St. Martin's Lutheran Church

St. Martin's Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States and is in full communion with the Episcopal Church. The ELCA is also a member of the Lutheran World Federation. Just a short browse through St. Martin's website and you can see they have quite a bit of activities going on there, from small group meetings to conversational spanish classes to sewing circles to yoga. They are also involved in outreach ministries throughout the city of Austin, but also as far away as Honduras.

Upon entering the church, I was immediately drawn to the physical beauty of the place. The floors are stone, there are beautful stained glass windows with various symbols and scenes and at the front is a beautiful, carved structure behind the altar. I didn't take pictures, but you can follow this link and see pictures taken from last Christmas to give you an idea of how beautiful it is.

The service opened with a prelude played by horns. One of the things I like about the Lutheran liturgy is where they place the prayer of confession and forgiveness. It's at the very beginning of the liturgy. For me, it's like coming into the presence of God in a penitent manner and immediately seeking His forgiveness in order to remain there and worship Him. For me, I'm guessing that's how actually meeting Him face-to-face would be. First, realizing how unworthy and sinful I am, then rejoicing in the moment as He accepts me regardless.

The liturgy is what most would call "high church" - fairly formal, but not stiff or cold in any way. Most of the songs are sung by the congregation, for example, so there's active participation in song as well as the responsive readings. A special treat this Sunday was the baptism of a very cute baby. Not only was it a touching moment, but it was worth the entire experience to watch the father's face. That man was one proud papa! After the communion hymn was sung, there was a choral chant which was absolutely beautiful. The choir is in a loft behind the congregation, so their voices floated above us, giving them an angelic quality.

The sermon was about love and friendship. The preacher talked about how most people who find church do so through friends and he talked about the qualities of friendship that are important, reflecting on the reading from I Corinthians 13 regarding love. It was a heartfelt message, with a great story about two six-year-old boys he witnessed having a disagreement about one of them breaking the other's toy. This church has a beautiful liturgy, with music, prayers and readings that definitely move the soul. The people were friendly and the place is brimming with activities and ministries for people to get involved and remained involved.

Okay, two things I just have to make a point to mention that were in this service. The first is there was a recognition of a lady who has worked in their children's program for over 50 years! Wow!! She has been a faithful member, never refusing to pitch in, always there to help others and has been a real inspiration to their church. As everyone stood and applauded her, it hit me that probably many of the people standing there recognizing her were probably taught or ministered to by her as they grew up there. It was very touching.

The other thing I have to point it may sound a little weird because it focuses on just one person, but I feel compelled to do so. The presiding minister over the service was, I believe, a lady by the name of June Wilkins. If I got the name wrong, someone can correct me when they read this. June is one of those people that lights up an entire room when they smile. Everytime she prayed, gave a blessing, or spoke, you could just feel the Spirit of Christ in her. Her voice is filled with love and joy. I don't just mean happy, but true joy. Although I know many, many people who are loving Christians, just spending some time worshipping with her was a wonderful experience. As she was headed to the back (at the end of the service), she looked at me and smiled and I could just feel the love of Christ radiate from her. These people are blessed to have her there as one of their ministers.

All in all, St. Martin's Lutheran Church is a joyous and beautiful experience, both spiritually and aesthetically.

One last reason to visit here...the Blessing of the Animals. Apparently, this is something they do every October. I will definitely be taking my animals to this! They could use it!