
Joy in Christ
Lutheran Church
Lutheran Church - ELCA
ELCA stands for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States and a member of the Lutheran World Federation. We trace our roots to the teachings of Martin Luther and other reformers during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation.
ELCA Lutherans believe that salvation is a gift from God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned through good works. We regard the Bible as God's inspired Word and interpret it through the Lutheran Confessions, especially the Book of Concord.
The ELCA recognizes two sacraments:
Baptism, including infant baptism
Holy Communion, believing the body and blood of Christ is truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine
The ELCA is considered a mainline Protestant denomination and is in full communion partnerships with the the Episcopal Church, the Moravian Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the Reformed Church in America, the United Methodist Church, and the United Church of Christ. We are committed to fostering unity between all peoples for the sake of the world.
When visiting the congregation, you can expect a welcoming, Christ-centered service focused on worship, scripture, preaching, prayer, music, and the celebration of Holy Communion.