FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH SULLIVAN, IL
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We are a family oriented, traditional, Christ centered congregation of approximately 165 members with a rich history in the community.  We are a member of the Lutheran-Church Missouri Synod.  This means that we accept and preach the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian church; essentially, that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.  We believe in the love of the Triune God: the Father, Creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became flesh 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 co-eternal, and constitute one God.


What to Expect:  

Welcome!  We’ve been praying you’d join us!

Yes, really!  We know that visiting a new place can be scary, but we promise we don’t bite!  We actually think guests are a pretty big deal, and we’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure your experience is a great one!  In case you’re still not convinced, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions and answers to put your mind at ease.

How long does a service last?

A typical worship service lasts about one hour.

What is a divine service?

The LCMS does a fantastic job of unpacking the details of a divine service on their website.    

www.lcms.org/worship/lutheran-worship



What should I wear?

We believe that what’s on your inside matters most!  And, although we’re all unworthy of God’s great love, He wants you to come as you are . . . and so do we.  That’s why the dress code runs the gamut!  Some worshipers are more decked out than others.  There will be people in skirts and slacks.  You’ll find others in khakis, jeans and even shorts.  No worries about your wardrobe!

What about my kids?

Jesus loves children and so do we!  God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel that you need to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome here! 

The presence of children is a gift to the Church; they are the future of God’s Church on Earth!


Remember: Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16

Here at Faith, we actually have been praying for you!  But we’re not perfect.  So please forgive us if we don’t knock your socks off on the first visit.  (It won’t be for lack of trying!)  Although we’re super nice, we’re still sinners too!  (See? You’ve met your match!  We’re the perfect church for those who are not, well...perfect!)  We ask for patience and understanding, the benefit of the doubt, and the chance to keep trying.  We’ll get it right, we promise!  We consider you--and all guests--great gifts from God!  And we can’t wait to see you in worship!​

We also have a fully functioning nursery/cry room with a viewing window so you can continue to hear or watch the service while caring for your little one. 
 

Infants and Small Children during bible study?

Don't hesitate.  Bring them! We love children and will make accommodations as needed.  

Can I take Communion?

If you are not a member of the LCMS we would love to welcome you to the altar for a blessing from the Pastor and we encourage you to seek information from the Pastor or our Elders about membership of our denomination.  
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Coffee and Snacks?

We do offer coffee during our bible study and an occasional sweet treat.  Please feel free to feed your children snacks as needed during the service.  



Our Pastor

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The Rev. Justin W. Cullen

Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet."

Life Experience:  I was born and raised along the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton Roads, Virginia and spent half of my childhood in the City of Hampton then we moved to a small fishing town called Urbanna just north of where the Battle of Yorktown took place during the Revolutionary War. I have a mother and father, of course, and I had one older brother, Luke, who passed away in 2015. I grew up mainly around extended family (aunts, uncles, and cousins), who still live along the east coast. I was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark Lutheran Church (ELCA), Yorktown, VA and I attended an LCA turned ECLA parochial school in Hampton, VA until the 3rd grade. When I was a teenager, my parents decided to move to the LCMS, because of developing doctrinal differences with the ELCA and we attended a small LCMS church in Urbanna, VA.

I graduated from Middlesex High School in 2002, with a senior class size of 47. My college experience was a little untraditional. I joined the Virginia Army National Guard after graduating from high school and became a student at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Russian. However, I transferred to the Regular Army after only completing two academic years. While on Active Duty, I completed an Associate in General Studies from Central Texas College, a Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. This was accomplished through night classes and distance learning. 

I joined the Army in 2003 by enlisting in the Virginia Army National Guard as a Chaplain Assistant. I later transferred to the Regular Army in 2004 as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. In 2006, I applied and was approved to become an Army CID Special Agent, and after several years of experience, I was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in that same field. As a CID Special Agent, I investigated felony level crimes for the U.S. Army. My rank upon leaving active duty was Chief Warrant Officer Two, and my last assignment was as an Instructor at the Military Police School in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. In January 2018, I resigned my rank in order to accept a commission as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Chaplain. I am currently serving as the Chaplain of the 10th Psychological Operations Battalion at Jefferson Barracks, MO.  I have been stationed in South Korea, Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Hood, TX, Fort Eustis, VA, Fort Lee, VA, and Fort Leonard Wood, MO. In addition, I have completed combat tours in Iraq, Kuwait, a foreign security mission in Cairo, Egypt, South Korea and officially traveled to places like Iceland, Ireland, Hungry, Germany, and Mexico. 

Family Life: My wife and I met at Fort Eustis, VA, while we were both assigned there as Special Agents. Kimberly is a combat veteran, who served 10 years Active and 3 years Reserve. The Lord graciously blessed me by assigning Kimberly to my detachment at Fort Eustis. Kimberly was coming back to the U.S. after being stationed in Vicenza, Italy for three years. We have four children Allison (15), Benjamin (8), Nathan (6), and Mary (4). My wife is a called Lutheran Teacher and holds a Master’s in Crisis Counseling and Master’s in Teaching from Concordia University, St Paul.




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