We Believe...
Our Mission
St. John's Lutheran Church is a Christian family, whose mission is to glorify God, as we worship, teach God's word, nurture spiritual growth, embrace one another, and proclaim the news of God's Salvation.
Faith and Grace
We believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son, sent by God to become human like us. In his life and being, he broke through the prison of sinfulness and thus restored the relationship of love and trust that God intended to exist between himself and his children. Though he is eternal, with God at the beginning of time, he was born on earth of a virgin, by the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe him to be the Messiah chosen by God to show his love for the world. For the sake of a sinful world, Jesus was condemned to death on the cross.
But death could not contain him. On the third day after his execution, the day Christians observe as Easter, Jesus appeared among his followers as the risen, living Lord. By this great victory God has declared the Good News of reconciliation. The gap between all that separates us from our Creator has been bridged. Thus, Christ lives today wherever there are people who faithfully believe in him and wherever the Good News of reconciliation is preached and the Sacraments are administered.
What Must a Person Do To Become A Christian and a Lutheran?
Jesus said, “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
To become a Lutheran, only Baptism and instruction in the Christian faith is required. If you are already baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it will be necessary only to attend a membership class. Active members of other Lutheran congregations usually need only to transfer their membership.
our people...
Director of Music: Chuck Lindler
Chuck was born in Winston-Salem, NC, then moved to Statesville in 1954, and attended St. John's on Mulberry Street as a child.
He is a 1970 graduate of Statesville High School, and attended Mitchell College, Appalachian State University and graduated from Catawba College, Salisbury in 1974 with a B.A. in Religion and Music.
Chuck has served as an organist-choirmaster for 21 years in Lutheran, Catholic, and Episcopal churches in Statesville.
He maintains professional memberships in the American Lutheran Church Musicians and The American Guild of Organists-Hickory, NC, chapter.
Chuck sees music in the church as a "pastoral" ministry caring for it's members and leading the church's music and worship as sung prayer through liturgy and praise.
Preschool Director: Susan White
Our weekday preschool seeks to prepare young children for elementary school. As Director, Susan White has been at St. John’s since 2004. She is a native of Iredell County and graduated from Mitchell Community College and Gardner Webb University. She is married and has two children. With fourteen years spent in childcare, along with volunteering at her children’s schools in a variety of capacities, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Her dedication and love for young children is demonstrated daily in her administration of the Preschool Program.
Administrative Staff:
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Janine Dopirak Church Secretary/Financial Secretary |
before you visit...
Since visiting any church for the first time can be a little intimidating, we've put together the following information. We hope it will answer your questions and reduce any anxiety that you may have about what to expect when you visit St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Getting Situated
We will not make you stand up or embarrass you!
What should I wear?
What about the children?
What about the offering?
Will I be able to follow along with the service?
Can I take Communion? How does it work?
Getting Situated
You can check out our MAP for directions before you head out Sunday morning. Once you get here you'll find plenty of parking, including spaces for visitors and the handicapped. The building is fully accessible with signs at specific locations to help you get around. Greeters and ushers will welcome you, give you a bulletin, and gladly answer any questions or help you if you need assistance.
We will not make you stand up or embarrass you!
We promise not to embarrass you or make you feel uncomfortable. We will greet you with smiles and handshakes. We'll respect that your relationship with the Lord is a personal matter, and that your attendance is not for our benefit but for yours. We ask everyone, members and guests alike, to fill out our Welcome Cards. A Welcome Card is in your bulletin. Just give us the information you feel comfortable sharing and place it in the offering plate. Whether you are just visiting or interested in our church, we hope you have a wonderful worship experience with us.
What should I wear?
God accepts us as we are - no matter who we are, what we do, or how we dress. We do not have a dress code. Worshipers at St. Johns Lutheran Church wear anything from jeans and tee shirts, to slacks and golf shirts, to suits and ties. Please wear whatever you feel is most comfortable for you in this setting.
What about our children?
We always welcome children but we also want parents to receive the greatest benefit from worship. Parents who would like assistance may entrust children (ages 0-4) to the care of our dedicated and loving nursery workers. Ask the ushers to direct you to the nursery if you want to utilize this service.
What about the offering?
At some point after the pastor's message, offering plates will be passed. This is an opportunity for our regular members to actively respond to all God has given them by freely offering their resources in support of his church. We certainly do not expect or require visitors to put anything in the offering plate, though you are welcome to do so if you choose.
Will I be able to follow along with the service?!
Everything you need in order to follow the service is in the printed bulletin. Hymns are usually printed in the bulletin, but also can be found in the green hymnal, The Lutheran Book of Worship, located in each row. Occasionally, the hymns are not in the bulletin and must be sung from the hymnal.
Can I take Communion? How does it work?
We believe, teach, and confess that in Christ is truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine. In Communion, we receive the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. All baptized Christians who believe this, may receive. If you have any questions concerning Communion, please ask an usher or greeter to direct you to the Pastor. If you wish to receive Communion but are unable to walk to the front of the church, you may receive at the station on the floor or notify an usher and the sacrament will be brought to you.