Growing in God’s grace, reflecting Christ’s love, and living in the Spirit.

First Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This is Christ’s Church. There is a place for you here. We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person — questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world. Visit www.elca.org

About Jesus Christ…
We confess Jesus Christ, God’s Word made flesh, is the Son of the Living God, Lord over every aspect of our lives, and communities and seek to follow His ways according to the holy scriptures. We believe that through Christ, God revealed Himself and His intention for the world, and that through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been made children of God, “heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29). We also believe that on the last day we will be raised from the dead to eternal life with God and Christ.

About Scripture…
We believe scripture is the inspired word of God and it reveals to us God’s intention for the world through the person of Jesus Christ. By inspired we mean humanity has recorded its encounters with the divine throughout history, utilizing their own gifts and talents through narrative, poetry, song, letters, etc. They have done this to convey the story of God’s people to create faith in those who read it. We also believe it is through scripture that we encounter the Living God in the person of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Last, we believe that scripture continues to be God’s living Word, and it is through the work of the Holy Spirit that it transforms those who read or hear of its proclamation of love and forgiveness through Christ.

About Baptism…
We practice both infant and adult baptism. According to Romans 6:3, in baptism, God joins us to Christ’s death and resurrection. Therefore baptism is the way in which one is connected to Christ and the promises of new life.
Baptism is the beginning of a life of faith where through the bestowal of the Word and the Water, God’s promises of salvation and forgiveness are delivered to the individual, adopting us and grafting us into the family of God. Jesus states in Matthew 28:18 that baptism and teaching of the gospel should go hand in hand. Thus, baptism can and should be administered as soon as possible, followed by teaching of the scriptures and a life lived in faith. When one is baptized, it is the beginning of a life that is connected to Christ and His promises of new life.

About Communion…
We believe that Christ is “truly present in, with and under” the bread and the wine. While the bread still remains bread, and the wine still remains wine, Christ is present in the earthly elements. Communion is where the promise of forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, given and internalized in a real and tangible way (Matthew 26:28).

About Tradition and Creeds…
We affirm the traditions of the church in regards to the triune God in the form of the Apostle’s Creed:

  • We believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
  • We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son our Lord.
  • We believe in the Holy Spirit and the resurrection of the dead to eternal life.