Outreach

The vision of Outreach at First Lutheran is to learn and share the Good News of Jesus, serve the needs of our community and world and challenge our members to do the same. To fulfill this vision, there are a variety of opportunities through ministry organizations supported by First Lutheran Church.

Visitor Hospitality
Sunday Morning Hospitality provides greeters at the door and hosts at the
information desk to answer questions one may have. Contact: Carol Knapp 339-1983 ext. 11.

Genesis Cafe provides hospitality, coffee, and treats between worship services. Contact: Carol Knapp 339-1983 ext. 11.

Welcoming New Members
New Member Preparation offers Discovery classes designed for those considering First Lutheran as their church home. Contact: Stacie Seten 339-1983 ext. 36.

Exploring Christian Faith
Alpha Ministry is an ongoing ministry that builds Christian community, deepens faith, and actively involves people in the life of the church. Contact: church office 336-3734. Interested in nurturing your faith? Learn more about the next Alpha session.

Community, Regional, National Service/Mission
Augustana College Leadership Endowment Fund makes possible the development of gifted Christian leaders for church and society within an environment of Christian education, academic excellence and service oriented vocations.
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) serves over 34,000 people across the state of South Dakota. Inspired by God’s love, they care for, support and strengthen individuals, families and communities. Mentors are always needed. Contact: church office 336-3734 or LSS 357-0132.
Luther Seminary trains pastors, theologians, musicians and a wide range of Christian leaders to face the challenges and opportunities of ministry and mission in a changing world of many cultures and religious faiths.
The Banquet helps feed the homeless and poor in Sioux Falls. First Lutheran prepares and serves meals four times a year. Contact: Roger or Bev Lamp 339-4195.
Berakhah House provides loving support for men and women with AIDS. Contact: 332-4017.
St. Francis House provides shelter and meals to the homeless in our city. Contact: 334-3879.
Meals-on-Wheels delivers meals to the homebound in Sioux Falls. First Lutheran provides drivers for one of several routes. Contact: Stacie Seten 339-1983 ext. 36.
Bowden Youth Center is a safe meeting place for kids. An alternative to street corner gangs, drugs and alcohol. Contact: 336-7536 ext. 205
St. Dysmas provides worship and Holy Communion opportunities to inmates at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Contact: church office 336-3734.
Family Connection provides temporary shelter, emergency supplies, services and support to the families of inmates at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Contact: 357-0777.
Union Gospel Mission provides shelter, food, clothing, work training and spiritual help to the homeless, transient and destitute. Contact: 334-6732.
Good Shepherd Ministry Center offers services and programs for the homeless and working poor in Sioux Falls. Contact: 332-3176.
Heartland House offers transitional housing to help homeless families become self-sufficient. Contact: 336-6583.
Community Outreach is an ecumenical ministry that provides basic services such as rental assistance and referral services to the working poor in the Sioux Falls community. Contact: 331-3935.
Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere to build and renovate houses for those in need. Contact: Sue Olsen 332-5962. Teachers of English for refugees, Latinos and others. Contact: church office 336-3734.
CASA (Court Appointed Advocates for Children) seeks to promote and protect the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings through the advocacy efforts of trained volunteers. Contact: 339-9492.
The Alternative Gift Market is an annual event offering a unique shopping experience. Booths are hosted by local churches and agencies representing various humanitarian and international projects focused on saving lives and preserving our planet. Contact: church office 336-3734.

Support of new mission congregations
New mission congregations are supported thanks to proceeds from the Haugo Trust. First Lutheran Church currently supports Woyatan Lutheran Church in Rapid City, a mission congregation reaching primarily to Native Americans and Latino/Hispanic people.

Global and Local Mission Support
ELCA Missionary Support makes it possible to share Christ with sister Lutheran churches around the world. In addition, First Lutheran Church supports Andrew and Barbara Hinderlie as our missionaries in Kenya, Madagascar and Ethiopia.
ELCA World Hunger provides relief for hunger and local and global disasters and development programs through Lutheran World Relief and the Lutheran World Federation.
Companion Synod Programs connect us with Lutheran churches in other parts of the world. First Lutheran Church supports our South Dakota Synod Companions, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon (Africa) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope in Nicaragua. Travel and learning opportunities to both are possible.
Colombian Scholarship Fund & Leadership Initiatives LIZWAN provides Christian leadership development and evangelism among Lutheran congregations in Colombia. Two additional programs are The Meal-a-Day for displaced children and a Revolving Loan Fund for home ownership. Contact: Pastor Natanael 339-1983 ext. 21.
Support for Palestinian Lutheran schools provides sponsorship of educational opportunities for five schools of the Lutheran Church of Jordan and Palestine ELCJ as they seek to promote understanding, reconciliation and peace amidst war-torn communities.
Local, national and global Mission Outreach happens thanks to the partnership with other ministries such as First Lutheran Church Women, Lutheran Men in Mission, Faith Walkers, confirmation and high school youth.
Mission Festival. Opportunities are available for organizing and implementing annual mission festivals. Contact: church office 336-3734 or Pastor Nate 339-1983 ext. 21.