Frequently Asked Questions


What is your affiliation?

Point of Grace is an innovative mission of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).  Our mission is to bring others to belong to authentic biblical community to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

Go to www.lcms.org for links to our denominational history and the bedrock beliefs.

Who are these Lutherans?

Lutherans took their name from Martin Luther, who was the first Protestant to break away from the Roman Catholic Church due to its corruption in his days. The year 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant reformation. Lutherans are biblically conservative Christians who believe that people are saved by God's grace alone, through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ apart from any merit or works of their own (see Ephesians 2:8-10), on the basis of scripture alone.  Here are a few other beliefs of LCMS: 

While maintaining a deep appreciation for the universal Christian Church, Missouri Synod Lutherans believe that Scripture alone -- not Scripture and tradition, not Scripture and the church, not Scripture and human reason, not Scripture and experience -- stands as the final standard of what the Gospel is.  We also believe that confidence in the reliability of the Bible is not possible apart from faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe what the Scriptures teach because they first believe in Jesus Christ. Christ is the object of faith, not the Bible.

We Lutherans believe that there is "one holy Christian church" on earth, which is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ wherever they are to be found. This one church, which is not to be identified with any institution or denomination, is to be found
wherever the Gospel is preached and the Sacraments administered. All Christians are members of this one church, and they are all members of the royal priesthood of all believers.

Where do you currently worship?

Point of Grace leases suites 102 and 104 at The Chair Factory center in Cornelius, located at 20700 N. Main Street.  See Worship Times and Places link for a map.

What is your worship like?

Our worship is fresh and joyful as we gather in the presence of God as authentic biblical community to celebrate together our life in Christ and be instructed and encouraged in the Word of life.  The worship is centered in the good news of Jesus Christ and filled with grace and hope for real life.

Some parts of the worship may be heard by clicking on the following links or navigating to the Audio page.  These examples are not all from the same day.  Point of Grace subscribes to CCLI and as such may not publish copyrighted material here for your downloading.  The songs here are copyrighted by trewth, Point of Grace's worship band.

Gathering Song

Welcome and Announcements

Confession and Absolution

Psalm for the Day

Praise Singing (usually two songs)

Prayer of the Church (Collect)

Old Testament Reading & Discussion

New Testament Reading & Discussion

Gospel Lesson

Creed

Special Music

Message

Prayer and the Blessing

Communion (Communion assistant not heard)

Sending Song

And of course, many past sermons are available on the Audio page. 

EnJOY!!

 

Who is the staff?

Rev. Bill Gittner is our interim Pastor.  He and his wife, Gretchen, were about to resume retirement when God presented this new challenge to them in February 2006.   

Our Music Leader is Tim Trew. He and his wife, Cathy, have three children.

Our many ministers are those who volunteer their time and talents in team ministry and Sunday serving teams.  Our servant leaders serve point for Small group, Outreach, Worship, and Student ministry.

How do you care for children?

Point of Grace has begun a separate Sunday School program that meets at 9:30 am, an hour before Worship, and continues until 10:15 am.  The Sunday School includes Confirmation for 7th and 8th grade students as well as a First Communion class.  Children of all age groups not in First Communion or Confirmation attend one of two classes currently offered.  

How can I connect deeper with other people?

We believe that only in a small community group, where people from all walks of life come together, and are authentic with one another, can share life's deepest struggles and joys, and positive life change happen.  Through authentic biblical community, people can connect and grow relationally with God and one another.   Point of Grace offers small group, community group, and ministry teams open for all.

Should I attend Communion?

Here at Point of Grace, the Lord's Supper is truly a highlight of worship. We believe that as we share this meal, our Lord Jesus Christ is really present, and that we receive His true Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith to live the Christian life. If this expresses your heart and you've already received Christian Baptism, we invite you to receive this meal, as a communion between you and your Savior, and as a display of your spiritual unity with us.  If you are not sure, let it pass until you meet with our pastor for care.

Our children are first instructed in the sacrament beginning at 1st Grade if the parents feel their child is ready.

How do I become a member of Point of Grace Community Church?

A membership class is offered where you learn our core commitments, values, mission, vision, affiliation and bedrock beliefs.  Together we review the constitution and bylaws with the Point of Grace membership covenant.

How do I connect and get involved?

Please complete a tear out sheet during worship on Sunday, especially your email address, and place it in the offering basket at the end of worship. Please also feel free to call our pastor or send him an email to schedule a time for a pastoral care visit.

Come early or stay after the celebration service to meet the staff, hear our story and learn how to get connected.

Welcome to all!

What time should I arrive to help setup for worship on Sunday?

Audio and video (as needed) setup starts at 9:00 am to be ready for sound check at 9:15 am.  Altar setup starts at 9:15 am. Hospitality setup starts at 9:15 am.  Sunday School starts at 9:30 am.  Nursery starts at 9:15 am on an as needed basis.  Currently Point of Grace has no one taking advantage of the Nursery. 


Altar and hospitality cleanup starts after worship. 

What if I have another question?

Please click on the Contact Us link for Point of Grace's leadership phone number and email address. We encourage you to make this contact.