What makes us different as Lutherans is what we believe.  And those beliefs are gathered into a book which is called The Book of Concord.  ("Concord" meaning peace).

And out of that book, the first acquaintance most folks have with Lutheran beliefs is to be found in Martin Luther's Small Catechism.  ("Catechism" meaning something that is taught).

The beauty of this Catechism is that it is simple enough for a small child to understand -- for many Lutherans, our first dealing with the book is in the period of instruction in childhood we call confirmation.  At the same time, there are depths of learning there that would take a lifetime to master.  In it, we learn about God, where we came from, about our Savior, and about the Church he died to save (in the Apostle's Creed).  We learn what God has commanded us to do, and not to do (in the 10 commandments).  We learn how to pray (in the Lord's prayer).  And finally, we learn about God's gift of salvation to us, given in Holy Baptism, and His gift of His true Body and Blood, given in the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper.

Another beauty is that it is a book of doctrine ("teachings") and instruction that can also be prayed.  We invite you to cherish this book, to learn from it, and join us in learning more about it.

Click here to read the Small Catechism.