It was 190 years ago that brave pioneers settled in our area, seeking new life and abundant farmland. They built a simple log chapel called St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The congregation grew, built the church you see above, and continued to love God and neighbor for generations on end.The first visitors came to St. Paul on foot or by horse and carriage. And today, you come by the internet to check us out! We want you to come even closer, so we can get to know you! You are invited to join us in worship and fellowship.
May the grace, mercy, and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always!
Pastor William P. McDonald
So, what's a Lutheran?
+Lutherans are part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church stretching through time back to Jesus and his apostles. We are "holy" not because of anything we do, but only on account of God's love extended to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. We are "catholic," meaning we belong to the universal church of all times and places. "Apostolic" means we aren't to hide the good news under a bushel. Christ sends us--as he sent his first apostles--into the world with glad tidings and cross-shaped lives.
+The name "Lutheran" comes from Martin Luther, who worked for the reform and renewal of the church in the sixteenth century. His reform movement ended up bearing his name (much to his chagrin!). Today there are some 70 million Lutherans worldwide, and 4.9 million of them are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to which St. Paul's belongs.
+Lutherans particularly emphasize that God saves sinful humanity not through our good works or merits, but by faith in Christ alone. This faith alone is a gift God creates in our hearts through the hearing of the gospel. In other words, the gospel is good news that sets us free from sin and death. Therefore, we are to use this freedom to love and serve God and neighbor. A holy life is a life of service to the world around us. This is "discipleship."
+So, Lutherans are "evangelical" (meaning "centered on the good news of Jesus") and "catholic" (a part of the church of all times and places). Our worship reflects this identity. We gather to proclaim God's Word and celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, as Christians have done across time. We worship with our ears and lips: there's lots of music, hymns, and songs, both ancient and new. Practically the whole of the liturgy (the words of the service) is from the Bible. Four scripture readings and a sermon are proclaimed each Sunday. We worship with our eyes: there's much for the eye to behold in banners, vestments, and symbolism. We worship with our taste buds and sense of touch: the body and blood of Christ in bread and wine, or the splash of baptismal water over an infant or adult. We use historic gestures such as the sign of the cross. Despite all of this, worship is not so much something we do for God, but God's presence with us. All we can do is celebrate and receive this presence with joy.
+You won't be embarrassed! When you visit us for worship, we will not make you introduce yourself or sing a solo. We simply welcome you. If you are new to liturgical worship, relax and take it in. Join in as you feel led.
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