Ebenezer
Church is Christian.
We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for us, then rose from the dead through the power of God. We believe that God - revealed most fully through Jesus Christ - guides us through the ups and downs of life. We believe that through belief in and trust in Jesus, we have eternal life with God.
Ebenezer is
a Lutheran church.
We are rooted in the Bible, God's Word. We are also "catholic" (translated "universal"), which means that we identify ourselves with a long tradition of the universal church on earth. As Lutheran Christians, we look to the Confessions (historical documents from the Reformation) of our church to help us understand how to apply scripture to church life. We believe that God created us and loves us and desires for each person a fullness of life. Because of God's grace, we are free to love God, self, and all creation with all our heart, mind, and strength.
Ebenezer is
Reconciling in Christ.
We celebrate gay and lesbian individuals and families in all areas of the Ebenezer community. We believe that God loves all people no matter their race, social class, gender, or sexual orientation. Having the "Reconciling in Christ" title helps us to make that welcome known to visitors before they even enter the building.
Ebenezer is
Intergenerational.
We pride ourselves on being a community that welcomes people of all ages, old and young and everything in between. We have nursery care for very small children during worship (5 and under), but we also welcome the presence and blessing of children in worship with their parents. No matter what your age, you will find peers at Ebenezer.
Ebenezer is
a place of worship.
While we draw from tradition, we always look for new ways to express our praise and worship of God (through new words, new songs, for example). We usually use the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible in our worship gatherings, and we incorporate inclusive language (for God and humans) whenever we can. Our pastors preach sermons that are rooted in scripture but related to daily human experience also.
Ebenezer is
a place of celebration.
We celebrate Holy Communion weekly. Although the usual custom is to be baptized before receiving the Lord's Supper, we believe that all are welcome at the Lord's Table. If you feel moved to participate, please do so.
Ebenezer is
interactive.
We believe that Christian faith that we should each use our God-given gifts to improve the world around us. We believe in expressing Christian love in all that we do - every day, everywhere. By doing this, we participate in furthering God's purpose on earth and bring glory to God.
The preaching of God's Word has always marked Ebenezer's worship.
Our pastors base their sermons on the Bible readings outlined
in the Revised Common Lectionary and are read from the Revised
Standard Version of the Bible in worship.
Lutheran Worship: What to expect.
- A gathering of many ages, races, talents, and abilities
- Lively music
- A warm and friendly welcome
- Formality without formalism
- Pastors to whom you can relate both spiritually and personally
- Ritual that connects to 2,000 years of Christian tradition and speaks to the heart as well
|
