A NEW DAY IS DAWNING AT FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH!
You are invited to be part of it. The Spirit is doing new things among us, as we seek to serve the Lord by welcoming and serving all. Are you seeking a "church home" We would love to have you join us. You'll find at First Lutheran a marvelous mix of people and relationships. But even more so, this congregation is a place where you will grow in faith and find opportunities to serve the needs of community and world.
You are welcome here!
Alan Bray & Don Holmstrom
HISTORY
First Lutheran, one of the oldest Lutheran congregations in Minnesota, will celebrate its 150th Anniversary in 2007. On Oct. 5, 1856, faithful Christians met as a congregation for the first time. The first building was constructed in 1857. The congregation's second worship space was completed in 1882, corner of Fourth and Elm Streets. On Mother's Day, May 13, 1962, our second building was struck by lightning and destroyed by the ensuing fire. On Sept. 5, 1965, First Lutheran Church held its first service at our present site located at 1114 W. Traverse Road, St. Peter.
CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERSHIP
First's membership totals 1250 persons as of September 2004. Average Confirmation class size is 16 students. Two hundred persons are enrolled in Sunday Church School.
EDUCATION
We are committed to providing a Christian education for all ages,from 3 years old to 103 (or older)! Sunday School leaders and teachers are enthusiastic and gifted. Our pastors are involved as teachers and leaders. Confirmation classes, for 7th through 9th graders, hold a valued place at First Lutheran. We utilize mentors from the congregation and Gustavus Adolphus College students in our program. The program is creative and exciting, one which seeks to assist each student to grow in faith and service. The rite of Confirmation (Affirmation of Baptism) for 9th graders is held each spring.
MUSIC
First Lutheran welcomes all to enhance our worship and spiritual life through music. Singers, instrumentalists, and bell ringers of all ages assist our ministry in many ways, by participating in our choirs, chanting or accompanying liturgical music, leading congregational hymns, or offering solo music.
For singers, three choirs participate regularly in worship: Cherub Choir (grades 1-3), Alleluia Choir (grades 4-6), and Sanctuary Choir (High School youth and adults). The youth choirs rehearse in conjunction with the Wednesday After-School Program, a once-a-week after-school club with a Christian focus. Children participate in structured activities such as craft projects, games, Bible studies, and service projects.
Two handbell choirs use our church?s five and one half octaves of Schulmerich handbells, as well as three octaves of handchimes: Tintinnabulum (Jr. High Youth) and Carillon (High School youth and adults.) Handbell solos or duets are common at First Lutheran. Our acoustically resplendent sanctuary offers an outstanding setting for musical ministry to the congregation and the St. Peter community. Concerts are frequent, including those in the Music for Missions series, where free-will offerings benefit local or global missions of the church. The 45-rank Hendrickson organ and 9-foot Baldwin concert grand piano provide excellent support for singing in worship and function as recital instruments.
We Have A Vision
For The Future!
Our mission:
Renewed by Christ in Word, water, bread and wine,we serve the community and the world.
Our goals:
Held in Christ our centerand living in grateful response to God?s love and grace,which are freely given without condition,First Lutheran Church endeavors to:
- Honor the profound transformational quality of love by showing love, understanding and care to all.
- Deeply welcome everyone, without exception, and sustain meaningful welcome over time.
- Encourage, equip and empower all members to discern and act upon their gifts, joys and passions.
- Learn and share in peace and reciprocity with the many world religious, cultural and wisdom traditions.
- Respond to the world's deep hunger for hope, love, grace, justice and peace.
