congregations of the "Lutheran" tradition had spread throughout Germany and into the Scandinavian countries. Lutheran immigrants came to America in the 17th century, primarily from Northern European countries. Today ELCA congregations are concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast, but are found in all 50 states as well as the Caribbean.
To be "Lutheran" means many things, but primarily to accept that a person is brought into a lasting relationship with God. In other words "saved or given salvation" by God's grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ his Son. To be "Lutheran" also means that in response to God's saving grace, we strive to live out our faith through the study of the Bible, prayer, regular worship including partaking of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and living the Christian life in our daily vocations. These "vocations" are primarily our roles as family members, church members, community members, and in our occupations (daily work).
As you will see elsewhere in our web-pages, and particularly if you visit us in worship or become a member of First Lutheran, we believe the home and congregation are equal partners in passing on our beliefs and faith. That is why we emphasize in our ministries these vocations as well as intentionally recognizing the "faith milestones" of our lives.
These faith milestones include:
- Baptism, usually as a child.
- A child's first experience in formal Christian education, such as Sunday or Wednesday School.
- A child's first Bibles, one presented before Kindergarten and then another in the 3rd grade here at First Lutheran.
- A child's first Holy Communion, which can be any time after baptism but usually sometime between the 2nd and 5th grades.
- A child's "Affirmation of Faith" (confirmation), usually in the 9th grade, which is preceded by instruction in the 7th-9th grades.
- Graduation from High School.
- Entering into marriage.
These milestones mark the significant, though not exclusive, times when God's grace is active in our lives. These patterns of "faith life" then begin again, with the next generation of parents, and continue with us all until our death. For specific "faith milestone" ministries and policies of our congregation, please return to our home page for information about these milestones and our ministries surrounding them.
The following are brief summaries of some of Christianity's basic beliefs and teachings. We hope you will find them helpful. At First Lutheran, we accept these teachings fully and strive to consistently apply them to our preaching, teaching, and pastoral care ministries.
First Lutheran Church, as a member of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America . . .
What is Christianity? - A basic overview of our beliefs
What do Lutherans believe with regards to . . . Who is God?
What do Lutherans believe with regards to . . . Who was Jesus?
What do Lutherans believe with regards to . . .The Holy Spirit?
What do Lutherans believe with regards to . . . The Triune God?
What do Lutherans beilieve with regards to . . . What is the Church?
What to Lutherans believe with regards to . . . The Bible?
What are some particular teachings to Lutheran churches?
Other unique Christian teachings - The Soul and Resurrection
