OUR MEMBERSHIP. The greatest portion of our membership is
new to Lutheranism. This has been an exciting aspect of our work
here at Concordia. It also gives us a wonderful opportunity to
share the many and great truths of Scripture in a refreshing
and liberating way to those who have seen Christianity presented
mainly as a stern, rule-oriented way of life as it is often
portrayed among some of the more fundamentalistic groups in the
area. We want our membership to continue to be a breath of
fresh air in our local communities where the Gospel of Jesus
Christ might happily flourish and enrich the lives of people
around us.
WHAT WE TEACH. We teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This
is the good and happy news that even though all people have sinned
and fall short of what God expects, God still loves us and has
provided a way through Jesus Christ to live joyfully in harmony
with Him again. Basically, Lutheranism teaches that a person is
saved only by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. You will
begin to recognize that happy theme in our Sunday School classes,
the messages shared during the worship hour, and in our Bible
classes. We think it will be discernible to you that as we
fellowship together that we are relating to one another, not
only as fellow human beings on planet earth, but as brothers
and sisters in Christ. The Law and Gospel message of the Scripture
works in our lives in a very real and positive way. We teach
everything that the Bible teaches and we make an effort to present
it in ways which make our lives in today's world more meaningful
and joyful.
CONCORDIA'S MISSION. Our mission is shaped by our Christian
faith and our attitude toward life in all of its fullness.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES. The Lutheran Church has
always been very aware of the importance of Christian education
among its people. Following in that tradition, Concordia also
makes every effort to provide religious education to all of its
members. An Adult Inquirers Class is offered to
non-Lutherans to acquaint them with the teachings of Christianity.
This series of approximately ten lessons helps one to know before
joining what the church teaches. At Concordia this series of
studies is offered twice a year, without obligation of any kind,
to anyone who wishes to inquire into the teachings of the Bible.
Confirmation Classes are also provided for children who
wish to prepare for the Rite of Confirmation. Concordia offers
two years of confirmation instruction for children beginning
in the sixth or seventh grade (parental option). These classes
meet during the school term on Wednesdays from 6:15pm to 7:15pm.
Sunday School classes are available from 9:15am to
10:15am every Sunday morning for children beginning at age three
through high school. An Adult Bible Class is offered during the
Sunday School hour for all who wish to participate. This class
is being taught by the pastor and is quite informal and
exceptionally interesting.
YOUTH GROUP activities are offered to our young people
to provide opportunities for fellowshipping with Christians
of their own age. Together with their counselors they engage
in service, educational, spiritual and recreational projects.
CHOIR. Our church choir is especially active during the
seasonal portion of the church year. This provides opportunities
for those who like to sing praises to the Lord in this special
way. Men's and women's voices are always welcome in our choir.
Dates and times of choir practice are published at the
appropriate times in our Sunday announcement bulletin.
FELLOWSHIP activities for our members are planned by our
Boards of Administration and Stewardship. Our goal is to provide
a variety of fellowship activities for our families and single
adults on a regular monthly basis. Activities vary and have
ranged from the old-fashioned church picnic and potluck dinners
to theme parties and outings of various kinds. We believe that
participating in fellowship activities also provides us with
opportunities to share our fellowship with those who do not
have a church home. This helps our guests come to know us as
people who love the Lord and those around us.
ADMNISTRATIVE BOARDS. The administrative boards help us
to accomplish the challenging mission which Concordia has.
Our Mission At Concordia
iving joyfully in friendship, love and ministry.
penly reaching out with the Gospel.
isibly sharing the life of Christ through Word & Sacrament.
ncouraging spiritual growth and development. "Where God's love touches people's lives."
Our Board of Evangelism helps all of us become more alert
to the need to spontaneously and intentionally share our Christian
faith with others.
Our Board of Stewardship helps us to learn how to be more
successful in managing our time, talents, money and property
in a God-pleasing way. This board also helps us engage in
fellowship activities and keeps the congregation informed about
special activities.
Our Board of Education helps to provide Christian educational
opportunities for our children and adults. In addition to Sunday
School and Adult Bible Classes, this board also provides
opportunities for youth group activities.
Our Board of Lay Ministry is comparable to the board of
elders or board of deacons. These men assist the pastor during
the Sunday worship service, schedule ushers, acolytes and attend
to other worship needs. They help keep the many activities and
functions of the congregation in harmony with Scripture and good
order. Each Lay Minister has a "little flock" of the membership
with whom he makes contact from time to time, listens to their
ideas and feelings and offers encouragement and help. In this
way they help the pastor and the rest of the congregation minister
to one another more effectively.
The Board of Properties care for our church building and
grounds. They enlist the help of the membership in keeping the
church clean, in good repair, as well as, an attractive place to
worship.
The Board of Administration is composed of the congregational
officers and the directors of each administrative board. They
help make good decisions with respect to our mission and ministry
and provide guidance coordination of effort in planning.
The Voters Assembly is the final decision making body for
our congregation. All adult members who are 18 and over are
encouraged to participate in the Voters Assembly. It is this
body which elects our leaders and keeps our membership informed
about the activities and needs of our congregation.
