We confess the Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who create, restore, and sustain all things. We proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We believe the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in faith.
Faith is the relationship the Holy Spirit creates with us. It's a relationship where God's promise of steadfast love and mercy in Jesus opens us to a life of bold trust in God and joyful, generous service to everyone we know and meet in daily life.
We accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God. Despite the diversity of viewpoints and the complexity of the many narratives contained in the Scriptures, we believe that the story of God's steadfast love and mercy in Jesus is the heart and center of what the Scriptures have to say.
We believe that in the Sacrament the crucified and risen Christ is Present, giving his true body and blood as food and drink. Communicants receive not only bread and wine, but also the same body and blood of Christ that was given for us on the cross. This real presence is a mystery.
Martin Luther was a German theologian who realized that there were significant differences between what he read in the Bible and the practices of the Roman Catholic church at that time. On October 31st 1517, he posted a theological challenge on the door of Wittenberg University, titled "95 Theses". His hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God as contained in the Bible. The ensuing debate created a new branch of Christianity, today the Lutheran Church continues to serve God and spread the Gospel in line with Luther's beliefs, grace alone, faith alone, scripture alone.
Redemption Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is the largest Lutheran Church body in the United States. It is through the ELCA that we are able to unite with other churches across the nation to support those in need and gain support for our congregations. You can find more information about the ELCA and their mission at www.elca.org. As part of the ELCA we are part of the local Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. The Synod provides support and care for congregations while organizing larger events across Philadelphia. You can find more information about the synod at www.ministrylink.org.
You are invited to explore your faith with us and see what it is to become Lutheran, regardless of background. If you are interested in becoming Lutheran or joining Redemption, contact Pastor Joey. You can also just worship with us without becoming Lutheran or becoming a member of Redemption for as long as you choose - you are welcome here!