About Us

At Rejoice the atmosphere is casual and informal. Our “no need to dress up” motto encourages folks to bring their coffee to worship and helps folks feel warm and comfortable.

Member Chris Wisbar says  “I like that I can come in my jeans and bring my coffee to worship”.

With the recognition that we are all sinners we welcome everyone to hear the Good News with messages that are applicable to daily life. Members and guests alike feel welcome right away at Rejoice.

“I felt like part of the group after just a couple weeks.  I was warmly accepted immediately and was asked for my opinions” – Liz Franke

Jesus

Bible

Faith

Grace

OUR HISTORY

Rejoice Lutheran Church is the result of years of planning by the Northeastern Ohio Synod and the Division of Outreach of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Beginning as a mission congregation in 1997 we conducted worship at schools and other buildings for many years. In 2006 we became known as “the church in a trailer” and perfected the weekly set-up/take down system for the next couple of years in various locations. In June 2008, building construction began under the leadership of Mission Builders culminating with the first worship service in the building on Dec 21, 2008.

What Lutherans Believe

We are a Member Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and our mission statement is simple: “To rejoice in and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all people.” As such below are important tenants of the ELCA church.

Jesus – We confess to the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In our preaching and teaching Lutherans trust the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.

The Bible is “the manger in which the Word of God is laid” (Martin Luther). Lutherans do recognize differences in the way the Bible is studied and interpreted, but accept it as the primary and authoritative Witness to faith.

Faith A living, daring confidence in God’s grace. When Lutherans talk about faith, we are talking about the relationship God’s Holy Spirit creates with us. It’s a relationship where God’s promise of steadfast love and mercy in Jesus opens us to a life of bold trust in God and joyful, generous service to everyone we know and meet in daily life.

Grace – In the midst of Martin Luther’s struggle with being a sinful human, the message of the Scriptures became clear. Luther realized that a “merciful God justifies us by faith.” Grace means the favor by which God accepts us, forgiving sins and justifying freely through Christ. Lutherans confess that it is by God’s grace alone that we have been rescued from sin and will have life eternal.

The two sacraments of Baptism and Communion are practiced. Both are visible acts of God’s love. In Baptism, God freely offers his grace and lovingly establishes a new community. In Holy Communion, those who come to the table receive in bread and wine the body and blood of Jesus.

Our Guiding Principles:

  1. Jesus is Lord and Savior.
  2. Prayer is central to all we do.
  3. Improve our relationship with God and others.
  4. Love one another and communicate openly and respectfully.
  5. Praise God through worship, prayer, the Word, sacraments, and music.
  6. Our Outreach should meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of others.
  7. Encourage spiritual growth through the study of the Word.
  8. Remain focused on and educate according to the Scripture and Lutheran doctrine.

Team

Meet Our Staff

Our Music Director: Mr. Derek Carter

Office Assistant: Carla Maurer

Meet Our Council Leaders

Bethany Bryant, President

Liz Franke, Vice President

Tim Boebel, Treasurer 

Chris Wisbar, Secretary, Property

Pete Moore, Council member

Jake Biltz, Council member

Mike Procop, Council member

Francine McBride, Financial Secretary 

To contact a council member please send an email to: [email protected]