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What is Lutheranism
Martin Luther was eight years old when Christopher Columbus set sail from Europe and landed in the Western Hemisphere. Luther was a young monk and priest when Michaelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
A few years later, he was a junior faculty member at a new university in small-town Germany, intently studying the Scriptures, “captivated with an extraordinary ardor for understanding Paul in the Epistle to the Romans.”
In these days Luther was tormented by the demand for righteousness before God. “I did not love, yes, I hated the righteous God who punishes sinners, and secretly, if not blasphemously, certainly murmuring greatly, I was angry with God.” Then, in the midst of that struggle with God, the message of the Scriptures became clear, like a long-shut door opening wide. When he realized that a “merciful God justifies us by faith … I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates.”
What Luther discovered is the freedom of Christians trusting God’s mercy in Christ. As he later wrote, “Faith is God’s work in us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What does is mean for St. John-San Juan Lutheran Church to be All Inclusive?For St. John-San Juan Lutheran Church, being all-inclusive means embracing individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their cultural, linguistic, or socio-economic backgrounds. It signifies a commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and connected. This approach is reflected in our bilingual services, diverse ministries, and outreach programs, which are designed to meet the varied needs of our congregation and community. Being all-inclusive also means recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions of each individual, fostering a sense of belonging and unity under the shared banner of faith. In essence, our church embodies the principle of God's unconditional love and acceptance, striving to mirror that inclusivity in all that we do.
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What time are your services, and do I need to speak both English and Spanish to attend?Our services are held every Sunday at 10:30am. They are bilingual, but you don't need to be fluent in both languages to join us. The service is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their primary language.
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How can I get involved with the church's ministries and volunteer opportunities?We have a variety of ministries and volunteer opportunities available. The best way to get involved is to contact our ministry coordinator via our Contact Form or visit our website Outreach section for more information on the different ways you can serve and participate.
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Are children welcome in your services?Absolutely! Children are an important part of our church family. We will offer special programs for children during our services in the near future, meanwhile they are welcome to sit with you and participate in the service as they learn about God’s love with you.
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How can I submit a prayer request or speak with a pastor?You can submit prayer requests through our website, or in person at our services. There is a prayer request form under the Ministries Tab section. If you wish to speak with a pastor, please contact our church office with our Contact Form to schedule a meeting or a call. We are here to support you in your spiritual journey and any challenges you may face.
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Is the church accessible for people with disabilities?Yes, our church is committed to being accessible to all. We have facilities and accommodations in place to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in our services and activities.
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How can I make a donation or contribute to the church?Donations can be made online through our website, by mail, or in person at our services. We greatly appreciate your support, which helps us continue our various programs and maintain our church facilities.
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What kind of outreach programs does the church offer?Our church is involved in various outreach programs, including food drives, community support initiatives, and partnerships with local charities. We focus on serving those in need in our community and encourage members to get involved. Please visit our Outreach Tab on our website for more information.