Dear Members and Friends of First Lutheran,
On behalf of the pastors at First Lutheran, let me say that we share a commitment to provide excellent pastoral care and support to you in times of need. We have made a mutual commitment as pastors to be available for prayer, encouragement, and consolation.
Hospital Visitation
Each day a pastor or lay visitor will go to the hospital to see members and friends in the hospital. Because new privacy laws limit what information hospitals can share, it is important for you to help us. Please tell the hospital you are a member of First Lutheran Church, or even better, please call First Lutheran to let us know you are there.
Prayer before Surgery
Also, as pastors we are available to support you in prayer before surgery. You can contact the church about an upcoming surgery. Whenever possible, a pastor will seek to be present with you at the hospital before surgery to provide prayer and encouragement.
On Call
Each day, a pastor will be designated to be on call for emergencies and special needs. When on call, that pastor will be available for pre-surgery visits or be available to respond to special requests. Simply call the front desk, and the receptionist will direct the call. Even when you must leave a message, our goal will be to respond as soon as possible.
Funerals and Weddings
You may choose to work with any of the pastors at First Lutheran Church. If there is no preference, we will work together as pastors to determine who can best serve you as a family at these important times.
We all Work Together
As pastors, we work together. We understand that you may have a preference to speak to a particular pastor, and that is just fine. We work as colleagues in serving God’s one mission. We also believe that the work of prayer and encouragement is something the whole body of Christ does. The lay ministries of visitation, prayer, and support at First Lutheran Church are an important ways we participate in and receive the work of God. God works grace through all members.
I am glad to work with such fine colleagues as Pr. Craig Brown, and Pr. Kay Slocum. I feel privileged to serve with you, people of God at First Lutheran Church, in our shared witness to the healing work of God.
Pr. Steven Knudson
