Q: What does it look like to come into God's presence in this place?
A: Some have described it as peaceful, energizing, rejuvenating, loving, and healing. Everything we do at Faith is inspired by God’s love for all of creation. In our worship of God - the one who creates, sustains and nurtures us - we sing, we pray, we hear scripture read and a sermon that relates God's word and work in the world to our lives.
Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m.
And we never leave church. We are sent into the world to put our faith, hope and love into action. We take our liturgy - “the work of the people” - into every arena of life.
Q: Are children welcome here?
A: Children are not the future of the church - they are the very present church! Children will giggle and wiggle and... be children. We get that; that's how God created them. Their job is to laugh, question, play and give us a reminder not to take ourselves so seriously. Children are not only welcome, but encouraged to be active participants in worship.
Q: Who is welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion?
A: We practice open communion. If you receive the sacrament in your own fellowship you are certainly welcome to receive in ours. We believe that this is the Lord's Supper - not our pastor's, not Faith Lutheran's, not the Lutheran tradition's, but the Lord's. All are welcome at the Lord's invitation.
Gluten Free and Non-Alcoholic options are available
Q: Another question about the sacrament of communion... how do I take it here?
A: Each church does this a little differently. We even change it occasionally.
You will be ushered into a line down the main aisle, where you will first receive the bread from Pastor, then the cup of wine or apple juice from a communion assistant. You will then return to your seat via the side aisle.
Mobility should never keep you from the meal. Just tell our ushers that you would like Holy Communion brought to your seat.
Q: (Um, I'm afraid to ask, but what's a sacrament?)
A: God's gift of grace and forgiveness to and for us. Simply. No strings attached. We may encounter God's presence in many things - daily miracles and blessings, like seeing the smile of a child or someone holding the door for another person - but we can consistently count on God coming to us in our celebration of Baptism and Holy Communion (the two sacraments). Sacraments are holy expressions of God, where we can regularly and reliably know that God is present. They are holy encounters. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are washed with water, brought to the faith and are made one in the family of God and other believers. In the Sacrament of Holy Communion (aka Eucharist or Lord's Supper), we are renewed, fed, and forgiven.
Q: What about Scripture? How do you understand the Word of God?
A: We confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.
Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and through whose life, death, and resurrection God fashions a new creation.
The proclamation of God’s message to us as both Law and Gospel is the Word of God, revealing judgment and mercy through word and deed, beginning with the Word in creation, continuing in the history of Israel, and centering in all its fullness in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired by God’s Spirit speaking through their authors, they record and announce God’s revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through them God’s Spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world.
We accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith, and life.
—from the ELCA Constitution
Q: Will I be asked to stand up or say anything?
A: Absolutely not. You will receive a smile and a warm welcome, but we refuse to embarrass anyone!
Q: Will I be OK in blue jeans or do I need to dress in my "Sunday best"?
A: Come as you are, just as Jesus said to his disciples. If a three-piece suit fits your personality, wear it! If you're more of a flip-flop person, wear those! We don't care how you dress - just be sure you put something, anything on. Togas are fine, too.
Q: What if I'm not Lutheran?
A: That's fine! Our worship is meant to connect you to God's way of life and love. We just happen to be Lutheran.
Q: What Lutheran "Synod" are you (ELCA, Missouri, NALC, Wisconsin, etc)?
A: We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Our understanding of God's Good News of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ means that we have been granted freedom from all that binds us and that the gift of abundant life is meant for all. Therefore, we are socially progressive, service and mission-minded.
Q: How long has Faith Lutheran been part of the Saginaw community.
A: For a brief summary of our history, click here.