Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church LCMS Missouri Synod 1601 Ave F Sterling Illinois 61081 (815) 625-2284
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The Story of Our Symbols

As Lutherans, we gather around the Word and Sacraments. Here is where Jesus Christ is really present among us to give us the gift of salvation and life everlasting- the forgiveness of all our sins. We are blessed to have a church that proclaims: “Jesus Christ crucified and risen for us!” This message is proclaimed in Baptism, Absolution, reading and preaching of Holy Scripture, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, the singing of hymns, and even in the architecture and art inside and outside the building. There are tremendously rich symbols that surround us as we enter into the Sanctuary. I invite you to step into our church, look all around, and ask “What does this mean?”

Rev. Eldor Mueller, beloved pastor from 1940-1979, wrote “The Story of Our Symbols” for the Building Dedication Service, on November 23, 1952. I have only added pictures and some Bible passages to further meditate on.

Click on any of the links below to view the symbol and read about it. I hope this website will be a blessing to you.

Yours in Christ,
Vicar Robert A Reinert III

The Church Building

Within the Building

In the Name of the Father ...

And of the Son ...

And of the Holy Spirit

Historic Creeds

Lutheran Confessions

The Evangelists

Chancel Window

Jesus Christ

The Church Year

The Church

The Holy Name of Jesus

The Mother's Room