St. John's Lutheran Church • Sutherlin, OR
St. John's is a member congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The LCMS is a church body, a group of Christians who endeavor to walk together ("synod") in doctrine and practice. We are committed to being faithful to the Bible—the Old Testament and New Testament. We believe the Bible is the written Word of God and the sole authority which determines doctrine—what we believe, teach, and confess. We also hold to the Lutheran Confessions (the Book of Concord of 1580), which summarize biblical doctrine in a faithful, confessionally grounded way. You are always welcome to discuss these beliefs with our pastor.
With the universal Christian Church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God: the Father (Creator of all that exists); Jesus Christ the Son (who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all, rising again in victory over sin, death, and Satan); and the Holy Spirit (who creates faith through God’s Word and Sacraments). The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God.
We affirm the Bible as our sole doctrinal authority and the Lutheran Confessions (Book of Concord) as a faithful representation of Scripture. Our teaching is rooted in Martin Luther’s reforms, summarized in three phrases: Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone.
We maintain the historic practice of baptizing infants, children, and adults. Baptisms are scheduled throughout the year as people wish to be baptized or have their children baptized. If you have not been baptized and desire to be, please speak with Pastor Hoffman. Scripture tells us that all people are sinful, even children. Scripture also tells us that Baptism is a Means of Grace, in other words, it offers forgiveness of sins. And, this promise is for people of all ages, including infants and young children.
Each Sunday, we celebrate Communion. This is reserved for those who are members of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) or members of a church body in fellowship with the LCMS, unless special arrangements have been made with the Pastor. Scripture teaches us that in Communion we receive the body and blood of Jesus along with the bread and wine in a supernatural and yet real, present, and physical way. Because this is not dependent on a person's faith, but on Jesus' very words, we also take seriously God's warning in 1 Corinthians that if a person takes it in an unworthy manner (that is, they do not know what Communion is) the person sins against the very body and blood of Christ. This is why we strongly encourage all visitors to speak with the Pastor if they desire to take communion.
Here is the starter video on the basics of the Christian faith.(Yes, I still had long hair in the earlier videos... )