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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I become a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church?
  2. If I am not a member, can I commune?
  3. Do I have to stand up in front of people if I am a visitor?
  4. Do you want my money?
  5. Are you going to tell me what's wrong with me?
  6. Do I have to dress up to attend church?


HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF ST. PETERS LUTHERAN CHURCH?

  1. BY BAPTISM: We believe in our Lord's command to baptize all nations (Matthew 28:19). Therefore, we extend to all, infants, children, youth and adults who have not been baptized, the Sacrament of Baptism.
  2. BY CONFIRMATION: We graciously invite those adults who are looking for a church to participate in our new member class-Lutheran Christianity 101. Upon completion of this class, you may choose to become a member by adult confirmation.
  3. BY REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH: If you were confirmed in the Lutheran Church, but have not been active and wish to reaffirm your confirmation vows, we welcome you to become a member. Please speak to the Elders Chairman regarding your desire.
  4. BY LETTER OF TRANSFER: We gladly accept the transfer of your membership if you are a confirmed member of a Lutheran church. If you have another denominational background, we kindly request that you speak to the Elders Chairman.



IF I AM NOT A MEMBER IN THE CHURCH, CAN I COMMUNE?

We believe, according to Scripture and the confessions of our church, that Jesus Christ is truly present in, with and under the forms of bread and wine and that, in receiving this food, we are also receiving Him and His forgiveness, peace, and the power to live the new life to which we have been called. The Bible warns that those who participate in the Lord's Supper in a frivolous manner, or without proper understanding, may be harming themselves spiritually. Therefore, this sacrament is to be approached with reverence, understanding and serious preparation. If you are uncertain about participating, we request that you personally speak to our pastor before communing. We use a non-alcoholic type wine for communion. It is a wine which was fermented in the normal way and then had the alcohol removed so that it is less than 1/2% alcohol.




DO I HAVE TO STAND UP IN FRONT OF PEOPLE IF I AM A VISITOR?

No. Some churches, with good intentions, ask visitors to stand up and introduce themselves. Instead, we have set aside time after the service so you can stick around and meet people and enjoy some refreshments. In that way, genuine friendships can begin in brief conversations over time.




DO YOU WANT MY MONEY?

In a word. No. The people who are a regular part of our community give to help support St. Peter's to help pay expenses and advance God's kingdom in this community and in the world. We provide them that opportunity to worship God through giving, but we certainly don't expect visitors to give. If you join us at one of our services, you are our guest, and we don't ask our guests for their money. In time, if you decide to become a regular part of our community, you may decide that you would like to participate in worshipping God through giving. At that time we would joyfully welcome you participation. But our desire for you now is simply that you be given the opportunity to check us out without feeling pressured to give money.




ARE YOU GOING TO TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?

At its core, the message of Jesus is about good news. He did not come to earth to condemn us, but to save and give us life. So you will find God's truth being presented. At times it will comfort and encourage you. At other times it will challenge you but that is a good thing because we want to love God and other people better.




DO I HAVE TO DRESS UP TO ATTEND CHURCH?

When you join us for our worship service, dress to be comfortable. We have members that dress-up and dress-down...Our number one concern is for you to feel comfortable when you worship with us.




St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 18000 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH, 44122
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