| Jesus said, "I am the
vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) As redeemed children of the triune God - Father, Son,and
Holy Spirit - we, the members of Heritage Lutheran Church, believe our gracious God has
given us a two-fold purpose:
1. Jesus speaks
of the importance of branches being joined to Himself, the "true vine." (John
15:1) The Holy Spirit blesses us with a faith which accomplishes this. He assures us that
all who trust in Jesus Christ are indeed a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:16), people
forgiven and freed to serve God.
Through the message of the
Gospel, God not only establishes us as His branches, His disciples, but He also nurtures
our growth and unity. We recognize our need for this nurturing and regularly partake of
God's Word and Sacraments. By this we are strengthened "to go and bear fruit.: (John
15:16)
2. Jesus said,
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19). Empowered
by the Holy Spirit, we believe our calling is to witness to others about the Savior of the
world, Jesus Christ. Through our words and deeds - our fruits - we proclaim the He alone
is "the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6) Each members of Heritage is
a vital part of this mission.
We carry out this mission
through ministry. Holy Scripture instructs us to "be doers of the Word, and not
hearers only..." (James 1:22). Ministry opportunities include:
- WORSHIP - Celebrating in God's
Word and Sacraments
- OUTREACH - Proclaiming the Good
News of Jesus Christ both far and near
- NURTURING - Prayer and
Fellowship, Bible study, and opportunities to employ the gifts God has given to each of
us.
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