Everyone
is welcome here in the name of Jesus Christ, regardless of age,
race, sexual orientation, religion or lack of religion.
Jesus welcomes each person exactly as she or he
is and we try to do the same. Our welcome statement specifically
includes gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered persons because
traditionally they have been overtly excluded by the church. We
are a Reconciled in Christ
(RIC) congregation. Gift of Grace is a congregation of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and part of the world wide
Lutheran communion.
Gift of Grace was formed as Zion American Lutheran
Church more than 100 years ago. It was originally located in downtown
Seattle and then moved to the Wallingford neighborhood in the late
1940’s. In 1996 the congregation decided to make changes to
better serve the Wallingford community. In 1997 we changed the name
to Gift of Grace Lutheran Church.
We try to communicate God’s Word in the language
that people can understand. So, our style is kind of funky and laid
back, with a touch of humor.
Jesus died to take away our sins not our brains.
We, at Gift of Grace therefore, encourage rigorous discussions on
religion, God, the Bible and Christianity. We debate ethics so that
we might learn better how to serve our neighbors. The members of
Gift of Grace seek God’s plan for their lives and encourage
and support others who want to do the same.
Our Vision
To be a community of caring people with daring
hearts sharing Christ’s acceptance with everyone
Our Mission
To invest our whole selves in lifting up Christ
for our neighbors, inviting them more deeply into the Life of God.
Our Plan for Growth
We intend to reassert the power and importance
of small word and sacrament communities in the city by starting
and mentoring a new congregation with missionaries from Gift of
Grace as our own participation reaches 200. We intend also to train
the pastor.
