For over 150 years the congregation of the First English Lutheran Church has been part of life in Lockport, New York. At least one present member is descended from one of its founders. Quite a few families have been members for several generations. Many have worshiped here all their lives; others were part of the church for only brief periods. It has had a lasting influence on most. The church has nourished faith, encouraged education, created social groups, and initiated many friendships.
First English Lutheran Church Purpose Statement
“We are called by God to share His grace-filled peace, love, and joy with all creation. ”
In our desire to fulfill our purposed in God’s plan, we:
- Proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior
- Welcome everyone
- Thank, worship, and praise God
- Encourage faith and trust in God for our spiritual growth
- Seek to discover and grow our God-given gifts
- Endeavor to share these gifts with everyone
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
First English is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are part of the Upstate New York Synod of churches.
What we believe
The ELCA confesses the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In our preaching and teaching the ELCA trusts the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. ELCA teaching or theology serves the proclamation and ministry of this faith. It does not have an answer for all questions, not even all religious questions. Teaching or theology prepares members to be witnesses in speech and in action of God’s rich mercy in Jesus Christ.
Scriptures, Creeds and Confessions
The ELCA’s official Confession of Faith identifies the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (commonly called the Bible); the Apostles’, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds; and the Lutheran confessional writings in the Book of Concord as the basis for our teaching. ELCA congregations make the same affirmation in their governing documents, and ELCA pastors promise to preach and teach in accordance with these teaching sources. This Confession of Faith is more than just words in an official document. Every Sunday in worship ELCA congregations hear God’s word from the Scriptures, pray as Jesus taught and come to the Lord’s Table expecting to receive the mercies that the Triune God promises. Throughout the week ELCA members continue to live by faith, serving others freely and generously in all that they do because they trust God’s promise in the Gospel. In small groups and at sick beds, in private devotions and in daily work, this faith saturates all of life.