Calvary Lutheran Church

Calvary Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA was formed on January 1, 1988, from the merger of three Lutheran church bodies[2].

Calvary Lutheran Church, with an EIN of 840593913, is part of the broader Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's nearly 8,500 congregations across the United States and Caribbean[2]. As an ELCA congregation, Calvary Lutheran Church operates under a modified episcopal polity, blending elements of both episcopal and congregational governance, allowing congregations to retain some powers[2].

Beliefs and Practices

Lutheran Christians, including those at Calvary Lutheran Church, believe that God's will for the world is revealed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Key tenets of Lutheran doctrine include salvation by grace alone and faith alone, with the Bible serving as the norm for faith and life[4].

Calvary Lutheran Church, like many ELCA congregations, is known for its diverse and inclusive community spirit, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds. The church emphasizes living out God's grace through service and community engagement, reflecting the broader ELCA mission to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose[1].

Community and Mission

As a part of the larger ELCA, Calvary Lutheran Church participates in various community programs and missions. The ELCA is in full communion with several other Christian denominations, including the Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church, promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation[2].

In aligning with the ELCA's commitment to social justice and community service, Calvary Lutheran Church likely engages in local outreach initiatives, though specific programs would vary by location.

Conclusion

Calvary Lutheran Church, as an ELCA congregation, embodies the denomination's core values of inclusivity, service, and faith-based community engagement. Through its participation in the broader ELCA network, Calvary Lutheran Church supports both local and national religious and social initiatives, contributing to the larger mission of promoting unity and justice in the communities it serves.