About CTK
Who We Are
Whether you’ve been part of a faith community since birth, or are beginning a spiritual journey, or just stumbled across this website by chance, you are welcome to Christ the King Lutheran Church.
Christ the King is a faith community that exists out of the love of God that continues to be given to us in the eternal life of Jesus Christ. We regularly come together around God’s Loving Word and the Sacraments to hear God’s message of grace, so that we may then share in proclaiming God’s abundant and unending love for all of creation, with our very lives.
So, whoever you are and whatever your story is, know that you are loved by God, and that you are invited to join us at Christ the King as we journey through life bound together in that love.
Christ the King is proud to be a congregation of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are also a Reconciling in Christ congregation, welcoming all regardless regardless of age, race, religious background, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression, or abilities.
What is a Lutheran?
Lutheranism is a branch of Christianity that traces its beliefs and practices to the teachings of Martin Luther, a German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Lutherans emphasize the authority of the Bible as the foundation of faith and practice, and they believe that salvation is achieved through faith alone, by God’s grace.
Lutherans hold to the doctrines outlined in the Book of Concord, a collection of confessional writings that articulate Lutheran theology. Key beliefs include the justification by faith, the importance of the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist, and the concept of the “priesthood of all believers,” which asserts that every Christian has direct access to God without the need for an intermediary.
Lutheran worship services are characterized by a liturgical format, including hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and a sermon. The centrality of the Word and Sacrament in worship reflects the Lutheran commitment to both spiritual and doctrinal integrity.
Lutheranism has spread worldwide and encompasses a variety of traditions and practices, united by a common commitment to the core tenets of faith established by Martin Luther. With a rich heritage of theological inquiry, social justice, and community engagement, Lutherans continue to play a vital role in the global Christian community.
Who is Martin Luther?
Moments with Marty
Moments with Marty is a series of bulletin inserts celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. From January until Reformation Sunday in 2017, we had an insert in each week’s bulletin with interesting facts about Martin Luther, the origins of Lutheran theology, our worship practices, creeds, and more.
Researched and written for the average layperson by our own Al Jesness, to provide some background and information about the reluctant founder of the Lutheran church and the Reformation as a whole. The entire series of Moments with Marty is available to read or download. To help direct you to a week or a topic, they are indexed so you can click on the topic and it will take you to it.
Other Links related to the Reformation:
The Luther Rose
The Meaning of The Luther Rose
Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide
The “three solas,” namely: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, and Sola Fide are the three phrases used in connection with the Lutheran Reformation in the 16th Century. These are three Latin phrases that mean: “Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, and Faith Alone.” These three phrases are the benchmark of confessional Lutheranism today.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER’S COAT OF ARMS
This seal was designed by Dr. Martin Luther while teaching at Wittenberg, and it has become the primary emblem of the Lutheran Church. Comprising it are: the black cross, for faith in Christ crucified; the red heart, for faith in the Saviour; the white rose, to show that faith causes joy, consolation and peace; the blue sky, to denote that such joy of faith in the spirit is the beginning of heavenly joy to come; and the golden ring surrounding all, to signify that such bliss in heaven is endless. The last stanza of the Luther League Hymn (SBH 567) gives a poetic description of this same Luther Emblem. It reads:
We proudly bear as banner
A cross within the heart,
To show that we have chosen
Christ the better part.
Then joy and peace and comfort
Shall blossom as a rose,
Until our earthly blessings
The worth of heaven disclose.
All hail, our glorious Saviour!
We march where thou hast trod,
To seek thy house of triumph,
The city of our God!
– – SBH 567, vs. 3
