Finding Grace In Faith And Community: A Journey Of Spiritual Growth
Grace is more than just a word; it's a way of life, a community, and a spiritual journey that transforms hearts and minds. At the intersection of faith, service, and fellowship lies a profound experience that shapes who we are and how we relate to the world around us.
The Foundation of Grace
We are a community of faith with the cross of Jesus Christ in our midst, serving as both a symbol and a reminder of the sacrifice that defines our beliefs. As our name suggests, the grace of God shapes who we are as followers of Jesus, creating a foundation built on love, forgiveness, and redemption.
The concept of grace is central to our understanding of faith. It represents the unmerited favor and love that God extends to humanity, despite our imperfections and shortcomings. This divine grace becomes the cornerstone of our community, influencing how we interact with one another and how we approach our mission in the world.
Welcome to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Welcome to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, a place where faith comes alive through worship, service, and community engagement. Our doors are open to everyone seeking spiritual growth, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of God's love.
As a congregation, we strive to create an environment where individuals can explore their faith, ask questions, and grow in their relationship with God. Whether you're a lifelong Lutheran or someone curious about the Christian faith, you'll find a welcoming community ready to walk alongside you on your spiritual journey.
Our Mission: Sharing God's Love
Our mission is to share God's love with each other, the community, and the world. This mission statement guides everything we do, from our worship services to our outreach programs and educational initiatives.
We believe that love is not meant to be kept within the walls of our church but shared generously with all people. Through various ministries and community partnerships, we seek to extend God's love beyond our congregation and into the broader community.
Returning to God with All Your Heart
"Return to God with all your heart, the source of grace and mercy" - these words from Marty Haugen's hymn remind us of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. Our faith journey involves continually turning back to God, seeking His grace and mercy in every aspect of our lives.
This call to return to God isn't about perfection but about authenticity and vulnerability. It's an invitation to come as we are, acknowledging our need for God's grace and mercy. Through prayer, worship, and spiritual practices, we create space for this return to happen in our lives.
Seeking God's Tender Faithfulness
"Come seek the tender faithfulness of God" - this invitation extends to everyone, regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. God's faithfulness is a constant in an ever-changing world, providing stability and hope when we need it most.
We encourage our community members to actively seek God's presence through various spiritual practices. Whether it's through daily prayer, Bible study, or participating in worship services, we believe that seeking God leads to a deeper understanding of His character and His plans for our lives.
The Apostolic Greeting: Grace and Peace
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" - this apostolic greeting reminds us of the foundational truth of our faith. Grace is not just a theological concept but a living reality that transforms lives and communities.
This greeting appears throughout the New Testament, serving as a reminder of the grace that is available to all who believe. It's a declaration of the good news that God's grace is sufficient for every situation we face.
Christian Education and Faith Formation
Christian education provides opportunities for faith formation for members and friends of the congregation. We believe that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and education plays a crucial role in that process.
Our educational programs cater to all ages, from children's Sunday school to adult Bible study groups. We offer various learning opportunities designed to deepen understanding of Scripture, explore theological concepts, and apply faith principles to everyday life.
Through these educational initiatives, we equip our members with the knowledge and tools they need to live out their faith authentically and effectively in the world.
Community Outreach: Anchor House Ministry
Anchor House, located in Auburndale, Florida, is our social ministry appeal for March. This ministry represents our commitment to serving those in need within our community and beyond.
Anchor House is a Christian ministry located in Polk County, Florida, committed to reaching boys in crisis. This organization provides a safe and nurturing environment for young men who are facing challenging circumstances, offering them hope, support, and guidance.
Through our partnership with Anchor House, we demonstrate God's love in practical ways, showing that faith must be accompanied by action. We support this ministry through financial contributions, volunteer work, and prayer, recognizing that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
The Generosity of Our Congregation
The generosity and grace of this congregation have always been manifest in our commitment to serving others and supporting various ministries. This spirit of generosity reflects the grace that we have received and our desire to extend that grace to others.
Throughout our history, our members have demonstrated remarkable generosity, whether through financial contributions, volunteer service, or sharing their gifts and talents. This generosity has enabled us to make a significant impact in our community and beyond.
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 congregations. This transition represents our ongoing commitment to sharing resources and supporting the broader church community.
Our history is marked by periods of growth, change, and adaptation. Each transition has been an opportunity to reaffirm our mission and find new ways to serve our community. The legacy of our past continues to shape our present and guide our future.
Worship Services and Sermons
Sermons/Services by date and Sermons/Services by series are available for those who wish to revisit past messages or catch up on services they may have missed. Our Sunday morning worship at 02/01/2026 (and every Sunday) provides a consistent opportunity for spiritual nourishment and community connection.
We offer various worship styles and formats to accommodate different preferences and needs. Whether you prefer traditional liturgy or contemporary worship, you'll find a service that speaks to your heart and helps you connect with God.
Special Services: Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 18th. A service of absolution and imposition of ashes will be held at 12:00 noon in the chapel and at 6:00 p.m. This service marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a time of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.
Ash Wednesday services provide an opportunity to begin the Lenten journey with intentionality and focus. The imposition of ashes serves as a powerful reminder of our mortality and our need for God's grace and forgiveness.
The Ongoing Message of Grace
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" - this message continues to be at the heart of everything we do. Grace is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that changes lives and communities.
As we move forward in our faith journey, we remain committed to living out the grace we have received. This means extending grace to others, serving our community with compassion, and continually seeking to grow in our understanding and experience of God's love.
Conclusion
Our journey of faith is one of grace, community, and transformation. From our mission to share God's love to our commitment to Christian education and community service, every aspect of our ministry is shaped by the grace of God.
Whether you're joining us for a Christmas Eve candlelight service, participating in our educational programs, or supporting our outreach ministries, you're becoming part of a community that seeks to live out the grace we have received. We invite you to join us on this journey of faith, where grace transforms everything it touches.
