Greetings
and God’s Blessings!
Whether you
are new to VLC or have been a member for many years, it is our
hope that the following will be a blessing for you. Some of the
most commonly asked questions are addressed in this section. For
the purpose of simplicity, the information which you will find
is in the form of questions and their answers.
You will see
subjects about church membership in general, pastoral care and
membership at Village Lutheran Church in particular. The questions
range from our beliefs about Jesus to assumptions about church
membership often with references to passages in the Bible. In
some cases, general answers are given because specific programs
and other variables may change over time. Should further questions
or clarification be needed, we encourage you to call the church
office (914-337-0207) and speak to one of the staff members or
pastors, or just e-mail us.
We pray the
Lord’s blessings to you and to our church. To God alone be
the glory!
Topics:
1.
What is a church?
2.
What is the Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School?
3.
What is the VLC’s Mission Statement?
4.
What is the vision of the Village Lutheran Church?
5.
What is does it mean to be a church member?
6.
How does one become a member of the VLC?
7.
What specifically is assumed about church membership?
8.
What specifically is offered for my personal spiritual growth?
9.
What kind of prayers and prayer groups are available?
10.
What else is available for my growth in my personal and family
life?
11.
How can I get involved in the mission and ministry of VLC?
12.
What is the VLC's relation to Concordia College?
13.
What is a “voter’s meeting” and what is a “voting
member”?
14.
What about church “dues”?
15.
How do I arrange for a baptism or wedding?
16.
How does the VLC do first communion and confirmation of the youth?
17.
What kind of help does the VLC offer when I have a personal problem?
18.
When should I call a pastor?
19.
How can the VLC be of service at the time of death and dying?
20.
Is it possible to rent the facilities at the VLC?
21.
When are your worship services?
22.
How do I get to VLC?
23. What
do Lutherans believe?
24. The
Village Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod. Where can I learn more about the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod? http://www.lcms.org/cic/faqs.html
25.
Is the Village Lutheran Church like all other Lutheran Church-Missouri
Synod congregations?
26. I need
help or have questions about:
1.
What is a church?
The word “church” is often used in a number of ways.
It may be a reference to a building or to the people who gather
there every Sunday. It may also refer to a denominational group
such as Methodists, Catholics, Baptists, etc. For our purposes,
we understand the church to be those Christians who gather for
worship and spiritual nurture around the Bible and the Sacraments
of Baptism and Holy Communion (1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 2:42; 1
Peter 2:9).
2.
What is the Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School?
Historically, The VLC was organized in 1916 with
a Christian day school formed in 1947. The VLC is one of the largest
Lutheran congregations in the Atlantic District.
As to our beliefs we are Lutheran Christians. The Lutheran church
is a worldwide communion of Christians whose mission is to proclaim
the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people. We believe that God
graciously forgives us and offers us new life through the death
and resurrection of His Son. We are fully committed to serving
our Lord and our community in the name of Jesus, the Christ (or
Messiah).
Lutherans also believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God
and the only reliable source and standard for what we know about
God. The most important teaching of the Bible is the salvation
of the sinner by grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died
and rose again as our substitute.
Village Lutheran Church is a part of the 11th largest denomination
in America called the “Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod”
which numbers over 2.6 million members. The word “Synod”
means “walking together.” This is exactly what we as
a denomination strive to do as together we believe, teach and
profess the same things about Jesus Christ and work together on
various projects which we could not do alone as single congregations.
3.
What is the VLC’s Mission Statement?
Under
the blessings of God, the mission of the Village Lutheran Church is
a ministry of Word and Sacraments. This ministry gives opportunity
for mission witness, nurture, fellowship, stewardship and service.
It focuses on the specific needs of individuals and groups within
the congregation and extends to the church at large, the community
and the world.
Chapel School
is an integral part of the congregation's ministry directed specifically
to children. It provides a distinctive Christian education enabling
children to evidence a Christian lifestyle and to achieve academic
success.
4.
What is the vision of Village Lutheran Church?
Discover Our Core Values!
Click here.
5.
What is does it mean to be a church member?
While the people, programs, preaching and other aspects of a church
may draw someone to a church, becoming a member is a significant
decision which should be carefully made. A church is not a club,
but it is a community of faith in our Savior Jesus.
Membership
is a personal commitment of individuals and families to one particular
group or community of Christians. When one becomes a church member
it is understood that their primary worship life will be expressed
at that one church with their fellow members. Their primary means
of Christian nurture will also be with that one group and their
primary expression of service will be in connection with the community
with which they have identified as “their church.” When
one joins a church, one is no longer alone. The new member becomes
part of a group, the forgiven people of God in that place.
6.
How does one become a member of the VLC?
The membership process may happen in a variety of ways:
- a person
may transfer in from another Lutheran Congregation. To do so,
request a letter of transfer from your home congregation and
speak to Pastor Hartwell at (914) 337-0207 (1022) or Pastorh@VLC-NY.ORG.
- a person
may attend a "new member class" and then seek to be
welcomed into membership through baptism (if not already baptized),
the right hand of fellowship, or even an official confirmation
(if desired). Speak to Pastor Hartwell at church or by calling
(914) 337-0207 (1022) or Pastorh@VLC-NY.ORG.
- a person
may speak to Pastor Hartwell or Taylor and receive private instruction.
7.
What specifically is assumed about church membership?
Certain things are assumed of members when they join the VLC.
There is a commitment to the teachings of the Lutheran Church and to the mission
and ministry priorities of the VLC. Thus there is a common or
shared faith and a common or shared profession of faith among
all the members. We also join hands in a common mission. We assume you are with us on a journey of "knowing, living and sharing the love of Christ" with us.
8.
What specifically is offered for my personal spiritual growth?
The VLC offers a standard menu of options like Sunday school from
babies through 6th grade during the 9:00 A.M. service, Weekend worship on Saturday at 5:30 P.M. and Sunday at 9:00 and 10:45 A.M. Confirmation and numerous other Bible study opportunities
for spiritual study and nurture are available for teens and adults.
In addition to these, the VLC is blessed with a number of Bible
Study Groups which meet regularly.
There are numerous opportunities to grow in Christ here at the
VLC, and numerous opportunities to serve others in our community.
All members are encouraged to take advantage of all avenues of
spiritual nurture including daily personal devotions through Bible
study and prayer, and to demonstrate their hunger to serve others
in the name of Christ, that the Lord would add to His number daily.
9.
What kind of prayers and prayer groups are available?
In addition to the Sunday morning prayers offered for those who
have notified the church office, we have many other opportunities
for prayer. A prayer chain exists whereby a number of volunteers
will pray after having been telephoned with the prayer request.
Bible Study Groups regularly pray for people’s needs and
can be contacted. Prayer is a key component of the VLC's youth
ministry as well.
10.
What else is available for my growth in my personal and family
life?
Various classes for family and marriage enrichment are periodically
offered. Parenting classes, marriage enrichment classes, support
groups for all ages are available. To strengthen the Christian
family, we also offer classes which help equip parents to pass
on the faith to their children. The Sunday morning bulletin, Village
Voices (THE VLC's monthly newsletter) are all excellent
sources for finding out what is currently being offered--as well
as checking for periodic updates on www.VLC-NY.ORG.
11.
How can I get involved in the mission and ministry of the VLC?
Weekend worship is the highlight of our week together as a church
and community of believers. Through this first step, personal
faith is strengthened, friendships are formed and one learns more
about the life of the VLC family.
Another step is to attend the various activities such as the picnics,
outings, dinners, school programs and musical events which are
regularly offered. Finally, every member will naturally seek out
at least one avenue for service to the Lord within the context
of the VLC and Chapel School. This may take on a variety of activities
and roles.
12.
What is the VLC's relation to Concordia College?
The VLC began as a campus ministry of Concordia College (www.concordia-ny.edu).
Although we branched off and became a community church, the VLC
is still the "Town and Gown" church of the College and
seeks all meaningful partnerships with students, faculty and staff.
The VLC is grateful for the blessings of the college and is a
string supporter of this outstanding academic ministry situated
in one of the most vital urban centers in the world.
13.
What is a “voter’s meeting” and what is a “voting
member”?
The VLC has four annual meetings whereby the congregation has
the responsibility and privilege of determining God’s direction
on a variety of matters. One method is through the casting of
a vote. Any member in good standing of the VLC is eligible to
become a voting member of the congregation. They submit their
name at the beginning of a regularly scheduled voter’s meeting.
At the next meeting they sign the constitution and are eligible
to vote and are encouraged to voice their views at the meetings.
14.
What about church “dues”?
The church is different from a social club where dues are required.
We are a community of faith committed to Jesus and the mission
He has given to us as His church. God has loved us in Jesus Christ.
We belong completely to Him: body, soul, talents, abilities and
all our material goods. God simply gives all of these things to
us to manage for a time in order to glorify Him and advance the
mission of Jesus Christ . Thus we respond to God’s love with
our worship, the service of our hands, our generous offering of
time including our intentional, regular financial offerings. God
does not require equal giving but equal sacrifice among the members
of His church ( Psalm 116:12; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians
5:15; 8:1- 9:15). We teach that tithing is a Biblical goal which
one can prayerfully strive to meet or exceed.
Annually, pledges or promises are asked of the membership for
the purposes of prayerfully setting the ministry priorities through
the budget of the congregation. Yearly statements are available
for tax purposes.
15.
How do I arrange for a baptism or wedding?
Baptisms are scheduled through the church office. In the case
of children’s baptisms, a short conversation with the pastor
provides the opportunity to fill out some paperwork, give instructions
about how the baptism will take place and review the meaning of
Baptism from the Bible. This meeting also serves as a checkpoint
for you while you are on your spiritual journey of faith. At the
time of the meeting a mutually agreed upon date for the baptism
will be scheduled. Adults who have not been baptized typically
receive this sacrament after a time of preparation.
Weddings are also scheduled through the pastor. A meeting with
the pastor provides the opportunity to review costs and procedures
and reserve the church for the wedding. A second meeting is required
to speak about Christ in marriage and to go over the specifics
of the service. Additionally, meetings may be held with the minister
of music to discuss the service.
16.
How does the VLC do first communion and confirmation of the youth?
First communion is celebrated in the 5th grade on one of the last Sunday's of Lent at a 10:45 AM service
after 5 weeks of weekly classes with the Pastor and at least one
parent or guardian.Confirmation is celebrated on (or near) Pentecost
after two years of weekly confirmation classes taught by the Pastors.
17.
What kind of help does the VLC offer when I have a personal problem?
The VLC has a number of options for those in need and those who
would like to serve those in need. Our pastors are available for
pastoral counseling and can make referrals to trusted psychologists
in the area.
Our church is a member congregational of Lutheran Counseling Center (see Social Ministry
Organizations) and those in financial need or those who may
have other needs may contact a pastor or the church office for
information regarding church resources which are available or
community resources which are available.
In addition the VLC has an on-site counselor, Mrs. Betty Geiling,
who works through Lutheran Counseling Center who offers professional
crisis counseling.
18.
When should I call a pastor?
The Pastors are here to serve you in times of joy and questioning
and need:
Times of joy: Pastors desire to be present to rejoice with you
over answered prayer, and to learn about what God is doing in
your life. For example, you are encouraged to call a pastor following
the birth of a baby.
Times of question: When you need help understanding your faith
or the Bible. When you need help living and expressing your Christian
faith.
Times of need: In times of hospitalization, surgery, despondency,
or impending death of a loved one, or other personal problems
or needs. Our pastors strive to bring you a personalized ministry.
19.
How can the VLC be of service at the time of death and dying?
Caring Christians are extremely important during these trying
times. The pastoral staff and the angel group are available for
regular support for caregivers and the dying. Funeral arrangements
are made and coordinated with local funeral homes.
The staff and members of the VLC can be helpful in answering questions
and preparing for services and funeral receptions. In the event
that the VLC is named for memorial gifts by friends of the family,
the office staff is available to record the gifts and assist in
thank you notes.
20.
Is it possible to rent the facilities at the VLC?
THE VLC’s facilities are available for service to members
and school families. Reservations may be made through the sexton,
Mr.. Michael Schultz (914-337-0207 or macvlc@aol.com).
Guidelines and fees are available in the church office.
21.
When are your worship services?
Please join us for worship!
(Weekly)
Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 9am*, 10:45am
*Sunday school from birth - 6th grade is at the 9am service.
For worship information
click here
22.
How do I get to VLC?
VLC
is located at 172 White Plains Road/Route 22 in the Village of
Bronxville, Town of Eastchester,Westchester County, north of Mount
Vernon and south of Scarsdale and Tuckahoe.
From
New York City, New Jersey and Upstate New York:
Take the New York State Thruway (Major Deegan Expressway/Route
87) to the Cross County Parkway. Go east to exit 8, Route 22/North
Columbus Avenue. The church is located 1.4 miles north.
From
Long Island
Take the Hutchinson River Parkway (off the New England Thruway)
north to exit 13, Cross County Parkway. Continue on the Cross
County Parkway to exit 8, route 22/North Columbus Avenue. At
the end of the ramp, turn left onto Route 22. The church is
located 1.4 miles north.
From
Connecticut
Take the Merritt Parkway to the Hutchinson River Parkway south
to exit 18 W, Mill Road. At the end of the ramp, turn right
onto Mill Road and continue 0.7 miles to Route 22/White Plains
Road. Turn left onto White Plains Road. The church is located
one mile south.
Click
for interactive zoomable map
25.
Is the Village Lutheran Church like all other Lutheran Church-Missouri
Synod congregations?
The Village Lutheran Church is an autonomous congregation
of the LC-MS. This means that it agrees to work with the other
churches of the LC-MS. However, each LC-MS church is autonomous
and congregational and each chooses the unique way that they minister
Christ in their own community. The VLC tends to be more open to
diversity, more moderate in her views and strongly committed to
sharing the love of Christ. You will find the VLC very comfortable,
yet unique.
