What We Believe

At Gethsemane, we are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our faith is grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the grace of God.

Here are the core beliefs that guide our community:

Grace Alone

We believe that we are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ. This grace is a free gift, not earned by our works, but given to us out of God’s love.

The Trinity

We believe in one God, who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This Holy Trinity is central to our understanding of God’s nature and God’s relationship with humanity.

Scripture

The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source for our faith and life. We interpret Scripture through the lens of Christ, seeking to understand its message of love, mercy, and justice.

Sacraments

We celebrate two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. Through these sacred acts, we receive God’s grace and are strengthened in our faith. Baptism initiates us into the Christian community, while Holy Communion nourishes our spiritual journey.

Community and Service

We are called to live out our faith in community. We believe in serving others and caring for creation as an expression of our love for God and neighbor. All that we do reflects our commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation.

Inclusivity and Diversity

As a Reconciling In Christ congregation, we believe that all people are created in the image of God and are worthy of love and respect. Our congregation welcomes everyone, regardless of background, sexual orientation, or life circumstances. We strive to be a place where all can experience God’s unconditional love.

Faith in Action

Our faith compels us to work for justice and peace in our local and global communities. We are committed to outreach, advocacy, and supporting those in need, reflecting the love of Christ through our actions.

Discipleship

We believe in the call to be disciples of Jesus. This involves lifelong learning, prayer, and engagement with our faith. We encourage our members to grow spiritually and to share their faith with others.

Conclusion

At Gethsemane, we are united by our belief in Jesus Christ and our desire to live out His teachings. We invite you to join us in worship, fellowship, and service as we seek to grow in faith and share God’s love with the world. If you have questions or want to learn more, please reach out—we would love to connect with you!