SHARED LUTHERAN MINISTRY

A collaborative partnership between four unique churches in Fayette County, Texas . Each church is an independent church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our shared ministry began in 2001, though our four churches have been deeply rooted in our communities for much longer.

We are Christians first and foremost, with roots in the Lutheran tradition. Read on to discover what we believe and how these beliefs come to life in our actions.

WE ARE FAITHFUL, LITURGICAL & SACRAMENTAL

FAITHFUL

Christians believe that God came to us in Jesus Christ, a true human, humble and vulnerable. Jesus lived among us and demonstrated the good news in all he was and did. The good news is the promise that GOD LOVES US and saves us by grace alone. This promise was realized when JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED. He died on the cross but was raised again in the body and in a new wholeness. As a result, through the GIFT OF GRACE received by faith, all people can be made whole in Christ and SET FREE TO LOVE and serve all people, particularly the vulnerable, just as God loves us.

Martin Luther, after whom the Lutheran branch of Christianity is named, once wrote, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that you could stake your life on it one thousand times.” Faith is not about intellectually agreeing to a set of beliefs. It is about living in a trusting relationship with God in response to God’s grace.

Faith is our confident hope that living in God’s promises sparks renewal to love and serve neighbors, as God in Christ loves us.

LITURGICAL

Lutherans gather for worship to give thanks to God and remember our identity as followers of Jesus. When we gather, we follow an ancient rhythm of worship called liturgy. Liturgy is the order of worship in four parts - Gathering, Word, Meal and Sending.

We GATHER as God's faithful people, confessing that we sin and fall short of God's hopes for our lives. God responds with forgiveness and mercy.

We hear the WORD through scripture, song and sermon.

We share a sacred MEAL called Holy Communion as a tangible reminder of God's mercy.

We are SENT into the world to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Through this ancient rhythm of worship, we are formed and reformed as faithful followers of Jesus. You may recognize several elements of our worship that are shared among other Christian denominations, such as the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and Lord's Prayer. Learn more about ELCA liturgy and teaching here.

SACRAMENTAL

Lutherans celebrate two SACRAMENTS (sacred acts) that reveal God's presence in daily life. These sacred acts are: commanded by God in scripture, convey God's promise of salvation and

connect to earthly elements.

BAPTISM invites us into holy family. Jesus commands his followers to ‘make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit' (Matthew 28:18-20). God promises forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ. This command and promise is connected to the earthly element of water.

COMMUNION invites us to feast on God’s mercy. Jesus commands his followers to ‘eat the bread and drink the cup’ as a reminder of God’s faithfulness (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). God makes a new covenant in Jesus’ blood, a holy promise of forgiveness. This command and promise is connected to the earthly elements of bread and wine.


FAITH IN ACTION

GROWING FAITH

'Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace.' - Martin Luther

Faith in Jesus Christ is meant to be active and evolving throughout our entire lives.

FAITH GROWS AS WE:

  • Gather for Worship
  • Study God's Word
  • Live and Give Generously
CARING RELATIONSHIPS

Through the incarnation, God chose to dwell among us in flesh and bone. Through caring relationships, we become the hands, feet and heart of Christ.

WE CARE AS WE:

  • Foster meaningful community
  • Pray for the sick and grieving
  • Care for the elderly and lonely
ACTIVE SERVICE

In the Kingdom of God there is no hunger or thirst, nakedness or oppression. We enact a tiny glimpse of God's kingdom as we serve our neighbors.

WE SERVE AS WE:

  • Discover unmet needs
  • Volunteer with local charities

like AMEN and Second Chance

GENUINE HOSPITALITY

Biblical hospitality goes beyond our world's understanding of being a good host. True hospitality welcomes the newcomer and the estranged with genuine love.

WE WELCOME AS WE:

  • Invite others to engage
  • Include newcomers with

warmth and grace