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Worship

Worship is at the heart of who we are as a congregation. We are called to gather in His name. These gatherings connect us to Christ and to each other. 

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Worship is God’s gift to us, through which He comes to us and offers us His love, grace, and mercy in Jesus Christ.

That most clearly happens during the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, at Faith we celebrate the Holy Eucharist every Sunday, Holy Day, and on some weekdays during church holiday celebrations.​

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During the seasons of Advent and Lent, Check for available mid-week worship and other engagement opportunities.

The Holy Eucharist (Communion)

In response to Jesus’ command, “do this in remembrance of me,” Christians have gathered for the “breaking of the bread” on every Sunday since ancient New Testament times.

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The essential format of the worship of service of the Holy Eucharist known as The Order of Worship, (i. e. Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending) was developed within the first century of the Church: readings from the Bible, a sermon, prayers for the needs of others, collection for the needs of the poor, Holy Communion, and sending out into the world to carry the Good News of Jesus Christ are the common worship form. 

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From the beginning, the Lutheran reform allowed for a great deal of flexibility and a certain degree of variety in the format of worship. Such flexibility and variety exist today as well. The preference of Luther and his associates, however, seems to be that the Roman order of the Mass be largely retained, though reformed to avoid any notion that it is something we offer to God, to increase participation by the people, especially with the singing of hymns, and to have at least some parts in the language of the people.

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Since the 1980’s, while following the worship book of the ELCA, Faith has increasingly embraced what some refer to as “high church” or “Evangelical Catholic” style of worship. In part, that means our worship preserves the best of Catholic liturgical and theological tradition within a Lutheran context. Other common names for the Holy Eucharist are Holy Communion, the Mass, the Lord’s Supper, or the Divine Service. All of those titles are correct and permissible for Lutherans.

Along with Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, Lutherans believe that the body and blood of Jesus are truly present, in, under, and with) the bread (body) and wine (blood) of Holy Communion. All are Welcome at This Eucharistic Table!

Music

“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” -Martin Luther

 

Music, especially hymns, play an important part in Lutheran worship and devotion. That is certainly true of Faith.

Our hymns come from a variety of times and cultures, though at Faith we tend towards the more classical and traditional styles.

We are blessed with a very fine organist who accompanies us through a variety of hymns often found within the Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) book.

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Special Occasions

Baptism

“In Holy Baptism our gracious heavenly Father liberates us from sin and death by joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are born children of a fallen humanity; in the waters of Baptism we are reborn children of God and inheritors of eternal life. By water and the Holy Spirit we are made members of the Church which is the body of Christ. As we live with him and with his people, we grow in faith, love, and obedience to the will of God.” (Lutheran Book of Worship)

 

If you or your child are seeking Holy Baptism, please contact the Pastor.

Confirmation

Confirmation (7th and 8th grades) is a two-year process to help a young person affirm the promises made at Baptism, and to come to a deeper knowledge of Lutheran Doctrine and Life as a Lutheran with the intention of living out of their faith and relationship with Jesus and His Church, particularly as expressed within the Lutheran Church. Meeting times and topics are currently arranged with the Pastor.

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Confirmation is also available to adults not previously confirmed.

Marriage

The Church celebrates and blesses marriage as a gift of God.

Couples (not limited to Lutherans or members of Faith) who wish to have their wedding at Faith should contact the Pastor at least 6 months in advance.

Anointing of the Sick

In accordance with tradition and the directives of Scripture, the Church offers prescribed prayers for healing and anointing with blessed oil to any people suffering in mind, body, or spirit.

Prayers for healing and anointing are occasionally offered after the Sunday Eucharist and frequently during hospital or home visits. Please contact the Pastor.

Funerals

The Church commends those who have died to the mercy of God by offering prayer and words of comfort, hope, and assurance through the Resurrection of Jesus. Comfort and assurance are offered as well, to those mourning the loss of a loved one.

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Our custom at Faith is that the memorial service take place at the church within the context of the Holy Eucharist, as well as the presence of the body or ashes. Funeral services are also available at local funeral homes as it fits the needs of the family.

Services are not restricted to members or to Lutherans, but potentially available to any Christian.

 

Please contact the Pastor for more information.

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