Frequently Asked Questions

A VOCABULARY FOR NEWCOMERS

Because of the many questions that people ask me about our congregation, I have assembled a list of terms commonly used in my conversations with people. I hope this will be helpful to all our readers, old and new.

Absolution: That portion at the beginning of each Sunday's service when, with the congregation still kneeling, the pastor rises and pronounces God's unconditional forgiveness. Lutherans believe that there is nothing else people must do to earn salvation, except to trust in what God has done for us through Christ's death and resurrection.

Baptism: The sprinkling of water that expresses God's initiating a relationship of trust and forgiveness with his people. Lutherans generally are baptized as infants.

Bible: Lutherans do not view the Bible primarily as a moral handbook, but as a record of God's mighty acts with Israel and his Church. Scriptures provide us with a window for understanding God's supreme revelation in Jesus Christ.

Choir: Rehearses Sundays at 9:30.

Church: The assembly of people who gather regularly to admit their spiritual and emotional emptiness before a gracious God and who receive their strength and direction from his Word and Sacraments.

Communion: Administered on the first and third Sundays of each month, the bread and wine re-present Christ's forgiving presence with us as with his erring disciples the night before his death.

Confirmation: A two-year program of instruction that seeks to interpret the Old and New Testaments, Ten Commandments, Lord's Prayer, Apostles' Creed, Baptism, Lord's Supper and life of the church to our young people, generally in the 7th and 8th grades. Held Sundays at 9:00.

Ethical Decisions: Lutherans do not turn the pulpit into a political podium in an effort to legislate how the believer is to lead his life. Responsible Christians conscientiously may take different sides on complicated moral issues today. Yet we realize all of our lives are affected by our alienation from the Source of Life. It is God's grace, not our decisions or "works" that save us.

Glen Lutheran Church: Organized in 1955, Glen is one of 11,000 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Luther: 16th century German monk turned Bible professor who led the Protestant Reformation against peddling salvation for sale and for proclamation of God's grace as a free gift.

Membership: A series of three classes leading to membership are conducted several times each year. Classes focus on Martin Luther, Lutheran teachings and the history and organization of the congregation. All inquirers are welcome. This can be a great way to make new friends!

Nursery: Child care is provided Sundays after Labor Day from 9:00 until 11:30.

Saints: You, me and all God's people who know their need for him. Yes, we're not perfect, just forgiven!

Sunday School: Sundays from 9:00 to 10:00 during the school year. Adults too!

Worship: Sundays from 10:30 to 11:30. Familiar hymns, sermons bringing together God's Word and our world. Fellowship hour afterwards on the last Sunday.

Youth: Our Luther League gathers at least twice monthly for trips, education, service and fun.

Pastor Berg