We are a church of the The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

Lutherans hold to the basic principles of Martin Luther’s theological teachings, such as Grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone. These comprise the very essence of Lutheranism:

• We are saved by the grace of God alone — not by anything we do;
• Our salvation is through faith alone — a confident trust in God, who in Christ promises us forgiveness, life and salvation; and
• The Bible is the norm for faith and life — the true standard by which teachings and doctrines are to be judged.

The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God, and experience God's grace in our lives.

Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation—the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world. Lutherans are a diverse group of people, convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading us toward unity in the household of God.

We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God’s word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story.

Most Americans, religious or not, have heard of and read part or even all of the Bible. It is arguably one of the most often referenced books — or set of books—in our culture.

In its most basic definition, the Bible is a diverse collection of writings, divided into two main sections:

• the Old Testament, which tells the story of God’s relationship with and work on behalf of the Hebrew people
• the New Testament, which shares the story of Jesus, God’s Son, and his teachings, death and resurrection, as well as the experiences and faith of the first followers of Jesus

But it's meaning—and its significance to the Christian faith—is far more complex and profound. As Lutherans, ELCA members believe that the Bible is the written Word of God. It creates and nurtures faith through the work of the Holy Spirit and points us to Jesus Christ, the living Word, and center of our faith. And in reading the Bible, we are invited into a relationship with God that both challenges us and promises us new life.

We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways. With more than 10,300 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and 4.5 million members—we welcome you to experience this church right in your community. Explore the ELCA, and help us celebrate our gift of faith—with action.