What We Believe
At St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, our faith is centered on God’s grace, revealed through Jesus Christ and made alive in us by the Holy Spirit.
Below is a summary of what we believe, teach, and practice as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
About God
We confess the Holy Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — who create, restore, and sustain all things. We proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and we believe that through the Holy Spirit, God calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, keeping it united with Christ in faith.
About Faith
Faith is not something we earn or achieve; it’s a relationship the Holy Spirit creates with us. Through God’s steadfast love and mercy in Jesus, we are opened to a life of bold trust, joyful gratitude, and generous service to others in our daily lives.
About Scripture
We accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God. Though Scripture contains many voices and stories, at its heart is the good news of God’s steadfast love and mercy revealed in Jesus Christ.
About Worship
We are a liturgical church, which means our worship follows a sacred rhythm and pattern each week. Each Sunday, you’ll find familiar elements that help us focus our hearts on God: gathering in word and music, hearing God’s Word through Scripture and preaching, sharing in Holy Communion, and receiving a blessing as we are sent out to serve.
We also follow the liturgical church year, which begins with Advent — four Sundays before Christmas — and moves through Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost before returning once again to Advent. Each season has its own colors, symbols, and traditions that help tell the story of God’s love throughout the year.
About Confession and Forgiveness
Confession and forgiveness are central to our life of faith. Together in worship, we confess our sins and hear the words of Christ’s forgiveness spoken to us. God always seeks us out in mercy and promises forgiveness through Christ.
About Holy Communion
Holy Communion is a holy promise of God’s presence with us. In this sacrament, the crucified and risen Christ is truly present, giving his body and blood as food and drink for the forgiveness of sin and the strengthening of faith. This real presence is a sacred mystery.
We use bread and wine to celebrate Holy Communion. For those who prefer, gluten-free wafers and grape juice are also available so that everyone may fully and comfortably share in this meal of grace. All are welcome at God’s table.
About Baptism
Baptism is a gift of God that welcomes us into God’s family and changes us. In Baptism, we are joined to Christ’s death and resurrection. We joyfully recognize all baptisms performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
If you or your child have not been baptized, we would be honored to walk with you as you begin your baptismal journey.
About Martin Luther
Dr. Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German theologian, priest, and professor who sought to reform the church of his time according to God’s Word. On October 31, 1517, he shared his 95 Theses — a call for renewal grounded in Scripture and faith in Christ’s grace. Though his call for reform led to change and division, it also began the Protestant Reformation, which reshaped Christianity around the world.
The Book of Concord is a collection of confessional writings that express what Lutherans believe, teach, and confess about the Christian faith. Written in the years following the Reformation, these documents reflect our deep trust in God’s grace through Jesus Christ and our commitment to grounding faith and life in God’s Word.
Today, the Lutheran Church continues to serve God and proclaim the Gospel according to the teachings of Luther and these confessional writings.
(You can read more about the Book of Concord here. )
About Our Denomination and Synod
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) — the largest Lutheran church body in the United States. Through the ELCA, we join with congregations nationwide to serve those in need and support one another in ministry.
We are also part of the West Virginia–Western Maryland Synod, led by our elected Bishop, which provides care for congregations and pastors and coordinates ministry across our region.
Learn more at www.elca.org and www.wv-wmd.org
About Who May Worship With Us
When we say “All are welcome,” we truly mean it. It doesn’t matter what your background is, what your past experiences with church have been, or what questions or doubts you may have about faith. Whether you’re new to faith, exploring, or looking for a church home, you are welcome to join us.
You don’t need to be Lutheran or a formal member to take part — you belong here just as you are.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is made up of people from many cultures, experiences, and walks of life. Together we celebrate the beautiful diversity of God’s creation and strive to be a church that reflects God’s inclusive love.
Come as you are to worship, learn, serve, and grow in faith with others who are on the journey too.
About Joining St. Mark’s
If you’d like to learn more about what it means to be Lutheran or are interested in becoming a member of the St. Mark’s family, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to Pastor Rockwood — he’ll be happy to answer your questions, share more about our faith, and help you take the next step whenever you’re ready.