Being Lutheran / Communion

Being Lutheran

With the universal Christian Church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God: the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God's Word and Sacraments.

Lutheran churches arose almost 500 years ago when Christians sought to return the church to the teachings of Jesus and His first disciples. The issues on which the “reformation” focused can be summarized in three short phrases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone.

Grace alone  God loves the people of the world, even though we often live in ways that are against his plan for our lives. He sent Jesus, His Son, to save and reunite us to Him.

Faith alone  By His suffering and death Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for all people of all times. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in us and gives people forgiveness through Jesus.

Scripture alone  The entire Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the only way we discover God’s plan for our lives.
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Our church still focuses on these truths today!

Why is St. John’s part of an organization of other congregations?  Just as it is a good idea for individual Christians to be together with other Christians for mutual support, encouragement, and accountability, so also, we believe it is a good idea for churches. By being part of an organization of congregations (often called a “denomination”), we hold one another accountable to true teaching and to pursuing the mission of the church. You can enter any LCMS congregation and be sure that, although the methods for ministry may differ, the same commitment to God’s Grace and His Word will be found there!

Do you have questions regarding the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) beliefs?  Here is a wonderful website that answers a lot of questions https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs.  You can always reach out to Pastor Dan or Pastor Pete with any questions.  God bless you all!

Communion Practices

​We celebrate the Lord’s Supper believing in the “Real Presence”—that we receive Christ’s Body and Blood in, with and under the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). In I Corinthians 11:28, God urges us to examine ourselves before taking the Lord’s Supper. Therefore, we ask you to spend a moment in prayer considering...

Do I trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior?

Do I admit my sin and need for God’s grace?

Do I believe that Jesus Christ is truly present

and forgives my sin in this sacrament?

Do I intend to amend my sinful life?

You are most welcome to commune if you hold the above beliefs. We recommend instruction about this sacrament which we offer during our Confirmation program and in our Adult Membership Class. For further clarification, feel free to speak with the Pastor or an Elder.
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NOTE: Non-alcoholic wine is located in the center of the individual cup tray. Gluten-free hosts are available; please see an usher prior to worship service.