George Gallup has said: “Americans are among the loneliest people in the world.”  In the midst of busy lives, over committed schedules, and congested cities, we feel alone.  Although we drive overcrowded freeways to catch overbooked flights, we live in isolation.  Because of that we are a culture craving relationship.

There is a reason we crave connection.  It’s the reason for which God made us.  God created us for a relationship with Him, and for relationships with others.  We are designed to live in community, not in isolation.

You see, you have a place in God’s heart. You are not an accident. God made you, and you are on earth on purpose and for a purpose. That purpose is to know and love God - - the One who made you and who holds you in His heart. He is a relational God, and desires and is pursuing a relationship with you.   He wants that relationship so much that He was even willing to give His own Son Jesus to make that possible. He would rather die for you than live without you!

That is why our first purpose as a congregation is to help you know, and then grow deeper and deeper in your love and relationship with God, your Heavenly Father.

Andyou have a place in God’s Church.  God also wants you to be connected to others who know, believe, and love Him as their God and Father. Through connection and friendship with other believers, you are able to see the transformation in your life that you are seeking, and experience the deep relationships that you need.

That is why our second purpose as a congregation is to help you grow stronger and stronger in your connection and bond with other believers.  This happens primarily through worshiping together and gathering together in small groups.

And finally, you have a place in God’s mission.  God’s desire is for everyone on earth to have a relationship with Him, and He has given those who know Him the honor and privilege of helping others connect to Him.  As we live and share our relationship with God through the relationships we have with others, they are able to enjoy the relationship they were created to have with Him as well.

That is why our third purpose as a congregation is to help you reach wider and wider with your life to help others connect to God by faith.

You have a place at First Lutheran, and we hope that First Lutheran can become your place.

In Christ,