Basic Beliefs

St. John is a Christian fellowship, as we believe that one is saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. We confess that our salvation from sin, death, and the power of the devil has been won by Jesus' death on the cross. Through faith in Christ, each person can have a personal and meaningful relationship with his Creator. (Hebrews 4:14-16, 6:20; Ephesians 2:18)

As Bible-believing Christians, we confess that there is one God who reveals himself in three persons -- Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. We believe all three are living and actively at work today. (Matthew 28:9; Luke 3:22; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

We believe the Bible is the standard rule of faith for all Christians and is God's message for mankind. God-given words are a guide for all cultures and generations. We further believe the Bible is God's truth revealed to all people and is His standard for measuring faith and conduct.

We interpret God's Word (the Bible) literally, accepting its truth as recorded. We believe that God performed every miracle and supernatural work as described in the Bible. We confess that God, by His Word, created all things of this world including mankind in His own image as stated in Genesis. We believe that the flood and the ark, the parting of the Red Sea, the feeding of the 5,000, the many judgments for sin, and the healings were actual events. Further, we believe that the events prophesied in the final book, Revelation, are a warning to us of God's impending judgment of all the people in this world.

Structure

In the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Christ is recognized as the head of the Church. He is supreme and His life is the pattern for all ministry and the conduct of the church. (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18)

The pastor is called by the local congregation to lead through exhortation of the Word and example. He is responsible for much of the public ministry and he trains and equips members of the congregation for the work of the ministry. St. John elects a Board of Directors to assist the pastor and manage the business operation of the church. (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

Worship

On Sunday mornings, you have the opportunity to choose the worship style that best fits your personal interest. St. John offers a traditional worship service which has its roots in forms used by the Jews before the time of Christ and further developed by the Christian Church throughout the centuries. The musical setting has its roots in the 16th century choral style. A contemporary worship service is also offered, which continues the valid tradition of the church's worship forms but uses a musical setting in tune with Christian musical styles being developed today.

Sacraments

We celebrate Baptism and Holy Communion as our two sacraments, which are sacred acts of Christ bestowing his forgiveness. Holy Communion is shared every Sunday morning during one of the two worship services and also on the first Wednesday evening of each month. We believe that the Lord's Supper is a Christian's direct encounter with God. Christ's body and blood are truly present and received "in, with, under" bread and wine. Christ again comes among us to forgive our sins and help us live truly Christian lives.

Baptism is the first act of God commended by Christ for the church to continue. It is God's action to create saving faith in the heart and life. Infants and children, as well as adults, are included in the command to be baptized. Baptism is a public testimony signifying the death of the individual's sinful nature and the new birth in Jesus Christ.