I’m a young person, single, and in my twenties, but it’s still important to me to have that foundation of tradition passed down through all the generations, from the Apostles to the Church fathers. I love that Augustana Lutheran Church still uses the Liturgy in the hymnal, which comes to us directly from our forefathers. I love that going to church at Augustana Lutheran is different than going to any other event, gathering, etc. It’s special and distinct. I feel as if the Pastor and the members here really value the Word of God. The Bible is read and upheld. We sing hymns from the hymnal and I’ve found they are so full of powerful messages of grace and Jesus’s glory even though some are very old. It’s incredible to me! The services are formal and traditional, but again, I need that. There’s so much going on in the world that coming to a quiet place where there is order, the gospel is preached, and the clear message about Jesus and salvation is declared gives me the peace and satisfaction I long for and the strength and encouragement I need to face each new week. It’s clear. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, Jesus loves you and there is salvation through faith in Him. I also love that the congregation is very small and intimate. It’s more like a family and we range in age from elderly to child. But everyone is very welcoming of newcomers. It didn’t take long for me feel at home, comfortable, and safe with the other families when I first started attending. We don’t worship in an actual church building at the moment. We rent a room in business that designs and maintains swimming pools. (There is no swimming pool in the building though. ☺) But the setup is cozy and there’s still an alter and two lecterns that the Pastor preaches from. They don’t have a live accompaniment to the hymns or Liturgy but it’s all recorded and played through a sound system and it works really well! They also stream the service live over the internet (though just the pastor is seen) and we have members who connect with us that way because they do not live close enough to attend. I invite one and all to come and experience God’s word in its entirety! Come hear the wonderful message of Jesus’s death and resurrection for the sins of the whole world. Come and worship in songs of praise! Or watch our services streamed live if you are too far to travel. I don’t know how I’d get through this life if I didn’t have a weekly gathering with others to hear the word of God preached, to receive Holy Communion and absolution. There isn’t much we can rely on in this world. I know I’ve grown discouraged with life and the struggles that face me each day. Having Church to attend weekly helps to get me through. I can detach from everything, all my troubles, and all the crazy busyness. Here I can focus on Jesus’s promise of forgiveness, love, and everlasting life. You can experience this too. It’s awesome! With Christian love, Miriam