Congregation
The congregation is the body of Christ in a particular location. Hope Lutheran is centred around Word and Sacrament ministry, teaching the Bible purely and administering baptism and the Lord’s Supper properly. As an organization, the congregation is ordered as a non-profit organization. Members participate in our society according to the Constitution and By-Laws of our congregation. There are two types of members of the congregation: baptized members and communicant members. Baptized members have come into the congregation either through baptism or through a transfer of membership from another congregation. Communicant members have received sufficient instruction and are confirmed by the pastor to commune in the Lord’s Supper. Members are to vote at our regularly scheduled meetings and support the ministry of the congregation as they are able. Any member moving away or leaving for an extended period of time is expected to inform the pastor.
Fellowship
Every member of a congregation is in fellowship with one another. Together we form the body of Christ and we are called by Christ to love one another. It is good to get to know one another at church services, studies, and social functions, but we should also be able to help one another even outside of the church building. A good way to live in fellowship is to stay in communication with one another. Each member is given a mail box in the narthex and a directory of contacts. Members may also stay informed through the monthly newsletter, weekly bulletin, website (https://hopevictoria.lutheranchurchcanada.ca/) and our Facebook group (Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church | Facebook).
Love
God builds us up through love. We believe that the greatest gift we can give each other is the gift of love. All people no matter who they are or what they have done are welcome here. All will be received with love. We will speak to each other the truth of God’s word, both the Law and the Gospel and will support this with love and kindness. We believe that each person is valuable to God and has a value to us here in this congregation.
Care for Members
We ask all our members to care for one another as they are able. Some possible ways this happens is by:
• Requesting prayer through the Pastor or Lay Ministers
• Requesting home communion and visits
• Requesting financial aid from the Good Samaritan fund
• Pastoral care sessions with the Pastor
• Asking for help from the Congregation through the Lay Ministers
• Food Pantry
• Individual acts of love and kindness
Pastor
The pastor is a servant of Christ and the congregation. His purpose is to fulfill the divine call he has received. He is to bring God’s Word and Sacraments; to teach, support, encourage and correct us by the command of Christ. Members are to call the pastor when they are in need of care; especially when they are in physical, emotional or spiritual distress. The pastor is called by the congregation to care for the people with comfort that can only come from God’s Word and Sacraments. Members should prayerfully support the work of the pastor and their congregation.
Board of Lay Ministry
These are elected men to support the ministry of the congregation and the pastor. They will care and support members of the congregation along with the pastor and can be sought if a member needs care. Each member of the congregation is assigned a Lay Minister to care for them.
Parish Planning Council
Also known as the PPC, it is the governing body at Hope Lutheran Church. The PPC consists of: a president, a vice-president, the treasurer, the Board of Lay Ministry, and the heads of all other boards in the congregation. The leader of congregational meetings is the PPC.
Worship Services
A congregation is always centred around its worship service. God gives to us His blessings through His Gospel pronounced in the services. It is important for the life of a Christian to regularly participate in the Bible and in worship. To care for each other through Word and Sacrament we will provide special services as needed. There will often be special services before and during festivals such as Christmas and Easter. We will also provide individual services of prayer and blessing for any reason. Weddings and funerals are for members after consultation with the pastor. It is requested that each member fill out a “Funeral Planning Sheet” to list things like preferred scripture readings and hymns.
Receiving God’s Word and Sacraments
We encourage weekly Bible study and invite all members to find one they can participate in. Private devotions are strongly encouraged and you can find recommendations for books with Pastor’s Picks. Everyone who has a question is welcome to discuss this with the pastor. Baptism is for all ages to be forgiven their sins and receive the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Supper is for those who have examined themselves according to the Christian faith and recognize the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine (see Christian Questions and Their Answers from the Small Catechism). The Supper is only received following instruction and conversation with the pastor. Corporate confession with the entire congregation is done during our worship services but private confession and absolution is encouraged, available by appointment with the pastor. Private confession permits you to confess the sins which trouble you most and knowing that you are forgiven those specific sins. The pastor can also help you plan how to avoid those sins in the future.
Financial
Giving allows Hope Lutheran Church to continue its ministry and mission. All members are given offering envelopes to make donations and their donations are tax deductible. We expect members to help support the work of the parish as they are able to in a free and joyous response to the mercy of God. Our congregation has special funds that can be donated to: Good Samaritan Fund, Memorial Fund, and LCC Mission Fund as well as other various mission organizations.