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Pastoral Care

At the Time of Death
During times of grief and loss First Lutheran Church pastors and members want to share the peace and presence of the Lord with you. Contact the church office at (605) 336-3734. On evenings, weekends and holidays, contact the First Lutheran pager at (605) 331-8933.

Emergency Situations
In times of emergency, call the church office on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at (605) 336-3734. For evening, weekend, and holiday emergencies, contact the pager number (605) 331-8933. One of the pastors will be contacted immediately.

Friendly Visitors
The Friendly Visitor program, sponsored by the Board for Pastoral Care Ministries, pairs lay people up with First Lutheran Church members who are unable to attend church. Lay people bring Christ-motivated love to those they visit. Contact: Char Peters (605) 339-1983 ext. 22.

GriefShare
A support group for those who have experienced a significant loss in life is offered regularly. Caring and sensitive leaders facilitate this small group. Contact: Char Peters (605) 339-1983 ext. 22.

Pastoral Care

Nursing Home and Homebound Visits
Visitation pastors make monthly visits to those who are homebound and to nursing home residents, providing Holy Communion and devotional time. Twice a year, the pastors conduct worship in nine local care centers. Contact the church at (605) 336-3734 if you become aware of a homebound member who is not receiving regular visitation.

Hospital Visitation
The pastoral care staff maintains regular contact with the hospitalized and the recuperating. Visits are made to Avera McKennan Hospital, Avera Behavioral Center, Avera Heart Hospital, Sanford Health Hospital, the VA Medical Center, and hospice locations each weekday, and other times as necessary. If you know of a member or friend of First Lutheran who enters the hospital through emergency services, please inform the church office at (605) 336-3734.

Prayer Chains
More than 100 people at First Lutheran Church participate in phone or email prayer chains. The prayer chain is for both those who wish to have a prayer or would like to pray for others. Contact Secretary to the Pastors Carol Knapp (605) 339-1983, ext. 11, or email her at cknapp [at] flcsf [dot] org.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer shawls are given to those who need an extra measure of comfort, warmth and as an expression of God’s constant loving presence and care. Knitters pray as they knit each shawl. Contact Char Peters at (605) 339-1983, ext. 22, for more information.

Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers are trained laypersons who are able to meet with those experiencing a crisis situation in life. They operate closely with Pastor Barbara Wangsness. A training class is offered each year. Contact: Lona Miller at (605) 361-2344.

Meals from the Heart

Meals from the Heart
Meals from the Heart encompasses a hands-on mission of cooking, fellowship and hospitality. Volunteers meet monthly to prepare nutritious meals at the church. The meals are portioned and frozen. Members of First Lutheran are invited to deliver them to anyone in need. The hospitality of a delivered meal symbolizes a message of Christ’s love and acceptance through the heart of caring service and our commonality of food.