Finding Grace In Community: A Journey Of Faith And Service
Christmas Eve candlelight service is a cherished tradition at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where members and visitors gather on December 24th to celebrate the birth of Christ through song, scripture, and the warm glow of candlelight. This annual service represents the heart of our community's faith journey, bringing together people from all walks of life to experience the profound peace and joy that comes from worshiping together.
Our Foundation in Christ
We are a community of faith with the cross of Jesus Christ in our midst, serving as both our spiritual compass and the central symbol of our beliefs. The cross reminds us daily of God's unconditional love and sacrifice, grounding our ministry in the timeless truths of the Gospel. At Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, this foundational belief shapes every aspect of our worship, teaching, and community outreach.
As our name suggests, the grace of God shapes who we are as followers of Jesus. This divine grace is not merely a theological concept but a living reality that transforms lives and relationships within our congregation. We understand grace as God's unmerited favor - a gift freely given that empowers us to love others as Christ loves us.
Welcome to Our Faith Family
Welcome to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where faith comes alive through authentic relationships and meaningful worship. Our congregation has been a beacon of hope in the community for generations, offering a place where people can encounter God's love in tangible ways. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or seeking deeper spiritual connection, you'll find a welcoming community ready to walk alongside you on your journey.
Our mission is to share God's love with each other, the community, and the world. This threefold mission drives everything we do, from our worship services to our outreach programs. We believe that authentic faith naturally overflows into action, inspiring us to serve others with compassion and generosity.
Returning to God's Heart
Return to God with all your heart, the source of grace and mercy, as inspired by the words of Marty Haugen's beautiful hymn. This call to return speaks to the human experience of wandering and the divine invitation to come home. At Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, we understand that everyone's faith journey includes seasons of distance and return, and we celebrate each person's decision to draw closer to God.
Come seek the tender faithfulness of God, who remains constant even when our own faithfulness wavers. Our congregation provides numerous opportunities for spiritual renewal and growth, including prayer groups, Bible studies, and retreat experiences that help individuals deepen their relationship with God.
Apostolic Greetings and Christian Community
The apostolic greeting "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" sets the tone for our worship and ministry. This ancient blessing reminds us that our faith is rooted in the apostolic tradition while remaining relevant to contemporary life. It acknowledges the triune nature of God and the grace that flows from each person of the Trinity.
Christian education provides opportunities for faith formation for members and friends of the congregation. Our educational programs range from Sunday school for children to adult Bible studies and theological exploration groups. We believe that learning about God's Word is a lifelong journey, and we offer resources and support for spiritual growth at every age and stage.
Social Ministry and Community Impact
Anchor House, located in Auburndale, Florida, is our social ministry appeal for March. This partnership reflects our commitment to serving those in need beyond our church walls. By supporting Anchor House, we extend God's grace to vulnerable members of our community who need practical assistance and spiritual encouragement.
Anchor House is a Christian ministry located in Polk County, Florida, committed to reaching boys in crisis. This organization provides a safe, nurturing environment for young men who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through residential care, counseling, and educational support, Anchor House helps these boys heal and develop the skills they need to build successful futures.
The generosity and grace of this congregation have always been manifest in our support for ministries like Anchor House. Our members consistently demonstrate their commitment to living out their faith through tangible acts of service and financial support for worthy causes.
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 transition period taught us valuable lessons about letting go and trusting God's provision for the future. The physical move represented a spiritual journey as well, as we adapted to new circumstances while maintaining our core mission and values.
The legacy of those early years continues to inspire our current ministry. Many of the families who were part of the congregation during that transition period still worship with us today, providing a living connection to our history and traditions.
Worship and Spiritual Formation
Sermons and services by date and series form the backbone of our worship life. Our preaching team works diligently to provide relevant, biblical messages that speak to the challenges and opportunities of contemporary life. Whether you're joining us for Sunday morning worship on February 1, 2026, or participating in one of our special services throughout the year, you'll find messages that combine biblical truth with practical application.
Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 18th, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. This solemn observance invites us to reflect on our mortality, repent of our sins, and renew our commitment to following Christ. A service of absolution and imposition of ashes will be held at 12:00 noon in the chapel and at 6:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary.
The imposition of ashes serves as a powerful reminder of our human frailty and our need for God's grace. As the minister traces the sign of the cross on each person's forehead with ashes, the words "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" echo the biblical truth of our origin and destiny.
Looking Forward with Hope
As we continue our journey of faith together, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church remains committed to being a place where people can encounter God's grace in meaningful ways. Our vision for the future includes expanding our outreach programs, deepening our discipleship efforts, and creating new opportunities for worship and fellowship.
The challenges facing our world today make our mission more important than ever. In a time of increasing polarization and uncertainty, we believe that the message of God's unconditional love and grace offers hope and healing to individuals and communities. Through our various ministries and programs, we seek to be agents of that hope in our local community and beyond.
Conclusion
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a testament to the power of God's grace to transform lives and build community. From our Christmas Eve candlelight services to our weekday ministries, every aspect of our congregation flows from our understanding of God's generous love for all people. Whether you're seeking a place to worship, grow in your faith, or serve others, we invite you to join us on this journey of grace. Together, we can experience the joy of knowing Christ and sharing His love with the world around us.
