A church home for God's people.

Grace is undeserved mercy.

Hello, and Welcome

As you can see from exploring this web site, we are providing information to the Grace Lutheran community as well as a welcome and introduction of our church to other Christians who may be seeking a church home. We are mindful that people are at various places in their faith walk. Second, we would be helpful in providing support and guidance.

Pastor Tietjen’s Message

CROSS & RESURRECTION

CHRIST HAS DIED...CHRIST IS RISEN...CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN.

These words from the Eucharistic prayer capsulize these months of March and April as we reflect upon both sides of the coin of salvation. Repeatedly Jesus instructed his disciples on the WAY of salvation to which he was committed; namely through suffering and death to resurrected rule in abiding love and peace. No one needs tell us of the turbulence of our world and the uncertainties that fill the lives of many. Even in moments of relative comfort the concerns for the morrow escape none of us. The Christian life is no exception except for the WAY of Christ to which we are also committed. When the early Christians called themselves people of THE WAY they were speaking of the immanence of death and the surety of life with Christ presently and beyond death.

Lent/Easter each year is rehearsal and confirmation that life/death/resurrection mark the WAY of Christian pilgrimage. In fact, LENT does not stand alone as a kind of macabre vision of the stoic value of suffering. Yes, Jesus did die a cruel and criminal death at the cross forsaken by friends and disciples alike. But even in the 40 days of Lent, vision of resurrection resides in that the 6 Lenten Sundays, though in lent are not considered to be a part of Lent, since all Sundays of the entire year celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Similarly, the 40 day Lenten observance is contrasted with a 50 day observance of the Resurrection of our Lord. Suffering/death are truly one part of the WAY, but are matched and exceeded by resurrection/life for Jesus and for all Christians who follow in the WAY of Christ. And while one cannot even conceive of Resurrection without preceding Death, the WAY of life in Jesus’ name is a daily baptism into the death of Christ, so that the new walk of righteousness in Christ might be the WAY of each day and each person. And so, LET US EVER WALK WITH JESUS (LBW # 487) in Lent and in Easter alike.

If you would like additional information, we’d enjoy talking with you either by phone at
253-472-7105, or you can e-mail us at: info@gracelutherantacoma.org.
We hope to hear from you!
May God bless you this day and every day!
Pastor Richard H. Tietjen
r_tietjen@gracelutherantacoma.org