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How big is
ECLC?
ECLC is committed to intentional growth.
We have about 600 baptized members. We continue to grow as people
of all ages join us.
What
is ECLC's personality as a congregation?
Worship is central to our life as a congregation.
We follow a traditional Order of Worship with a combination of traditions.
Our musical repertoire varies by Sunday: pipe organ and choir; guitar,
banjo, bongos, piano and vocals; and instruments played by members
young and old.
We share communion every Sunday and gather for midweek
services during Advent and Lent.
We are an informal congregation by some standards. Our physical
space reflects our personality as a congregation: the sanctuary
is like a theater-in-the-round and seats about 180 people. You’ll
find some of us in jeans and some in our Sunday best.
We
have a strong tradition of lay leadership and formalized a co-pastorate
leadership approach in 1989. We encourage members to be active and
to support the congregation financially as they are able. Our Council
of Ministers works closely with our pastors and staff to guide the
congregation.
What is available
for children's education?
Our Youth Faith Formation Ministry offers
children and young adults Sunday School between our two services
on Sunday mornings from September through May. It’s important
to us that children be present and in worship. Children also can
choose to contribute to worship as lectors, ushers and musicians.
Children 4 years old and younger may use our nursery during worship
and education hour, but it’s not required.
What
is your Confirmation program?
Our Affirmation of Baptism program is
a three-year program that begins in 6th grade. The youth meet on
Wednesday evenings in a large group, then in smaller groups lead
by an adult "guide." Confirmation is celebrated in the
Fall of students' 9th-grade year, typically on Reformation Sunday.
Confirmation-aged youth also gather on Sunday mornings during Education
hour.
How
do high school youth participate in the life of the congregation?
After
Confirmation, our high school youth are voting members of the congregation
and we encourage them to participate fully in ECLC's life. You will
see them as ushers, lectors, greeters, monthly group workers, musicians,
singers, etc. At the same time, they continue to meet as a youth
group and they plan a mission trip for each summer. In 2005, 26
students and 9 adults went to Panama
to build a community center in a Ngobe village. In June 2006, the
high school youth went to Biloxi, Miss., to help rebuild after Hurricane
Katrina.
What is available for adults
who want to continue their faith education?
Our Adult Faith Formation program on
Sunday mornings includes Adult Forums (beginning Sept. 17, 2006)
and Bible Study (beginning Oct. 1, 2006) from September through
May. Our Small Group Ministry also gives adults a chance to connect
with smaller groups of members with whom they share interests. Bible
study is offered Wednesday mornings for senior women and special
Bible study seminars are offered occasionally in the evenings.
How do I join ECLC?
We encourage you to visit for worship.
Introduce yourself to one of the pastors and join us for coffee
between services. We hope you’ll feel welcome. If you decide
you’d like to talk about joining our community, contact any
of our pastors. If you have not been Lutheran before, we offer a
class in Lutheran theology as needed.
What does it mean that ECLC
is a "Reconciling in Christ" congregation?
Reconciling in Christ is our congregation’s
declaration that we welcome gay, lesbian and transgender people
into leadership and membership at ECLC.
How
do I get to know people at ECLC?
New members are paired with other members
who “sponsor” them by helping them meet people and understand
ways they might become involved.Our Small Group Ministry also helps
new members get to know others. Gatherings are held after church
on Sundays occasionally. We also have special events, such as a
Progressive Dinner, an Intergenerational Advent Event and perhaps
a Mardi Gras or Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Some of our groups include
50-Plus, Women in Transition, Women's Fellowship Group, Bible Study,
Peace and Justice Group, Environmental Concerns Committee and committees
supporting the various ministries.
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