Business Details
Welcome to First Lutheran Church
First Lutheran Church has served the El Cajon community since its founding, providing spiritual guidance and fostering a welcoming environment for all individuals on their faith journey. Our congregation is dedicated to walking alongside people as they explore their relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, education, and outreach. With a team of experienced clergy and staff, we offer Sunday worship services, adult Bible study, children's Sunday school, youth group programs, and specialized ministries for college students and seniors.Our commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through initiatives like Love El Cajon, the International Friendship Center, and seasonal events that bring neighbors together. We believe in the transformative power of God's grace and strive to create meaningful connections through music, service, and fellowship while upholding Lutheran teachings.
Services
Worship Services
Sunday School
Youth Group
Community Outreach
Preschool Program
Music Ministry
Bible Study
College Ministry
Senior Ministries
Special Event Services
Highlights and features
- We offer worship services at 8:30am and 11:00am with contemporary and traditional elements
- Our Children's Ministry has served the community since 2003 with dedicated programming
- We provide specialized youth programs for grades 6-12 with experienced leadership
- Our music ministry combines worship with community outreach through choirs and handbells
- We maintain active outreach programs including Love El Cajon and International Friendship Center
Services
Worship Services
Our Sunday worship services at 8:30am and 11:00am blend traditional Lutheran liturgy with contemporary elements. Both services feature scripture readings, sermons, and Holy Communion. The earlier service maintains a more traditional format while the later service incorporates modern musical arrangements. All are welcome to participate in these central gatherings that form the foundation of our faith community.
Sunday School
Sunday School operates from 9:45am-10:45am for children aged 3 through 5th grade. Our curriculum focuses on biblical stories, Lutheran teachings, and practical applications for daily life. Through interactive lessons and activities, we help children develop their personal relationship with Jesus while building foundational faith knowledge in a safe, engaging environment.
Youth Group
Youth Group meets Sundays from 12:15pm-2:00pm for grades 6-12. This program combines spiritual growth with social connection through Bible study, worship experiences, and community service projects. Our approach emphasizes personal faith development while creating a supportive peer community that helps teens navigate modern challenges through a Lutheran perspective.
Community Outreach
Through Love El Cajon and the International Friendship Center, we address community needs with practical compassion. Our outreach includes serving marginalized populations, supporting local families, and fostering cross-cultural connections. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to living out Christ's teachings by being active participants in our neighborhood's social fabric.
Music Ministry
Our music program features choir, handbells, and organ music that enhance worship experiences. The ministry provides opportunities for musical growth while creating meaningful worship environments. Participants range from youth to adults, with both performance and service components that support our mission of glorifying God through musical excellence.
People
Pastor James Huenink
Pastor
Serving since November 2021, Pastor Huenink brings 13 years of Chicago ministry experience. He graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin and Concordia Seminary. His focus is helping others understand Lutheran teachings and experience Christ's grace through preaching and pastoral care.
Linda Foltz
Office Administrator
An East County native with diverse career experience including banking and preschool education. She has served FLC since 2008, managing administrative and financial operations while appreciating the congregation's caring community spirit.
Kathleen Vaughn
Children, Youth, College Program Director
Children/Youth Director since 2003 with extensive experience in Sunday school and youth ministry. She focuses on helping children develop personal relationships with Jesus while coordinating programs that support spiritual growth from early childhood through college years.
Marilyn Hetherington
Music Director
Music ministry leader directing choirs, handbells, and organ programs. She also coordinates Love El Cajon and the International Friendship Center, combining musical worship with community outreach to address local needs through faith-based service initiatives.
Vicar Roland Rossmiller
Vicar
Installed in 2023 after many years as a church member. He assists with Sunday services, office duties, and theological study. His ministry combines practical service with spiritual guidance while completing his formal vicarage training under Pastor Huenink's supervision.
Questions
What worship services are available?
We offer two Sunday worship services at 8:30am and 11:00am with Holy Communion weekly. Special services are held during holidays and seasonal events.
Are there programs for children and youth?
Yes! Sunday School for ages 3-5th grade and Youth Group for grades 6-12 meet weekly during regular service times.
How can I get involved in the church?
Explore our ministry opportunities including music programs, outreach initiatives, and adult Bible study groups that meet weekly.
What community outreach programs exist?
We operate Love El Cajon and the International Friendship Center, focusing on practical compassion and cross-cultural connections.
