WHAT IS A LUTHERAN? WHAT IS THE EVANGELICAL ELCA’S TEACHINGS AND VALUES Lutherans trace their roots back to the LUTHERAN CHURCH IN The ELCA confesses the Triune God – sixteenth century when Martin Luther, an AMERICA (ELCA)? Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We pro- Augustinian Roman Catholic monk, In 1988, the American Lutheran Church, claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. challenged some of the teachings and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran In our preaching and teaching the ELCA practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Churches and the Lutheran Church in trusts the Gospel as the power of God In 1517 Luther attached ninety-five the- America merged to form the ELCA. for the salvation of all who believe. ses (or propositions) to the front door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany. Lu- Now 30 years later, the ELCA is a The ELCA’s teaching or theology serves ther's bold actions were the spark that ig- church that shares a confidence in God’s the proclamation and ministry of this nited the Protestant Reformation grace. As members of the ELCA, we faith. It does not have an answer for all throughout Europe. In many recent sur- believe that we are freed in Christ in or- questions, not even all religious ques- veys celebrating the new millennium, der to serve and love our neighbor. With tions. Teaching prepares members to be Luther has been chosen as one of the our hands, we do God’s work of restor- witnesses in speech and in action of most influential thinkers and leaders of ing and reconciling communities in the God’s rich mercy in Jesus Christ. the last thousand years. name of Jesus throughout the world. Our values are grounded in faith, in our Luther initially wanted the Roman Cath- Lutherans in American trace their roots back to the mid-17th century, when Lu- biblical and Lutheran confessional olic Church to reform itself from within, sources, and our love of God and neigh- but after several tumultuous years of therans from Germany and Scandinavia began to emigrate to the U.S. bor. heated debates, the "reformers" decided it was time to start a new church denomi- Through a series of mergers the ELCA nation. Luther wanted this new denomi- has become one of the largest Christian nation to be called the Evangelical denominations in the United States, with Church, but over time, Lutheran became about 4 million members in nearly the common name for the denomination. 10,000 congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin For additional information please visit Lutherans hold a number of teachings in Islands. the ELCA website at: common with the vast majority of Chris- tian denominations, both Protestant and Shepherd of the Hill is a member of the Evan- http://www.elca.org/ Catholic. Many of the differences in gelical Lutheran Church of America. Christian denominations are not so much over differences in core beliefs, but ra- 9/6/17 ther, over differences in tradition, style, and emphasis. ELCA’S VALUES WE ARE A CHURCH THAT ROLLS UP OUR SLEEVES AND GETS TO Evangelical Lutheran Forgiveness and reconciliation — We WORK. Church in America are reconciled to God by God’s forgiv- ing mercy. The ELCA has a long history of being (ELCA) present in communities, working to help Dignity, compassion and justice — and serve where the needs are greatest. Each person is created in God’s image. Examples of this work are: We respect this God-given right to dig- nity and, inspired by the life of Jesus, ELCA Malaria Campaign, show love and compassion for all peo- ELCA World Hunger, ple. HIV and AIDS Ministry, Inclusion and diversity — As Christ’s Lutheran Disaster Response, church, we value the richness of God’s Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Ser- creation and offer a welcome to all peo- vice, and other ple, appreciating our common humanity Social Ministry Organizations and our differences. Lutheran Social Services in America is Shepherd of the Hill Courage and openness to change— one of the largest health and human ser- Because we trust in God’s promise and vice networks in the country. Our mem- Lutheran Church understand faith to be a living, daring bers span the spectrum of care provid- confidence in God’s grace, we are em- ing critical services in communities Come Join Us for Worship boldened to embrace learning and across the country, such as: Saturdays925 E. Ninth at 5:00 Street pm change in our spiritual and institutional Sundays at 9:00 am and 10:35 am journey as a church. Senior Services, Lockport, IL 60441 Health Care Services, Faithful stewardship of God’s crea- Immigration & Refugee Services, tion and gifts — As a church, faithful Children, Youth & Family Services, Pastor Jon Pedersen stewardship is about holding to God’s Disability Services, [email protected] purpose and ensuring the responsibili- Housing & Community Development, Phone: 815-838-0708 ties and resources that God has entrust- Economic Empowerment Services [email protected] ed to us are used with great care and www.shepherdofthehill.com with accountability to God, to each oth- God’s Work – Our Hands er, and those served by this church. 9/16/17 .