Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home in Faith: Worship with Us Sunday at 9 AM
Since 1901, First Lutheran Church-Ontario has served as a welcoming spiritual home rooted in Lutheran tradition. Our community embraces the core beliefs of grace, inclusivity, and service to others, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ. We prioritize liturgical worship blended with contemporary language, creating an environment where allregardless of backgroundare invited to explore faith. Our history as one of Southern Californias oldest Lutheran congregations reflects our commitment to fostering connections through worship, education, and outreach.We emphasize communal growth through music, scripture, and service initiatives that address local and global needs. By maintaining accessibility and adaptabilityfrom pandemic-era livestreams to multigenerational participationwe aim to honor Gods call to reconciliation. Our leadership, staff, and volunteers embody diverse experiences united by a shared mission of faith in action.
Services
Worship Services
Nursery Care
Online Streaming
Community Outreach
Music Ministry
Details
- Year established: 1901
Highlights and features
- We offer liturgical worship with contemporary language for all generations.
- Our congregation welcomes everyone regardless of faith background or beliefs.
- We provide nursery care and accessibility features for inclusive participation.
- Community service initiatives address local and global humanitarian needs.
- Historic legacy combined with adaptive ministry since 1901.
Services
Worship Services
Our weekly worship services blend traditional liturgy with modern language and music. Held in-person and livestreamed every Sunday at 9 AM, they feature scripture-based sermons, congregational singing, and Holy Communion open to all. The service accommodates diverse ages through child-friendly elements and accessible formats.
Nursery Care
A dedicated nursery accommodates children up to five years old during worship services. Located off the main lobby, it includes a speaker system for parents to follow the service while caring for infants and toddlers in a safe, welcoming environment.
Online Streaming
Sunday services are livestreamed on YouTube for remote participation. This ensures accessibility for homebound members, travelers, and those preferring digital engagement while maintaining connection to our faith community through real-time worship.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives support local organizations like Central City Lutheran Mission and Family Services Association. Volunteers engage in feeding programs, advocacy, and partnerships with the Pacifica Synod to address poverty, education, and social justice issues regionally and globally.
Music Ministry
Music enriches worship through choirs, organ/piano accompaniment, and special performances. The Chancel Choir leads congregational singing, while additional ensembles contribute seasonal and holiday music programs that deepen spiritual engagement through artistic expression.
People
Pastor Rachel Reeder
Senior Pastor
Pastor Reeder serves as spiritual leader, delivering weekly sermons and guiding congregational care. She oversees worship planning and pastoral outreach, bringing theological expertise and compassionate leadership to First Lutherans ministries since 2023.
Lauren Schafer
Office Administrator
Lauren Schafer manages church operations and communications. She coordinates administrative functions, member records, and event logistics to support organizational efficiency and community engagement since joining the staff in 2024.
Tom Olsen
Audio Visual Technician
Tom Olsen oversees worship technology, maintaining the sound system and producing weekly livestreams. His technical expertise ensures high-quality audio experiences and uninterrupted virtual participation for remote congregants since 2023.
Larry Davenport
Church Council President
Larry Davenport chairs the governing council, providing lay leadership for strategic planning and ministry oversight. He represents congregational interests in decision-making, contributing decades of local church service experience to this role.
Kim Hudson
Treasurer
Kim Hudson manages financial stewardship, preparing budgets and overseeing fiscal reporting. She ensures responsible resource allocation to support ministries, facility maintenance, and mission projects while maintaining transparent accounting practices.
Questions
What are your Sunday service times?
Worship services occur every Sunday at 9:00 AM in-person and online via YouTube livestream.
Are children welcome at services?
Yes! Children receive activity bags during sermons. A nursery is available for ages up to five.
Is communion open to all?
Yes, Holy Communion is offered to all who seek God’s grace, regardless of church affiliation.
What should I wear?
Attire varies from casual to formal—wear whatever makes you comfortable in worship.
Do you offer religious education?
Currently, we don’t hold Sunday School classes, but children participate in worship with guided activities.
How can I get involved?
Join committees like Altar Guild, Ushers, or Bible study groups. Contact us to explore volunteer opportunities.
