What the Lutheran Faith Believes The ECLA Mission Statement The Grace Lutheran Mission Statement Baptism Confirmation Communion Marriage What the Lutheran Faith Believes Grace Lutheran Church exists to glorify the Almighty God, Father and Son and Holy Spirit. We glorify the Father in His creative and sustaining power, which upholds the universe and lifts up a needy people. Out of His abundant love, He sent His Son Jesus into our world to live with us and die for us so that we may be reconciled into the family of God. He took our sin upon Himself and gave us His righteousness that we may stand before a Holy God. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our comforter, our advocate, our champion to enable us by His gifts and by His presence, to fulfill our high calling before God. Living in His goodness and grace with gratitude, we worship Him and work for Him.   We are stewards of His Word, proclaiming and bringing this saving Gospel to the world around us. We share the rich fellowship of the family of God and seek to be a welcoming community for those whose lives we may touch. Below are some of the specific areas of ministry, certainly not all-inclusive. We are always looking for effective ways that we might try to draw others into the fellowship of Christ. Feel free to call or come to Grace to inquire about the other opportunities. Top The Mission Statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world. Top The Mission Statement of Grace Lutheran Church Endowed by Christ’s Love, Enlightened by His Word, Engaged in Worship, Encouraged by Fellowship, and Empowered for Service To delve further into our mission statement, please read Pastor Al's Message Top Baptism We believe that Baptism is a sacrament instituted by Christ’s example and command to bring the baptized person into the family of God. We receive forgiveness of sins through cleansing and empowerment through the gift of the indwelling Spirit. New life is given both abundantly and eternally. Infants are baptized so that they may receive the benefits of God’s grace as they are led by parents and church members to Christian maturity. Adults are baptized after a period of instruction and upon their affirmation of their Christian faith. Interested persons should contact the pastor to make preparations and arrangements for this special step in their Christian faith. Email Pastor to discuss Baptism. Top Confirmation Confirmation occurs after a two year course for our young people or adults to bring them to the understanding of our faith. At the completion of the preparation, the participants confirm and affirm their faith before the congregation and become full members of our adult community. Currently young people in the 8th and 9th grade make up our confirmation class. Adults share in a six week Explorers’ Class after which and upon affirmation of their faith, become members of our Fellowship. If this was done previously in another Lutheran congregation, then by letter of transfer they become part of our Fellowship. Email Pastor to discuss Confirmation. Top The Sacrament of Holy Communion Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper) is a Christian’s direct encounter with God. Christ’s body and blood are truly present and received “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. Christ again comes among us to forgive our sins and help us to live holy Christian lives. Currently, it is our practice to share the Lord’s Supper at our worship services on the first and third Sundays of the month. We also share the Supper on other special occasions and by accomodating individuals who are unable to attend a service. We understand it is a Communion of the body and blood of Christ with or in the bread and wine, a communion with our God through Jesus Christ, as well as a communion with one another as members of the family of God. Those who believe in the true presence of Christ in the Supper and place their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, are encouraged to participate. Email Pastor to discuss Communion. Top Marriage Marriage is a sacred act not to be taken lightly. Adequate time should be planned for preparation. A six week study with the pastor will help decide if and how we can bring God’s greatest blessing to this union. We believe marriage is a union between a man and a woman who desire to invest their lives in each other truly becoming one in mind, heart, body, and spirit, and to live together seeking God’s will and ways for their lives. Email Pastor to discuss Marriage. Top

2503 Belair Drive / Bowie, Maryland 20715 / Phone 301-262-7625 / Fax 301-262-7626