Contact us

Our Savior Lutheran Church
& Lutheran Student Center
700 South University Avenue
Carbondale, IL  62901

church office • 618-549-1694
email • lutheran@siu.edu

Map & Directions

About Our Congregation

Our Savior is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. We have a very diverse membership with a unified mission. People from all walks of life, educational experiences, ethnic backgrounds, and cultures, along with physically and mentally challenged individuals, gather together around God’s gifts of Word and Sacrament.

Our worship services are exciting, liturgical, and energetic. Our congregation loves good music and loves to sing. Hymns, choir selections, prelude, postlude, and sermon all center around a theme based upon the church year.

We do not have a nursery for small children because we want them in worship. An object lesson each Sunday seeks to tie the children into the central theme of the day.

While working to take good care of our members and involve them in care and love for one another, we also seek to let our community know that all people, of all nations and colors, are welcome here, where we share the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

How Can I Get Involved?

We have several small-group Bible study opportunities. Call the church office for details and meeting times.

There are also many opportunities for service at Our Savior, including the following:

• Singing in the Adult Choir
• Greeting
• Ushering
• Serving in the Altar Guild
• Reading a Scripture lesson
• Teaching Sunday School
• Teaching / assisting with Vacation Bible School
• Playing a musical instrument
• Being an English-conversation partner for an international student
• LWML & Women's Guild
• Serving on Boards or Committees
• Preparing a meal for a "Table Talk" lunch for college students

What We Believe

Along with the historic and universal Christian Church, we believe and confess the faith expressed in the Three Ecumenical Creeds.

We believe in one Triune God: the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God's Word and Sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God.

Being "Lutheran," we accept and teach Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three short phrases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone.

Grace alone
God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.

Faith alone
By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him.

Scripture alone
The Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.

If you have any questions, please speak with our staff or browse the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod homepage for FAQ's and futher information.