What Lutherans Believe
Faith is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA confesses the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In our preaching and teaching the ELCA trusts the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. For us, the word “evangelical” refers to this centering in the Good News of Jesus’s liberating, saving power as proclaimed in the Gospel.
Born out of the study and teaching of Martin Luther, over 500 years ago, the Lutheran tradition holds that the love and grace of God is freely given to all people; we do not need to do anything to “earn” this grace. In response to this priceless gift of God’s saving grace, Lutherans are called to love and serve their neighbors, and at Faith we do this through our ministries.
The teachings of Jesus proclaim inclusion for all. We are called to practice this radical welcome and work toward justice for all people. Faith is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, promising the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, as well as working for racial equity and engaging in anti-racism work in cooperation with ReconcilingWorks. This means that everyone is a valued child of God and welcome to join us on Sundays or at any time.
We celebrate two sacraments: Baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), and we celebrate the latter every Sunday. Our services also include scripture readings, a sermon, prayers, music, and thanksgiving for our gifts.
Staff
Pastor CJ Valenti. Pastor CJ is the spiritual leader of Faith, and is grateful to be connected to a deep and wide community wrestling with the questions life offers. She is passionate about building community, faith formation for the littlest ones in our midst and creation care.
Justin Streletz, Director of Worship and Music. Justin works collaboratively with the leadership team to select, arrange, and share music with the Faith Lutheran Community. He also directs the Adult Choir and the Children’s Choir and plays the piano and organ in worship.
Mindi Boyagian, Communications Coordinator. Mindi works to inform the congregation about happenings at the church. Both her children attended Faith Lutheran Preschool and are confirmed members of Faith. Before becoming a mom, Mindi worked in communications for 10 years in various forms in DC.
Jody Manning, Business Administrator. Jody is responsible for day-to-day operations at Faith. She is originally from Nebraska and formerly worked for a London-based humanitarian organization and the U.S. Department of State.
Carrie Field, Preschool Director. Carries has enjoyed working with children for the past 10 years. She is originally from Nebraska and moved to Washington, DC about 12 years ago. Carrie has worked as a social worker in DC schools before coming to Faith Lutheran Preschool.
Vilma Salgado De Ulloa, Caretaker. Vilma cares with love for our buildings. She loves being able to balance family and work while giving back to Faith Lutheran.
Luis Salgado Ulloa, Caretaker. Luis cares with love for our buildings, and loves being part of the Faith community.
Church Council
Faith Lutheran Church is governed by a Council comprising congregational members who are elected into office.
The Council meets at 7:15 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. Meetings are open; all congregation and community members are welcome. If you have a question or comment for the Council, contact Council President Jeff Olson.
