Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church: A Community Of Faith And Service
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a beacon of hope and spiritual guidance in our community, embodying the grace of God through faith, service, and fellowship. As we prepare for our upcoming Christmas Eve candlelight service on December 24, 2025, we invite you to join us in celebrating the birth of our Savior and experiencing the transformative power of God's love.
Our Foundation: A Community of Faith
We are a community of faith with the cross of Jesus Christ in our midst. This statement forms the cornerstone of our congregation's identity and purpose. At Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, we believe that the cross represents not just a historical event, but a living symbol of God's unconditional love and sacrifice for humanity.
Our community is built on the principles of grace, mercy, and forgiveness that Jesus exemplified during His ministry. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported in their spiritual journey. Whether you're a lifelong Lutheran or exploring Christianity for the first time, you'll find a home here among fellow seekers of truth and grace.
The Grace That Shapes Us
As our name suggests, the grace of God shapes who we are as followers of Jesus. This divine grace is not something we earn or deserve; it's a gift freely given by God, and it transforms how we live, love, and serve. Our congregation embraces this grace as the foundation of our identity and the motivation for our actions.
We understand that grace is not just a theological concept but a practical way of living. It influences how we interact with one another, how we approach challenges, and how we extend compassion to those in need. This grace-centered approach creates a unique atmosphere where people can be authentic, vulnerable, and supported in their faith journey.
Welcome to Our Faith Community
Welcome to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church - a place where faith comes alive through worship, education, and service. Our doors are open to everyone seeking spiritual growth, community connection, and opportunities to make a positive impact in the world.
We offer a variety of worship services, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives designed to meet people where they are in their spiritual journey. Whether you prefer traditional liturgical worship or contemporary expressions of faith, you'll find a place to connect with God and others in meaningful ways.
Our Mission: Sharing God's Love
Our mission is to share God's love with each other, the community, and the world. This mission drives everything we do at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. We believe that faith should be active and outward-focused, extending beyond the walls of our sanctuary into the lives of those around us.
Our mission manifests in various ways:
- Fellowship: Creating a supportive community where members can grow in faith together
- Service: Engaging in local and global outreach initiatives to meet practical needs
- Evangelism: Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through word and action
- Education: Providing opportunities for spiritual growth and biblical understanding
A Call to Return to God
Return to God with all your heart, the source of grace and mercy - these words from Marty Haugen's beautiful hymn resonate deeply with our congregation's spiritual focus. We believe that returning to God is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of the heart.
This call to return involves:
- Repentance: Acknowledging our need for God's forgiveness and guidance
- Recommitment: Rededicating ourselves to following Jesus' teachings and example
- Restoration: Experiencing the healing and wholeness that comes from God's grace
- Renewal: Being transformed by the Holy Spirit to live as Christ's disciples
Seeking God's Faithfulness
Come seek the tender faithfulness of God - this invitation extends to everyone who enters our doors or connects with our ministry. We believe that God's faithfulness is constant and reliable, even when our own faith wavers.
In our worship services, Bible studies, and small groups, we create space for people to encounter God's faithfulness personally. Through prayer, scripture reading, and communal worship, we experience how God remains faithful to His promises and His people throughout all generations.
Apostolic Greeting: The Grace of Our Lord Jesus
Apostolic greeting: The grace of our Lord Jesus - this traditional greeting reminds us of the early church's emphasis on grace as the foundation of Christian fellowship. It's more than a formal greeting; it's a theological statement that shapes our understanding of who we are in Christ.
This greeting appears in various forms throughout the New Testament, emphasizing that grace is not just a doctrine but a person - Jesus Christ Himself. When we greet one another with these words, we're acknowledging our shared identity in Christ and the grace that binds us together as one body.
Christian Education and Faith Formation
Christian education provides opportunities for faith formation for members and friends of the congregation. At Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, we recognize that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires intentional nurturing and development.
Our educational programs include:
- Sunday School: Age-appropriate Bible study for children and youth
- Adult Bible Studies: In-depth exploration of scripture and Christian theology
- Confirmation Classes: Preparation for youth to affirm their baptismal vows
- Small Groups: Intimate settings for fellowship and spiritual growth
- Special Workshops: Topical studies on relevant faith and life issues
These educational opportunities create a foundation for mature faith that can withstand life's challenges and deepen our relationship with God.
Our Social Ministry: Anchor House
Anchor House, located in Auburndale, Florida, is our social ministry appeal for March. This ministry represents our commitment to putting faith into action by serving vulnerable populations in our community.
Anchor House is a Christian ministry located in Polk County, Florida, committed to reaching boys in crisis. This organization provides:
- Safe Housing: A secure environment for boys who have experienced trauma or instability
- Educational Support: Tutoring and academic assistance to help boys succeed in school
- Emotional Healing: Counseling and therapeutic programs to address trauma and build resilience
- Spiritual Formation: Opportunities to learn about God's love and develop a personal faith
- Life Skills Training: Practical skills that prepare boys for independent living
Through our support of Anchor House, we demonstrate God's love in tangible ways, offering hope and healing to young people who need it most.
The Generosity of Our Congregation
The generosity and grace of this congregation have always been manifest. Throughout our history, members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church have demonstrated remarkable generosity in supporting both local and global missions.
This generosity takes many forms:
- Financial Giving: Supporting the church's ministries and outreach programs
- Time and Talent: Volunteering in various church and community initiatives
- Prayer Support: Interceding for those in need and for the success of our ministries
- Material Donations: Providing resources for those experiencing hardship
Our generous spirit reflects the grace we've received from God and our desire to share that grace with others.
Our Historical Journey
When we moved from our former location on the corner of Orange and Tennessee in 1956, pews and stained glass that we no longer needed found new homes in other churches and ministries. This historical transition demonstrates our congregation's adaptability and commitment to serving God's purposes, even through change.
Our history is rich with stories of faithful people who have built and sustained this ministry over generations. From our early beginnings to our current ministry, we've remained committed to being a light in our community and a place where people can encounter God's grace.
Worship Services and Special Events
Sermons/services by date, sermons/services by series, Sunday morning worship on February 1, 2026 - our worship schedule provides regular opportunities for spiritual nourishment and community connection.
Our worship services include:
- Traditional Worship: Liturgical services with hymns, liturgy, and Holy Communion
- Contemporary Worship: Modern expressions of praise and worship
- Special Services: Seasonal celebrations and unique worship experiences
- Midweek Services: Additional opportunities for prayer and reflection
Ash Wednesday Service
Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 18th. This important day marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation for Easter.
A service of absolution and imposition of ashes will be held at 12:00 noon in the chapel and at 6:00 p.m. These services provide:
- Reflection: Time to examine our hearts and confess our sins
- Repentance: Opportunity to turn back to God with renewed commitment
- Renewal: Beginning of a spiritual journey through the Lenten season
- Community: Shared experience of seeking God's grace and forgiveness
Conclusion
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a testament to God's enduring grace and the power of community faith. From our Christmas Eve candlelight service to our daily acts of service and worship, we strive to embody the love and grace of Jesus Christ in everything we do.
Whether you're seeking a place to worship, grow in faith, serve others, or find community, we invite you to join us on this journey of grace. Together, we can experience the transforming power of God's love and share it with the world around us.
Come and discover how God's grace can shape your life, heal your heart, and empower you to make a difference in the lives of others. At Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, you'll find not just a church, but a family of faith committed to following Jesus and sharing His love with everyone we encounter.
