So...who are we at Valley Lutheran?

Here’s our story...

History - Valley Evangelical Lutheran Church (Evangelical mean: gospel-preaching) began in 1984 when a few families gathered together in their homes for worship and Bible study. Neighboring WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod--our national church body) pastors visited once or twice a month and began meeting on Sunday in rented facilities, including our current one, the old Highland Park School, 1301 Avon St, 2 blocks South of the hospital. In February 2005 the WELS Board for Home Missions granted permission for Valley Lutheran members to organize, buy land, and build a church. In June 2006 at the Nebraska District Convention in Waco, NE, Valley Lutheran Church was accepted as an organized congregation of the WELS.

Our Own Pastor - On September 17, 2000, Pete Zietlow was installed as Valley Lutheran's first resident pastor and mission explorer. A 1985 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Zietlow served six years in Malawi, Africa and nine years in Jupiter, Florida. He and his wife Lauren have four children: Ben, Anne, Jake and Katie.

Beliefs & Purpose - Valley Lutheran, a mission of the WELS, believes that the Bible is God's Word, the only basis for our faith and life. We believe Jesus Christ is the Savior of all people. The purpose of our church is to glorify God by 1) growing in the Word, 2) serving one another in love, and 3) spreading the good news of Jesus in our community and throughout the world.

Worship - Valley Lutheran offers a blend of contemporary and traditional worship that emphasizes God's love for sinners. We currently meet on Sunday at the old Highland Park School, 1301 Avon Street, 2 blocks South of the hospital. Sunday Bible classes for all ages begin at 8:45 a.m. Sunday worship begins at 10:00 a.m. and is followed by refreshments at 11:00 a.m.

Adult Bible Study - Bible study classes offer participants more in-depth analysis of God's Word and practical applications to life issues, enabling people to grow spiritually. June–August a 19-minute Family Bible Study meets Sunday at 9:30 a.m. September–May, Sunday Adult Bible Study begins at 8:45 a.m. Bible Information Classes (lead to membership) are scheduled throughout the year at the church office and members’ homes.

Children/Youth Bible Study - On Sundays in September–May, Children and Youth Sunday School classes meet at 8:45 a.m. Summer Vacation Bible School is held at the end of June at Kendrick Park pavilion #3 from 9:00–11:30 a.m. These VBS classes provide opportunities for children to learn abut our Savior Jesus Christ in an interactive atmosphere. Service and social activities for youth are also scheduled throughout the year.

Fellowship/Service Opportunities - Various fellowship/service opportunities are available at Valley Lutheran including: a refreshment table of coffee, juice & sweets following the Sunday worship service, children and adult choirs, pot-luck dinners and picnics, youth hikes, to name a few. Monthly and annual calendars (see calendar button) highlight special worship services, Bible studies, service opportunities, and outreach activities. Members and visitors alike are encouraged to get involved. Join us at Valley Lutheran!