What We Believe

 

We welcome your questions, as well as your faith. We hope these statements of belief begin a conversation.

 

We’re Lutherans!

What does that mean?

First, there are many different Lutheran church organizations in America. Celebration Lutheran is an ELCA congregation (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America).

The ELCA professes (from the ELCA website):

  • The ELCA confesses the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
  • In our preaching and teaching the ELCA trusts the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.
  • ELCA teaching or theology serves the proclamation and ministry of this faith. It does not have an answer for all questions, not even all religious questions.
  • Teaching or theology prepares members to be witnesses in speech and in action of God’s rich mercy in Jesus Christ.

 

What does this mean?

  • Lutherans are very serious about grace and the love of God for you, all people, and all creation!
  • Lutherans embrace paradox and mystery.
  • We preach we are all “sinners and saints.”
  • We profess God’s love for us is greater than God’s judgement.
  • We work to include all people.
  • We wrestle with the challenging messages of the Gospel as a call for justice – social, environmental, economic, etc.
  • We believe all people are called to live into the fullness of their faith in the context of their lives, with all the challenge, love, and hope that this entails.

 

We’re a living community exploring life and faith together.

This means we don’t agree on all issues, but we are committed to a life in Christ together.

    100% Lutheran

    A big part of being Lutheran is exploring and living the theology of the cross. This teaching professes that God’s love for us is most revealed to us by the death of Jesus on the cross. The cross shows us that there is no path so dark in our lives that cannot be redeemed by God’s love. There is no place that God has not been.

    We cannot meet God in God’s glory through striving. God’s glory is in coming to us in our most difficult times, in the most hidden parts of our hearts.

    We are never alone, we are never without God, and we are never beyond redemption. That is the promise of the cross for you.

    Glory be to God!

    Worship Information

    We worship on Sundays at 10am online and in person, along with Wednesday evening services in special times of the year.

    More information is available on the Worship page.

    Adult Faith Formation

    Adults are welcome to join us for varied discussions before worship and other designated times. These conversations are meant to facilitate greater engagement in faith by having the opportunity to ask questions, voice your own thoughts, and explore ideas at a deeper level. 

    You are welcome to join at 9am Sundays (September – May) and learn more on the Ministries page.

     

    Youth Ministry

    Celebration loves our kids! We offer Sunday School,  confirmation classes for middle school youth, and synod and national youth group opportunities. Children are always welcome to attend services with their parents!

    For more information, visit the Ministries page and call the church office to ensure we are prepared to care for your children when you arrive.

    Mission Partners

    Celebration is committed to working with local nonprofits, along with our own ministry opportunities to address community needs in:

    • Food security
    • Homelessness
    • Support for children
    • Immigration issues

    We welcome your engagement and passion! Learn more at our Ministries page and contact us.

    Questions about worship or inclusion?

    Celebration Lutheran’s staff and pastoral team are all happy to answer questions about our church and community to help you assess whether Celebration is a good fit for your spiritual life.

    Call Celebration’s office at 509-884-3817 or email churchclc@nwi.net.

    Join Our Email List

    We email prayer requests to the community, along with worship bulletins for online worship, updates on special events, and the monthly newsletter. In general, you can expect about 3-4 emails a week from Celebration Lutheran.