St Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church

Information may not be reliable

St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church – A Discipleship Center, Wilmington, NC

Why Christianity? Many of us pride ourselves on our powers to reason and to weigh facts, and yet even those among us with advanced degrees can march in locked step with colleagues. Often those who deviate from acceptable limits and norms within ones profession, social circle, or political party can quickly be ridiculed, vilified, and even punished for daring to be different. Thus, in many social locations, Christianity is regularly dismissed either on account of its most extreme practitioners or because of the public failures of those bearing the label.
Why are the positive virtues and individual acts of selflessness of two billion Christians mostly overlooked by the media? Why are Christians mostly depicted as buffoons or charlatans in films and on TV? What is it about the truth claims of the Christian faith that evokes such irrational and occasionally rabid fears? Elementary logic demands that personal attacks on Christians and their faith be ruled out of order. And yet, it is quite acceptable in many elitist circles to dismiss Christianity as a monstrous system.
Because Christian hope is not based upon social acceptance, we are able to be honest about ourselves, about whom we trust, and for what. An ancient psalmist declares, Trust not in princes they are but mortal (146:2). We are Christian, because our faith offers us ultimate meaning and the best answer to the problem of death.
Why Lutheran Christian? We do not worship Martin Luther, whose brilliance and failings are well-documented. Luther was a professor and pastor who declared the need for daily reform both to the whole Church on earth and to every heart and mind. He was aghast that Christians would call themselves by his name. On his deathbed, Luther declared: We are beggars (before God).
Why, then, do Lutheran Christians continue to bear Martins name? Ironically, many Lutherans dont have much more than a name in common with the reformers most cherished ideas about how to be church and how to teach and preach. Were he alive today, it is doubtful Luther would want to be part of many Lutheran churches. Perhaps he would sue for the removal of his name. Cultural Christianity is always our problem!
Properly situated, Lutheran Christians are catholic and evangelical. We are catholic in that we are creedal, liturgical, and sacramental. We are firmly rooted in the Great Tradition of Christianity. We are also evangelical in that we are devoted to reading the Bible through the lens of the cross and empty tomb of Gods incarnate Son, Jesus the Christ. Notably, the unaltered Augsburg Confession of 1530 is our confession of faith.
Why St. Matthews? We are a welcoming community always open to new Christian sisters and brothers. We are old and young, families and singles. We are traditional in the best sense of the word without being stodgy or inflexible. We have an appreciation for mystery and beauty and an openness to new music that glorifies God. We are a place to learn and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. We gather weekly around Word and Sacrament, hearing Gods call to return daily to our Baptism.
Who are our newest members? Older couples drawn to the depth of our preaching and teaching and the timelessness of our worship life. Young families looking for a home that embraces the best of catholic and evangelical Christianity and a faith community in which to raise their children. Singles looking for community and/or for healing after the heartbreak of a major loss or divorce. Younger retirees looking to put down new roots and to find a place to discover what it means to be significant more than successful!
I invite you to visit St. Matthews more than once and to worship at a different time on each occasion. I invite you to attend a Bible study and to meet some of our people. I encourage you to send me an e-mail or to phone to set up a time for a good conversation. We can talk more about who you are and who God is for you.
Peace and joy,

Weekly Bible Study: Wednesday at 6:00pm and Thursday at 10:00am
Lutheran Student Movement: Meal and Fellowship every Monday at 7:00pm Sept. thru May