Connect & Grow

Thank you for your interest in the community that is First Lutheran Church – your participation is a gift to us!

Please know that you are welcome to worship and participate in all activities that First Lutheran offers even if you are not a member. In fact, doing this will be the best way to determine whether this feels like a church “home” for you!

If you have interest in joining First Lutheran, please contact the church office.

We welcome new members twice a year, in spring and fall. The new members are invited to attend a welcome event that allows time to get to know others joining, explore the basics of what it means for us today to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and discover what is involved in active membership in our congregation. Then new members are welcomed and celebrated on New Member Sunday.

Learn more about our Youth & Family Ministry

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY – 8:30am in the Fireside Room
Each Wednesday morning at 8:30am, Pastor Paul or Pastor Kary lead a bible study with focus on the gospel and lessons for the upcoming week. Following the lectionary each week creates thoughtful discussion and insight for the upcoming sermon during Sunday worship.

INSPIRED BIBLE STUDY
Beginning June 3, join Pastor Kary on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for a discussion of Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans. Classes meet June 3–July 29, 2026 (no class July 15). Participants should purchase their own book (available new or used through Amazon and allbookstores.com). Student reading guides will be available in the church office before the first class. Learn more about class details and sign-up

Ensembles, vocalists, and instrumentalists regularly offer their gifts in worship.

The Senior Choir and Handbell Choir rehearse during the school year. All high school students and adults are invited to participate. Occasional “Pick-up Choirs” require only a brief rehearsal. Children’s choirs rehearse during the Wednesday after-school program, KFC.

WEDNESDAY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

• 5:15pm Handbell Choir
• 7:00pm Senior Choir

The church as the “body of Christ” does many things together – we: worship, serve, learn, grow and reach out. But an important part of our ministry is to enjoy the company of other brothers and sisters in the faith! We call this Fellowship!

Food is important! This includes: potlucks, barbeques, Dine Around, and other social gatherings.

Coffee hour fellowship following worship – please stay for some hot coffee and warm conversation to connect with other believers as we grow in faith, friendship and community.

The pastors of First Lutheran Church provide pastoral care in times of crisis and mourning. They also visit our homebound members offering opportunities for receiving Holy Communion. In addition, Visitation Team lay members visit those who can no longer attend weekly worship keeping them connected to First Lutheran and the body of Christ. Visitation ministry includes a card ministry, shawl ministry and prayer chain.

The sacrament of Baptism enacts God’s claim on each of us. Adults, children, and infants are baptized, fulling Jesus’ command: “Go therefore… baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” In Baptism, we hear God’s promise of life, love, and salvation. Those being baptized (or their parents) also make promises, and the congregation and sponsors promise their support in the path of discipleship.

The church’s education program exists to offer this support, so Christians of all ages can grow in faith and in finding their place in God’s mission.

If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child, please reach out to a pastor or to the church office. This gift of God is for everyone!

If you would like to be married at First Lutheran, or by one of the First Lutheran pastors, contact us. We are committed to helping couples build a healthy marriage, and happy to help prepare for a wonderful wedding day.

When a loved one dies, a funeral, memorial service, or burial is an important part of the grieving process. It can also be a powerful time to gather with others who share your grief, to comfort one another, and to hear again the promises of our God, who never leaves us, and seeks us out when we feel lost. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me…” (Psalm 23:4)

First Lutheran hosts these services for those with a connection to the church, and often for others as well. The pastors can also lead services at a funeral home or graveside. The pastors are available to help plan the service and will be ready to come alongside you to help and support you through a time of loss.

On the weekend of August 21, 2021, 50+ volunteers came together to assist with the FLC Labyrinth Build. Lisa Moriarty (pathsofpeace.com) and her husband Denny guided the volunteers in building the labyrinth. Volunteers helped how they could: hauling pavers, turning over sod, digging the trench for the pavers, placing pavers, filling in dirt around the pavers once placed, and sweeping and raking when the pavers were set. ALL are welcome to come at walk the labyrinth, located on the east side of First’s building.

The Bible is clear: what happens within the walls of our worship space needs to connect with the community outside our doors. First Lutheran is engaged in outreach to our community to bring the love of Christ in tangible ways, such as:

• Donations and volunteering at Lake City Food Shelf

• Providing Communion services at the Care Center and Pepin Plaza

• Building homes with Habitat for Humanity of Goodhue County

• Quilters providing warm blankets for various needs

• Chartering a Scouting America troop, a Cub Scout pack, and a Sea Scout ship

• Partnering with Hispanic Inclusion of Lake City

We are always looking for new helpers, and new ministry partners!