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Loving God. Loving One Another.
Welcome to St. Luke Lutheran Church in Atlanta! Whether you're new to the city, new to church, or seeking a new spiritual home, we are delighted to have you consider joining us. As a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we are committed to deepening our understanding of the living Word and equipping ourselves for loving outreach, service, and ministry.
At St. Luke, our story is one that combines ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance. We believe in a loving and patient God who embraces all people, providing deep meaning, comfort, and strength in today's often unsettling times.
In the spirit of Christ's love, we affirm that all individuals are of sacred worth and dignity as part of God's creation. We extend a warm and inclusive welcome to everyone, regardless of race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, gender expression, or relationship status. Our embrace includes those facing addictions, physical or mental health challenges, imprisonment, socio-economic hardships, or any other factors that can divide us. We welcome all because God's love knows no boundaries.
At St. Luke Lutheran Church, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and accepting community where everyone can experience the transformative power of God's love. We celebrate diversity and strive to build a vibrant and inclusive fellowship that reflects the boundless love and welcome of our Creator.
Join us on this journey of faith, guided by God's unconditional love and the teachings of Jesus Christ. At St. Luke Lutheran Church, you will find a place where you are truly welcomed, accepted, and celebrated, just as God welcomes all.
In response to the call in Romans 15:7 to "Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you," we warmly welcome people of any race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and ability.
What we believe.
At St. Luke Lutheran Church, we embrace the profound truth that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) affirms: that all people, in their imperfections, are recipients of God's unmerited favor and salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ. We firmly believe that this grace is freely bestowed upon us, independent of any specific prayer, state of mind, or good deed.
The core of our faith centers around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In his divine incarnation, God became one of us, willingly shouldering the burden of sin and suffering that plagues our world. This act of love serves as a powerful testament to God's boundless affection for humanity.
At St. Luke, we understand that the gift of grace is received solely through faith in Christ. We acknowledge the paradox of our existence – that we continue to struggle with sin while placing our trust in the assurance of God's forgiveness and transformative work within us. The gift of grace serves as a tangible expression of God's unconditional love, liberating us to live lives of gratitude and love.
In response to God's grace, we strive to live out our faith by extending that same love to others. We recognize that our salvation is not earned through our own efforts but is a gracious gift freely given by God. This understanding empowers us to live with a spirit of gratitude and a deep desire to love and serve one another.
At St. Luke Lutheran Church, we invite you to join us on this faith journey, embracing the profound truth of God's grace and the transformative power it holds. It is through this understanding that we find hope, meaning, and purpose in our lives, as we strive to reflect God's love in our relationships and actions. Together, as a community of faith, we celebrate the liberating grace of God and strive to live as a testament to that grace in our daily lives.
What would cause someone to not be good enough?
Nothing. There is no limit to God’s grace and forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ, God promises to forgive our sin. Though humans are capable of causing pain and suffering, with God there is always the possibility of healing and transformation. God’s love is unfathomable. When we confess our sins, we are assured of God’s forgiveness, and we respond to that grace by serving and loving our neighbor. Still, ultimately, the gift of grace is that — a gift from God’s infinite love. Our faith is how we receive and respond to this good news.
What is a Lutheran?
Picture this: a German monk named Martin Luther, a rebellious spirit, and a passion for questioning the status quo. That's how the Lutheran tradition began, and boy, are we glad it did! But what exactly does it mean to be a Lutheran?
Salvation: Not for Sale!
In a world where everything seems to have a price tag, Lutherans believe that salvation is a priceless gift. No coupon cutting or haggling required! We embrace the radical notion that God's love and forgiveness are freely given to all, no strings attached. So, if you're tired
of trying to earn your way to heaven and long for a faith that emphasizes grace, welcome to being a Lutheran!
The Bible: Our Trusty GPS
Lutherans have a special relationship with the Bible. We see it as our trusty GPS for navigating life's twists and turns. Martin Luther himself believed in the power of God's Word, and so do we. We delve into scripture, seek its wisdom, and find guidance for our journey. But don't worry, we don't have a monopoly on biblical interpretation—everyone's invited to explore the mysteries within its pages because we believe that God is still speaking to us today.
Community: We're in This Together
Being a Lutheran means being part of a vibrant community. We gather together, sing our hearts out, and share in the joys and struggles of life. We're like a big, slightly eccentric family. We laugh, we cry, and we support one another on this wild journey of faith. So, if you're looking for a place where you can belong, be challenged, and find genuine fellowship, you've come to the right pew!
Humor: Holy Chuckles and Divine Laughter
Who says religion has to be serious all the time? Lutherans have a knack for finding humor in the ordinary. We believe that laughter is a gift from God, and we're not afraid to embrace it. From clever jokes slipped into sermons, we appreciate the power of a good chuckle. So, prepare to join us on a laughter-filled adventure as we navigate the twists and turns of life with joy and a dash of holy humor.
In a Nutshell...
Being a Lutheran means embracing a faith rooted in grace, fueled by the Word, and nourished by a quirky, caring community. It's about finding solace in God's unmerited love and exploring the mysteries of life together. So, if you're up for an exciting ride, with a few laughs along the way.
What can I expect at a worship service?
We are Lutheran Christians with ecumenical partnerships who believe that without any merit on our own, God created us, redeemed us, and is transforming us through the proclamation of God’s love in word and sacrament.
Our worship services reflect a theme of a church seasons, and change throughout the year but there are common elements of worship. Those elements include gathering words and music, sharing the word of God through Bible readings and a sermon, receiving Holy Communion, and delivering a sending blessing.
The gospel we preach is a message of forgiveness that frees us to let God be truly God and to let humans be truly human.
Learn more about our worship services on our worship page.
Who attends St. Luke Lutheran Church?
Our congregation is wonderfully diverse, composed of individuals and families from all walks of life. At St. Luke Lutheran, we firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their religious background, past experiences, or lingering doubts, is warmly welcomed and embraced. We are an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and values each person's unique journey.
We welcome all without any expectations or prerequisites. We open our doors and our hearts to all, offering a safe and accepting space where you can explore, worship, learn, serve, and grow in faith alongside others. At St. Luke Lutheran, we strive to create a church that reflects the richness of humanity and honors the worth and dignity of every individual.
No matter where you come from, what you believe, or what questions you may have, we welcome you with open arms. Together, let us embark on a transformative journey of faith, where we celebrate our differences and embrace the beauty of our shared humanity.