Pastor's Message

by the Rev. Dr. Marcia Cox

The Church: Is it a community or a group of individuals? What’s the difference? So began the theological inquiry into the New Testament images of the Church, at last nights class. Augustana: Is it a community or a group of individuals?

Characteristics of a community according to the New Testament:

• Body of Christ…the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Each part needs every other part to function. Organic interrelatedness of church members with each other and with their head, Jesus Christ.
• Sacrifice…one gives up one’s own agenda when it is in conflict with the whole.
• Disciples…from the Latin, "disco" which means to learn. The word "discipline" and its concept were also active in the early church. Followers are learners.
• Commitment... to the message of Jesus and to the others whom Jesus called.
• The behavior... of disciples was formed around the content of the message of the reign of Christ.
• Fellowship... of believers of Christ, bound together in loyalty and love.
• In communion... with one another.
• Essential... for the support and proclamation of the Gospel to anyone who would listen.
• The Assembly... of believers among whom the Gospel is preached in its purity and Sacraments administered rightly.
• Called... and empowered by the Holy Spirit, joining those who believe to one another.

Is the life of Augustana consistent with this New Testament image of the church? The class came up with a yes and a no….and listed the reasons behind each. Ask yourself…how do I help this place be a community over and against a group of individuals which meets occasionally. (Remember…our own growth is our responsibility.)

We come up to another annual meeting on February 8th which is the annual gathering of all the membership. Please mark it on your calendar; bring a dish, and plan to come! This will be a good time to review our own participation or lack thereof and plot and plan ways we can grow together as a community.

Next Article - The Augustanan Home

The Augustanan
Newsletter
February 2004

This Issue:

Pastor's Message
Ask the Pastor
Accessibility Update
50 Years of Diversity
Getting to Know Us
Grace and Sacrifice
Committee Updates
Committee Schedule
Calendar

Return to:

The Augustanan Home

Augustana Lutheran Church

Augustana Lutheran Church
2100 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009-6507

Church Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm