FAQ
Where on earth is Massbach?
I am glad you asked! Massbach Illinois, can be found in Beautiful North Western Illinois, among the rolling hills of Jo-Davies county; just a stones throw from the Mississippi River. Well, maybe a stone's throw for Paul Bunyan, but it is within biking distance, and it is rumored that on a clear day one can see the mighty Missip' from the Church's steeple.
For more precise information, check out the map on our contact page, where you can also find a handy link to MapQuest.
How to you pronounce M-A-S-S-B-A-C-H?
Well if you were German... Never mind if you were German. Though Massbach is named after the German town the original settlers in the area came from, the folks who live in the area pronounce the name "Moss Back." That would be "moss" as in the stuff that grows on rocks in the forest, and "back" as in the thing on the opposite side of the front.
ELCA? Is that some sort of criminal organization?
Actually, no. The ELCA is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA is the largest national Lutheran church body in the United States, of which St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church is proud to be a member congregation. The ELCA is also arguably the most liberal of the American Lutheran denominations, and not incoincidentally the folks Garrison Keillor refers to as "The Happy Lutherans."
If I want to join your church do I have to be re-baptized?
No. Lutherans, and Christians for that matter, do not re-baptize. We take seriously the belief stated rather eloquently in Ephesians. 4:5 "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." As such, we do not re-baptize. If you were previously baptized in a Christian church, (such as the Roman Catholic church, the Methodist church, or any of the Eastern Orthodox churches) you would be received into the congregation after making a confession of faith. If you were coming from a non-Christian faith tradition (such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Islam) you would be received into the congregation through baptism. If you have more questions please contact Pastor Andersen. He is keen to talk with you, and answer your questions.