You can help us to flesh out these questions by asking a question of your own! You can write to us via the contact page (here) with your question/s. Thank you for contributing to our flourishing Lutheran community.
Q: Who is Jesus?
A: Here is a classic expression of our faith in Jesus Christ adapted from Martin Luther’s small catechism:
“I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord. He is truly God – he has always been the Son of the Father. He is also a real human being, the virgin Mary’s son. Jesus rescued me when I was lost and sentenced to death. He set me free from all my sins, from death, and from the power of the devil.
It cost him more than gold or silver; it cost him his life. Even though he was holy and innocent, he suffered and died for me.
Jesus did this so that I can belong to him, and he can rule over me as my king. I can live under him and serve him, innocent and happy forever, just as he was raised to life, and live and rules forever.
This is certainly true.”
Q: How can I find out more about the Christian faith?
A: At Nazareth we regularly run courses for those who want to learn more about the Christian faith. These are based on the Bible and Luther’s small catechism and often lead to adult baptism, or confirmation (affirmation of faith) for those who may have been baptised as infants. Please contact Pastor Chris at the church office if you are interested in finding out more about these opportunities.
You are welcome also, to join our regular Bible Studies, held weekly on a Wednesday at 2pm and fortnightly on a Sunday at 10:30am. You can find more information about our Bible Study classes here.
Q: Who are Lutherans and what do they believe?
A: We're part of a bigger church family, the Lutheran Church of Australia. Together we want to be a place where love comes to life. We believe that God's love is for everyone, everywhere, and we want you to see how his love comes to life in us – and in you.
As Lutherans we understand ourselves first as Christian people belonging to the universal Christian church. Our particular Lutheran heritage goes back to Martin Luther and the other Reformers of the 16th century. These reformers never intended to start a ‘new church’, but simply wanted to see the Church return to her central message of who Jesus Christ is and what he has done in coming to save us. You can find out more about our beliefs here.
Nazareth congregation belongs to the Lutheran Church of Australia. There is a good summary of Lutheran beliefs and practices on their website.
Q: What is involved in being baptised at Nazareth?
A: Whether it’s for an adult or a child the starting place is a conversation with Pastor Chris. In the case of an adult this usually leads to a period of learning more about the Christian faith either in a group setting or one-on-one. In the case of children the pastor will arrange to meet with the parents to talk about what baptism entails and organizing practical details.
Q: Is there someone I can talk to about personal issues as they relate to faith?
A: Yes, you are welcome to contact Pastor Chris at the church office. He is always willing to meet with anyone for a chat. We also have Elders who we can connect you with.
Q: Where is Nazareth and where can I park?
A: We would love you to get in contact with Nazareth Lutheran Church of South Brisbane - you'll find our contact details on our Contact Us page, where you will also find a map.
There are limited free parking places available in our car park, which we share with Nazareth Early Learning Centre. Parking along Hawthorne Street can be very limited. Note that ticketed parking on the street mainly operates during weekday business hours and doesn't apply on Sundays.
Our church and hall are wheelchair accessible. There is a lift to the second level of our hall. There is seating in our church for people with mobility aids. For popular services, such as Christmas and Easter, this area fills up fast, so plan to arrive early. If you need assistance, please seek help from one of the ushers on duty for the service.
There is designated parking for people with a disability.
Q: When are worship services at Nazareth and what can I expect?
A: Nazareth worships weekly at 8:30am and follows traditional service orders, usually with a sung liturgy, accompanied by our pipe organ, and often a Cantor.
Holy Communion is offered on the first and third Sundays of the month. Hymns and songs are mainly chosen from the Lutheran Hymnal with Supplement.
Our midweek Lenten journey begins on Ash Wednesday, each year, at 7:00pm, and continues each week until Palm Sunday. Holy Week is marked by Maundy Thursday’s evening service in the church at 7:00pm, an Easter Friday morning service at 8:30am, and Easter Sunday, at 8:30am.
Vespers services are candlelit services offered on the first Wednesday evening of the month at 7.00pm (May – December). Vespers services include reflective music, prayers and a short message. Vespers is a relaxed service in our candlelit church to wind down mid-week. To find out more visit our Worship page.
Q: Can I sit anywhere in the church service? What about with kids?
A: Yes, you are welcome to sit anywhere you like and are welcome to ask the ushers on duty if you need any direction. With young kids it’s mostly up to the parents. Some enjoy being up the back where they can make an easy exit if need be, while others find sitting further forward helps kids engage in the service. There is a space to the back left and right-hand sides of the church for people using wheelchairs and walkers. The back left-hand side of the church has children’s toys, colouring in sheets and coloured pencils for children to use during the service.
Q: What other groups and activities are there outside worship?
A: There are many different groups and activities at Nazareth for different ages and stages of life. Visit the Church Life section of the website for an extensive list of the groups for you to get involved with.
Q: Do you have a Sunday school for children?
A: Presently we don’t have a Sunday school but we do have families with young children approaching Sunday School age. Interested? Please get in touch.
Q: How are children kept safe at Nazareth?
A: Nazareth Lutheran Church of South Brisbane maintains a Child Safety Plan in line with the Lutheran Church of Australia's Child Safety Standards for congregations. To find out more about our Child Safety policies and practices See our Child Safety page for more information.
Q: What is available for youth and young adults?
A: There are regular events for both youth and young adults at Nazareth which give young people an opportunity to study God’s word together and have fun in a safe environment. For more information please see the Church Life link section of this website or contact the office. Our Office Manager/Social Coordinator will likely answer your call and be able to answer your questions.
Q: Does Nazareth cater for overseas visitors and students?
A: Over the years we have had many overseas visitors and students attend worship and other activities at Nazareth for various lengths of time. However, we currently do not have any specific groups tailored for this purpose. If you are a student and would like some advice on connecting with Christian groups at your university, please talk to Pastor Chris.
Q: How do I find out about hiring facilities?
A: Nazareth Hall has a range of options available 7 days a week with great amenities and free car parking. Our Church is also available for hire for recitals. Book a tour or find out more by contacting the Church office.
Q: What is involved in getting married at Nazareth?
A: Christian weddings at Nazareth are conducted by Pastor Chris (or another Lutheran Pastor by request) according to the rites of the Lutheran Church of Australia. The process leading up to a wedding involves meeting several times with Pastor Chris to talk through the Biblical teaching on marriage, as well as engage in pre-marital counselling. There are costs associated with weddings at Nazareth which will be discussed as part of this process also. Please contact Pastor Chris at the church office to arrange a first meeting.
