Our Belief and Mission – All are welcome to join with us in mission!
Core Purpose “What we are about” Statements
Why We Exist – what “Grace Filled, Spirit Led” means…
- Encounter and connect people with Jesus Christ through the ministry of Word and Sacrament.
- Empower all people to share the Gospel.
- Foster lay leaders who are passionately committed to connecting people to Jesus Christ and helping our Community serve and love our neighbor.
- Connect people to groups where they can use their gifts and find support in following Jesus.
- Celebrate Christ’s love while respecting our differences.
- Engage with our community and world by both giving and receiving the blessings of God.
We are GRACE-FILLED! How does this happen? It happens when we hear and believe God’s saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ’s sake through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture. Preserving and proclaiming this Gospel faithfully to all is our purpose. We want all people to know they are loved by God, that in Christ they freely are given the gift of both forgiveness and a new identity as a beloved child of God. A simple child-like trust is all that is needed to receive this gift.
We are SPIRIT-LED. How does this happen? Through the Word and Sacraments the Holy Spirit enables us to trust and rely on the Lord and leads us to live lives that glorify God by meeting human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, and work for peace and reconciliation among the nations. We seek to make a difference in the world and offer people a community of care and support.
History – Silverdale Lutheran Church was formally established in 1949 in the original Log Cabin Church, on what is now Silverdale Way, with 88 members, one pastor, and an annual budget of $4,000. Today, there are over 900 baptized members, two pastors, a staff of full and part-time employees, and an approved annual operating budget of over $900,000. Much has transpired over our history, but our focus remains the same – worshiping and serving our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The original building, though charming in its own way, had its share of problems, and by 1956, the members had purchased land on the corner of Clear Creek Road and Silverdale Way for $8300. By 1959, a new church building was dedicated on the new site. The new building facilitated the ministries of Silverdale Lutheran Church for the next thirty-plus years.
The 1970’s were marked by steady growth and devastation. On January 15, 1978, a fire gutted the education wing of the Church and caused heavy smoke damage to the sanctuary. But our members regrouped and quickly restored the building. In 1979, sustained membership growth necessitated the addition of a second worship service. The 1980’s saw the face of Silverdale rapidly changing. A Blue Ribbon Committee was formed to study what our mission in the area was to be, and if our location was going to serve that vision. The result was the purchase of five-acres of land, our new home, in the yet undeveloped Ridgetop area above Silverdale. In 1989, the congregation sold the existing Church Facility and property to Kitsap County.
The Congregation moved to its current location on Ridgetop in 1990 and built an addition in 2004 – The Gathering Place – which has classrooms for Sunday School and a large multipurpose room. Since 1990, SLC has remained a strong and vibrant faith community on the “hill.”
The past years reflect many changes and much growth in SLC. As we look back to our beginnings, we are reminded of the many blessings and opportunities that our church family has received.
Resources
reference for infant baptism