Who we are
What To Expect
We have two services every Sunday - traditional service and a family/contempory service. Join the service that best fits your style, both services have the same message to make sure we are all learning as a family. Life can be busy, but at worship you can slow down and accept God's Word and Sacraments.
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids - Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the 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.
We accept and preach the 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 phrases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone.
Bulletin Announcements
BIBLE STUDY: Please join us for Pastor's Sunday morning Bible Study class each Sunday at 9:15. We are studying the Book of Hebrews, chapter 13 It is good to be found under the shepherd. Goodies and coffee are available. We hope to see you all there.
ALL MEN OF FIRST LUTHERAN - Men's Morning Bible Study
You are invited to attend Men’s Morning Bible Study each Wednesday morning at Forest Lake Restaurant. We meet in the upstairs back room at 6:45 AM. We open with a prayer and then begin our reading for the day. After our reading we have discussion. During this time our server takes our breakfast orders. Some men order just coffee and others a full breakfast. We are finished by 8 AM. There is plenty of room so bring your Bible and join us in studying God’s word.
ALL MEN OF FIRST LUTHERAN- Men’s Club.
If you’re male and a member of First Lutheran you’re automatically a member of Men’s Club. We have meetings on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 pm in the church basement. Our mission is to help the ministry of First Lutheran by providing funds and manpower for the betterment of our church. Cinnamon Roll Sunday and the Wild Game Feed are a couple of ways for us to raise funds. Our meetings consist primarily of how to spend these funds. After a short meeting we have dessert provided by one of the men. Come and join us. You’ll enjoy it.
LCMS STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY: January 13th (Baptism of Our Lord) Matthew 3:15 "But Jesus answered him 'Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness;" Fulfilling all righteousness is not a task we are up to. The reason God sent His Son into the world is to fulfill all righteousness for us, to do what we could not do. The whole of Jesus' life, everything He did and said, was one great offering to the Father in our stead to fulfill all righteousness for us. With our righteousness fulfilled in Jesus and given to us in Baptism- our hearts now overflow with thanksgiving and praise.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CRAFTS: Do you happen to have any of these items lying around your house you would like to get rid of? We are in need of these items to be used for our Sunday School crafts. Contact Jessica Pellinen if you do, thank you! Bingo dabbers and 2 pool noodles.
FAMILY MINISTRY PROGRAM UPDATE: Looking ahead we have our next youth Sunday on January 20th. Sign your child up on the bulletin board if they are interested in taking part in the service. The Sunday school toddler program learned about how God made water, the Pre-k class learned about Peter’s escape from prison; the 1st and 2nd grade class learned about Peter and Cornelius, the 3rd-5th grade classes learned about Dorcas. The youth group started bells last Sunday and will continue this Sunday.
SNOW TUBING: The first Family event of 2019 will be on January 27th after second service. We will start with a sack lunch (bring your own) downstairs in the fellowship hall with socializing and a quick Bible study and then head to Mount Itasca for some tubing. Tubers must be 42” tall and the cost is $10.00 per person. Scholarship funds are available if needed, please contact Jessica Pellinen. Mark your calendars for February 10th- game day with pizza provided. Lock-in will be on March 1st.
AED, FIRST AID AND BOARD TRAINING: Will be held on Saturday January 19th from 8:30 am -12:00 pm. Board Training will begin at 10:00. The ushers and the Elders are encouraged to attend the AED and First Aid Training. all board members are encouraged to attend the Board training and the AED and First Aid training if possible.
VOTER'S MEETING: Congregational voters meeting will be held on January 20, 2019 after second service. A pot bless will precede the meeting.