Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nathanael located?
We are located a block west of Highway 11 on 3rd St.

How many members does Nathanael have?
There are 476 baptized members.  Our average worship attendance was 150 in 2003. 

How do I join?
If you are Lutheran, we can simply transfer your membership.  If you are from another denomination and are already baptized, we simply ask that you visit with Pastor to become acquainted with Nathanael.  If you are not baptized, then membership comes when you are baptized.  We recognize all Christian baptisms.

At what age do we start Sunday School?
Sunday School classes are offered for children age 3 (if accompanied by a parent) or age 4 (if unaccompanied by a parent) through 8th grade.

What is confirmation and when does it begin?
Confirmation is the program for youth in grades 7-8 where students are encouraged to learn about and grow in faith. 

What is the age of First Communion?
Since we understand communion as God forgiving us, Holy Communion is offered to all the baptized.  The age of first communion is determined by the parents in consultation with the pastor.  First communion is offered to any age level and is usually completed by the time a person is in 5th grade.

What is BLT?
BLT is the acronym for Busy Lutheran Teens, the youth ministry offered to those in grades 7-12.

How do I make a contribution to the Lord's work at Nathanael?
Contributions can be placed in the offering plate during worship or mailed to Nathanael Lutheran, PO Box 98, Alcester, SD 57001


What is the Endowment Fund?
The Endowment Fund is for the purpose of enhancing the Lord's ministry at Nathanael.  Interest off of the investments is used to fund programming and building expenses.  Contributions can be mailed to Nathanael Lutheran, PO Box 98, Alcester, SD 57001.

Just what are Lutherans?
Back in 1517 a German Roman Catholic priest by the name of Martin Luther tried to reform, or change, the Roman Catholic Church.  For his efforts he was kicked out of the church.  His followers were known as "protestors" or Protestants and laughingly referred to as "Lutherans."  Martin Luther never wanted to reform his church.  Over the years the Lutheran Church and the Roman Catholic Church have changed in ways that make us somewhat similar in worship practice and thinking.

What are our core beliefs?
We are a church that proclaims that God is known through the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

We are saved from our sinful selves by God's grace (God's love in action) given to us as a gift through Jesus Christ.

God's grace comes to us through the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.  Sacraments are those actions commanded by Jesus Christ that have a physical element and bring us God's grace.

In Baptism, God reaches out to us and claims us as God's own.  "You are mine," says God.  From this time on we are part of God's family.  The water of baptism washes away our sinfulness every day of our lives.

In Holy Communion, God brings us forgiveness of sins through the body and blood of Christ.  Christ is present in the bread and wine.  We can feel God's forgiveness spread throughout our bodies and our lives.