If you are Lutheran.....

[Papa Deuce]

Since I am the OP, I want ot say thanks for all the input. But on the other hand, I may be more confused now than before!

 

[eeyore45]

LOL Papa Duece, see what you get when you ask!!

Glad Royal Canadian chimed in!

I'll add that our ELCA church doesnt require confirmation before communion, but as stated from other posters, it is the Lord's Supper,and we belive Jesus wouldnt close communion to His believers, s o our church doesnt. I was hesitant about our DD having communion, as I had to be confirmed before I had my first communion (and that was in jr hi!! ) but when I asked her, I was astonished at her love, and understanding, and I hesitate no longer!! There are times when I think she just believes she's getting a "snack" and pull her aside and have "the talk" with her, but I am always loving her answers!! To have faith as a child, simple and pure!

 

[Disney Doll]

I am a Catholic, but I do knw that many of my Catholic friends and acquaintances who were not receiving what they felt they needed spiritually from the Catholic church went o the Lutheran church and seem quite content.

I am sorry to say I don't know branch of the Lutheran church they have joined.

Good luck in your endeavor.

 

[Dina]

I'm so sorry for bringing up such an old threat--- I hope no-one minds. I had to comment though. My husband and I are Roman Catholic (we both attended 12 years of Catholic School, and I went to Catholic graduate School and taught Catholic high school--- I no longer teach there). We both have issues with our catholicism, and though we reluctantly put our child in ccd classes this year (he entered 1st grade)--- we both just couldn't continue on with them--- I don't believe in reconciliation, and there were many other aspects of the church that I've had issues with . Anyway, I decided to try a new church. My kids went to a Lutheran preschool (my youngest still does)--- we've been going there for 5 years between my two boys. I used to teach about Martin Luther in my history classes, so I knew that there would be many similarities, but other than that, I didn't know much. I've been doing some more research--- our church is ELCA. I had already contacted the pastor who was very welcoming, but still had some guilt about leaving the catholic church for a lutheran (I don't even really know any lutherans)--- so I searched on this site to see if anyone ever talked about their religion--- and came upon this thread. I just wanted to thank everyone who posted on it, because it has really helped me feel better about our decision!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[Belle2667]

Hey Papa Deuce -- A lot of my friends from our Lutheran Church were Catholic. I call our church Catholic without the guilt. We have many gay members, it isn't an issue. When we take communion, anyone can take it. Technically it is supposed to become the body and blood of christ as in Catholic Church, but they definitely don't teach that in our first communion classes. Just say it signifies body and blood. What else? We like to eat a lot.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Kallison, I'm a lifelong member of a Lutheran Church and we are always joking how we never do anything that doesn't involve food !

Some things I like about our Lutheran Church over some Catholic churches (which I've been to many growing up).

1. I can pick whichever church I want without getting approvals.
2. I publicly confess my sins weekly as part of the service. I do have opportunity, if I wish, to confess privately to my pastor.
3. Everyone who has received instruction (age 10 and up) can take communion. Both bread AND wine.
4. While I receive a statement of my giving, we don't pressure people into giving more.
5. Everyone is welcomed. Growing up, I went to the local Catholic youth group but I couldn't participate in any "services". Why not? We're all CHRISTIAN!

I agree that you should try a few out. My church is my family, and although the Pastor may change, it's the congregation and the teachings that keep me there.

 

[flipturngirl]

I am Lutheran and think it is a wonderful religion. One thing to keep in mind when looking at churches is that there are different branches of the Lutheran Church. I have gone to ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) churches and find them to be warm and accepting. There is another branch, the Missouri Synod that is much more rigid and traditional, and in my experience, less tolerant. **Please, no flames, this is my experience, your's may vary.** The best thing to do is
try out" different churches and see what you think. I am currently looking for a new church since we moved. My old one is still in reasonable driving distance but my pastor retired and I am not wild about the new "team" pastors. Good luck, I think it is worth the effort to find a church you are comfortable with.

THIS IS NOT A FLAME!!

I have been raised Missouri Synod and love it. It is the only church I know. I agree that the Missouri Synod is mor traditional. AT my church at least we are branching out more and it is not intense.. Like many people might think that we all get dressed up in a full outfit but no we all wear clothes.. alot of people wear jeans. it is so much more laid back. wE have gone against alot of tradition in our church; ie.. powerpoint, high tech equipment.
I think you should try each one and see what you like baout it.


THIS IS NOT A FLAME!

 

[Dina]

YOu know what--- I'm so so sorry I brought this thread back up. I hope it wasn't a problem, I want to let people know who might respond--- it's three years old. I was just so thrilled to see it because we're in the exact same situation as the OP, but I should have taken a minute and thought about it before responding---- just to let you know, it's 3 years old. It was a very nice thread, and everyone seemed to be really nice on it and not argumentative, I just had a horrible thought that it might start debate now after all this time. I truly am not a pot stirrer--- I'm sorry.

 

[sassyat30]

I was raised a Missouri-Synod Lutheran. In undergrad I took a Sociology of Religions class and wrote my term paper on the differences between MS and ELCA. As others have noted, ELCA definitely tends to be more socially liberal. I can not imagine returning to a MS Lutheran Church.

From http://experts.about.com/q/956/3795472.htm

The difference between Lutheran churches is major! I will attempt to point out some of the major areas:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in American: teaches salvation outside of Chrisitanity, favors women pastors, leans towards homosexual rights and ordination, teaches evolution, and is fairly pro-abortion.

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod: Scripture alone is rule, therefore, in Christ's words, Christ is the only way to salvation; does not favor women pastors (or voters),
opposes gay rights and views homosexuality as a sin, teaches creation, and
is strongly pro-life.

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod: Scripture alone is rule, therefore, in Christ's words, Christ is the only way to salvation; does not favor women pastors but allows women to vote in the church, opposes gay rights and views homosexuality as a sin, teaches creation, and is strongly pro-life.

Actually, I just wanted to correct the statement above in red. My DH grew up in and went to school k-8 in a MS church school and at their particular church, women were not (and still aren't today) allowed to participate in *any* of the service, nor are they allowed to vote. Only men are voting members of the congregation.

 

[sassyat30]

So in ELCA anyone can take communion even if they are not confirmed?

Yes! At least at our church.

Every Sunday, the Pastor says "this is the Lord's table and *all* are welcome."

In the Missouri Synod, you are *not* allowed to take communion unless you are a confirmed member of the MS.

ETA: It is up to each parent whether their children can take communion. I choose not to have my children commune until they are confirmed ~ ie realize the significance of taking communion. In our particular church, almost all of the parents choose to wait until their children are confirmed. But, even if you are an adult and not confirmed or a member of a different church, you are welcome to take communion.

 

[Sandy321]

I'm so sorry for bringing up such an old threat--- I hope no-one minds. I had to comment though. My husband and I are Roman Catholic (we both attended 12 years of Catholic School, and I went to Catholic graduate School and taught Catholic high school--- I no longer teach there). We both have issues with our catholicism, and though we reluctantly put our child in ccd classes this year (he entered 1st grade)--- we both just couldn't continue on with them--- I don't believe in reconciliation, and there were many other aspects of the church that I've had issues with . Anyway, I decided to try a new church. My kids went to a Lutheran preschool (my youngest still does)--- we've been going there for 5 years between my two boys. I used to teach about Martin Luther in my history classes, so I knew that there would be many similarities, but other than that, I didn't know much. I've been doing some more research--- our church is ELCA. I had already contacted the pastor who was very welcoming, but still had some guilt about leaving the catholic church for a lutheran (I don't even really know any lutherans)--- so I searched on this site to see if anyone ever talked about their religion--- and came upon this thread. I just wanted to thank everyone who posted on it, because it has really helped me feel better about our decision!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

I think being a Catholic is part of "who" you are, you grew "roots" there - to "dig" up the roots, to leave, and to "replant" is never easy!! I know I grew up in a Catholic neighborhood, went to Catholic CCD classes (everyone went on Tuesdays, why not me?!) But mom decided to take us to the Lutheran Church down the road - and I havent looked back since!! But, every time I move, trying to find a new church is so very hard!!

And as for Missouri Syn. vs ELCA - I stay out of it, I find what works for me - and I find it intereasting that all the Lutheran Churches that have a school attatched (usually K -8 sometimes preK - 5) are all MS churches!

There are always "grass roots" campaigns within the ELCA church as well - there are even "Mega" Lutheran Churches - each church has a personality - as the group of Humans come together to define the direction of their church...

 

[Sandy321]

LOL Papa Duece, see what you get when you ask!!

Glad Royal Canadian chimed in!

I'll add that our ELCA church doesnt require confirmation before communion, but as stated from other posters, it is the Lord's Supper,and we belive Jesus wouldnt close communion to His believers, s o our church doesnt. I was hesitant about our DD having communion, as I had to be confirmed before I had my first communion (and that was in jr hi!! ) but when I asked her, I was astonished at her love, and understanding, and I hesitate no longer!! There are times when I think she just believes she's getting a "snack" and pull her aside and have "the talk" with her, but I am always loving her answers!! To have faith as a child, simple and pure!