What is faith formation? Welcoming questions of all sorts.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,

so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Apostle Paul to the Romans (12:2)


Too often theology or "talk about God" is viewed as stuff for hermits and marooned shipwreck victims. When there's nothing else to do, then is the time to ask abstract questions about God. Such a notion would have exasperated the apostle Paul. To him, theology was worthless unless it made a difference in how people lived. Paul did not live as an intellectual recluse. He applied his theology to life, a.k.a. practicing what he preached. In fact, the lofty book of Romans was written while he was also raising money for famine victims in Jerusalem (see Romans 15:25-27).


Martin Marty, pastor and Lutheran church historian, has stated: "Christian faith has to do less with what you know and more with whom you know, namely, God and God in Jesus Christ." And yet, the "what" of Christian knowledge also matters greatly because all kinds of stories, events, memories, doctrines, and programs enrich the faith. In faith as in the rest of life, a person grows in knowledge by asking questions.


Therefore, as Lutherans, we welcome questions of all sorts from every generation. 


Faith formation for everyone . . .


  • Good News of Great Joy: 

    A bible Study on the Gospel of Luke

    Thursdays on Zoom @ 2:30 PM

    Begins 9 January 2025

    The gospel of Luke has been described as being like a joy-filled musical. Mary sings, Zechariah sings,

    and the angels sing that God is at work in the world, striving toward the wholeness of all creation. Throughout the gospel of Luke, Jesus’ ministry is punctuated with acts of salvation—bringing healing and wholeness not only to individuals but to communities. Hence Jesus is identified as “Savior” for the first time in the gospels in Luke. Salvation through Jesus is enacted in his words and in his actions. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus turns the very notions of power and privilege upside down with a profound concern for justice and peace making, especially for the poor. An additional feature of the gospel of Luke is the presence of women among the disciples, and, of course, the many meals that Jesus is either on his way to, at, or leaving. It’s time to take a deep dive into the gospel of Luke, the great physician.

     

    For more information or to get the Zoom link, contact Pastor Susan at htlchpastor@gmail.com.