What Lutherans Believe...
- We believe the entire Bible, which points to Jesus as the Savior, is the inspired and errorless Word of God. It is God's message of love and hope for all people.
- There is only one true God, who exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- God is the creator of everything that exists.
- Adam and Eve, our first parents, were originally created by God pure and holy. They lived according to God's will, doing what was pleasing to Him.
- Adam and Eve, the man and woman God created in the beginning, went against God's will and brought sin into the world. Since that time, all people have been conceived and born in sin.
- Sin is living out of relationship with God, not living according to God's will, and thus transgressing His holy will in thought, word and deed.
- People cannot save themselves by their good works or restore themselves to a right relationship with God.
- God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world. He is both true God and true man. He lived to fulfill God's law for us, died on the cross to pay the penalty our sins deserved, and rose from the dead so that we might have eternal life. He ascended into heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of The Father to intercede for us.
- Because of Jesus' death on the cross, God declares a person just or righteous and forgiven. This happens not because of human effort, but because the justification won by Jesus is applied to the one who believes in Jesus as Savior.
- Faith in Jesus is a gift of God, given by the power of the Holy Spirit; thus all the glory belongs to God.
- The means of grace are the Word, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. By these means, the merits of Jesus' perfect life and atoning death are personally conveyed to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior.
- Jesus will come again to take all believers to Himself. On the final day, all the dead will be raised. Those who are still alive will be bodily transformed. After this, the final judgement will take place. Unbelievers will go into eternal damnation, and believers into eternal life.
- The true Christian church is made up of all believers of all times who believe in the Triune God and in Jesus Christ as their only Savior.
- God wants Christians to join with other believers in churches which correctly teach God's Word and administer Holy Baptism and Holy Communion according to the teachings of Scripture.
- Christians are called to tell others that the only way of salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ, and to show their faith by their deeds of love toward others.
Hosanna Lutheran Church is founded on the belief that Grace is a free gift. God's life giving Grace is for you no matter what your life situation or religious background and we invite you to come grow with us as we learn how to receive His Grace.
Hosanna's Mission Statement...
Centered in the Gospel and reflecting Christ’s example, the mission of Hosanna Lutheran Church is to initiate, nurture and empower Spirit filled relationships. Using all God’s gifts we serve God’s people to God’s glory.
Ministries at Hosanna...
The name Hosanna comes from the Biblical word meaning "Praise the Lord!" Praise the Lord for His salvation, His Word, His love and so much more! Hosanna Lutheran Church formed with this purpose in mind - to give God our praise through our worship and every other activity found here.
Putting our "Faith into Action" is what it's all about and Hosanna offers many opportunities for doing just that.
- BIBLE STUDY is spiritual growth through the study of God's Word in retreats, seminars, small home groups and larger classes.
- CHILDREN'S EDUCATION through Sunday School, Confirmation classes, Vacation Bible School and Children's Messages during worship, we nurture and teach our children.
- Our YOUTH GROUP is active with fellowship, speakers, discussions, activities, retreats and service events.
- Our MUSIC MINISTRIES include Adult and Children's Choirs, cantatas, programs, instrumentalists and more.
- The COMMUNITY CONCERNS COMMITTEE reaches out to the needy and disabled through a variety of activities.
- Our PRESCHOOL and KINDERGARTEN program is known for its quality Christian nurturing and education for 3 to 6 year olds.
- CAREGIVERS provide special care such as meals and transportation in times of need.
- STEPHEN MINISTRIES train lay people to minister to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of people.
- FELLOWSHIP EVENTS include Sunday morning coffee, sports, retreats, potlucks, dinner groups and more.
Hosanna's Leadership...
Hosanna is lead by Rev. Greg Peters. Pastor Greg was born and raised near the Great Lakes. He received a degree in Psychology and Social Work from Valparaiso University in 1975 before attending Christ Seminary in St. Louis. Pastor Greg served congregations in Margarita and Balboa, Republic of Panama, as a foreign mission worker of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He pastored at Nassau Lutheran Church in the Bahamas in the early 80’s, and was later called to St. Veit Lutherische Kirche in Barnstorf, Germany, a 1000 year old, 7000 member congregation in Lower Saxony. More recently Greg served as Senior Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Columbus, Georgia, where he met his wife. They came to Hosanna in March 1993 and have helped Hosanna become the thriving church it is today.
A Bit of Hosanna History...
On April 21, 1974, Hosanna Lutheran Church began as a small group of about 100 people that first met for worship at Columbine High School. Since that time of inception, God blessed the young congregation so that it grew to the point where more space was needed. A decision was reached which resulted in a leap of faith for the construction of the current sanctuary, which was dedicated on August 7, 1977. The mission of Hosanna continued moving forward. Later, even more space became necessary as additional families joined. In 1982 the preschool began, and already by 1986, the kindergarten program was added. The pastoral counseling ministry began in 1987. Finally, the fellowship area, classrooms and offices were added and dedicated on Palm Sunday of 1996.
Hosanna Lutheran has been blessed with three pastors since its inception, and moves forward today under the direction of Rev. Greg Peters.