What We Do
Toward a
Statement on Inclusive Language
First
United Lutheran Church is a community that values inclusion in many aspects,
especially forms of worship. We interpret inclusion, however, in expansive
terms that provide for the intention of inclusion, even when the chosen
forms may appear to contradict the very principle we seek to uphold.
Sometimes we will sing traditional hymns composed of language that comes
from a different era and may seem exclusive.
We believe, however that these hymns hold their own power of inclusion
because they connect us not only to our roots but also to many people across
the wide expanse of God's family who have shared and continue to share these
same hymns. Occasionally we will recite prayers in which God may be
addressed as Lord or Lover, Father or Mother, Creator or Spirit, or even
Goddess. We believe, however, that God is not limited even though our
language is; the names change, the truth remains the same. Our words are
products of time and history, the context in which we encounter God. But our
God is timeless. We welcome your contribution to our many ways of calling
forth the divine love that unites us all.
We take an eclectic approach to our music and liturgy at First United, while
remaining faithful to the structures and texts of the liturgical traditions
of Christianity. We recognize that the development of the liturgy is in
constant change in response to the presence of the Holy Spirit in the
world. First United encourages the artists and musicians in our midst (and
we are blessed in this regard) to create and contribute as frequently as
desired to our worship, whether it be musical compositions, poetry, banners,
prose, or prayers. To enjoy a few of the compositions and arrangements from
the FULC musicians, please click here:
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First United varies our liturgical settings to correspond with the changing
seasons of the church year. We include such diverse offerings as Franz
Schubert’s Deutsche Messe, David Haas’ Mass of Light, Marty Haugen’s Now the
Feast and Celebration, the Detroit Folk Mass, and new settings from
Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Hymns on any given Sunday may
range from traditional German chorales to contemporary tunes,
African-American spiritual or gospel traditions, folk settings, or melodies
from Hebrew traditions. They may be accompanied by keyboard (piano or, when
available, organ), guitar, drums, or whatever instrumentation is available.
The music, hymns, and texts always specifically reflect the liturgical
readings and themes appointed for the day. Through our liturgy and music,
First United continues to explore how we as a community change, grow, and
evolve in our participation in the life of the Holy Spirit.
- The Prayer of Jesus--First United's
Version
In 2002, a
First United study group exploring the biblical versions of Jesus' prayer,
and under the guidance of Dr. Robert Smith, composed this version for use in
our worship:
Loving God,
Help us keep
your name holy.
We pray for your
reign of peace to come,
We ask that your
will be done on earth as in heaven.
Feed our bodies
and spirits each day.
Teach us to
forgive as you forgive.
Make our hearts
as generous as your own,
Let us not be
overwhelmed by evil.
We pray in your
name, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
Amen.
Education and exploring new ideas are important aspects to the life of First
United. We pride ourselves in being a place where questions are encouraged
and diverse opinions respected. In 2007 the congregation explored the
Living the Questions series. Living the Questions is a source of curriculum
and media for both seekers and “church alumni/ae” convinced that
Christianity still has relevance in the 21st century. The purpose of Living
the Questions is to help people explore the future of Christianity and what
a meaningful faith can look like in today’s world. More information about
Living the Questions can be found at
www.livingthequestions.com.
In 2008 a new group has formed at First United that is studying the 8 points
of Progressive Christianity found on the
Center for Progressive Christianity
website. The mission of the Center for Progressive Christianity is:
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To reach out to those for whom organized religion has proved
ineffectual, irrelevant, or repressive, as well as to those who have
given up on or are unacquainted with it.
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To uphold evangelism as an agent of justice and peace.
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To give a strong voice both in the churches and the public arena to the
advocates of progressive Christianity.
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To support those who embrace search, not certainty.
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(Statement on children's education in progress)
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Baptism - the Rite of Holy Baptism is available for both adults and
children and can be arranged by speaking with the pastor.
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Communion class
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Confirmation class
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Intergenerational service
- Meditation for Christians
- Ministries & Partnerships
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