What We Believe At
St. James Lutheran Church
What We Believe
St. James Lutheran Church believes in and confesses the Triune God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). We witness to Jesus Christ as crucified and risen, Lord and Savior. In our teachings, worship practices, and preaching, we proclaim the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which has the power of God to redeem and save all who believe in Jesus Christ.
We are a Christ-centered community that believes the Holy Scriptures (the Bible) are the rule and norm for our lives. We believe in primarily two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. We believe that the sacraments are means of God’s grace, through which we receive salvation and new life.
Who We Are
The people of St. James Lutheran Church are a warm and friendly Christ-centered community of grace, mercy, forgiveness, fellowship, and love for ALL people. We believe we are baptized to proclaim the gospel by serving our community and loving others. St. James Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Vision Statement
We are: One Body (Many parts combined), Growing in Faith (Life-changing), Where all are Welcome (Not Exclusionary), And Jesus is Lord (Head of the Church)
Mission Statement
“Called by God, centered in the Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we (will) rejoice in the Lord, Proclaim his gift of Grace through liturgical worship and service, and Share Christ’s love and forgiveness in all we do.”
Values & Core Values
- Liturgical Worship, Faith Alone (Sola Fide) CV
- Biblically Rooted in the Word (Sola Scriptura) CV
- Sharing Grace, Love & Forgiveness (Sola Gratia) CV
- Growing Faith in the Trinity (God the Father, … Son, & …Holy Spirit)
- Living the Marks of Discipleship
- Leading Prayerful Lives
- Committed to Evangelical Service
- Growing Community of Believers
Statement of Beliefs
- Official (ELCA & Congregational) Constitutions
- Foundational Statements of Belief:
- God’s Word is inspired and can change our lives. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the good news of salvation for all that believe. John 14:6
- God creates faith in our lives through the preaching of God’s Word, Holy Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the pronouncement of the forgiveness of sins, and Christian conversation and consolation – all through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:8-9
- God established the Church where the Word is preached in purity and Holy Baptism and Holy Communion are administered. “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
- God calls us to discern our God given gifts and use them for service in the congregation and community. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6
- God has provided a foundation for our ministry in the historical witness of the Christian church especially in the creeds and the Lutheran Confessions.