Throughout its history, the Lutheran church has had a history of caring for persons in needs through its many social ministry organization, heeding the instructions of St. Matthew (25:40):
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Church-Missouri
Synod, and affiliated agencies and ministries, over $3-billion in services and
aid is provided annually to persons regardless of their faith, race, gender,
or creed. As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, First
Lutheran Church takes very seriously its calling to be a place of respite and
sanctuary for those who seek the church for healing, restoration, and
reconciliation.
Our congregation pursues an active social justice ministry with outreach to
homeless persons, the incarcerated and ex-offenders, the local gay/lesbian
community, and through affiliations with other faith-based organizations,
participates in mission to a variety of persons who find themselves living on
the margins of society. Our congregation regularly studies issues of
significance, and in doing so prayerfully considers what our appropriate
responses can and should be. We are guided by the Social Statements of the
E.L.C.A.; through the shared convictions, moral deliberations and discernment
of our members and neighbors; and by our daily commitment to live out our
Christian calling to be "in the world," but "not of the world" as disciples of
Christ when we serve His people.