A Lutheran Family on the Southwest Side
Christ Lutheran Church sits in the southwest corner of Fort Worth, where Sycamore School Road meets Hulen, a location that has anchored the congregation since the early 1950s. After 75 years on the same corner, the congregation now marks its diamond anniversary under the theme "Shine Your Light," drawn from Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." The church's tagline is the simplest summary of its purpose: "Connecting People to Jesus."
The building is easy to spot and even easier to reach. The worship entrance is covered by a portico where visitors can drop off passengers before parking, and the lot wraps around the building with room for plenty of cars. Inside, the church describes itself plainly: "Our church is a family that always has room for more members."
Sunday Mornings at 9:30
Worship happens at 9:30 AM every Sunday. The service is uniquely Lutheran in structure, taking its shape from an ancient liturgical order and following the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod lectionary, the three-year cycle of Scripture readings that ties each Sunday to a particular season of the church year. For each Sunday, three readings are read aloud: one from the Old Testament, one from the Epistles, and one from the Gospels.
Music blends traditional hymns and contemporary songs. Lyrics are projected on screens, so visitors can sing along without hunting for a hymnal, although hymnals are also available for those who prefer to read music. The congregation stands and sits throughout the service; visitors who prefer to stay seated are welcome to do so.
The full order of service moves through a familiar arc. It begins with an opening song, followed by the Invocation, a responsive Confession and Absolution, the readings from the Old Testament, Epistles, and Holy Gospel, and a children's chat in which a member of the ministry team gathers the kids at the front for a brief, age-appropriate lesson tied to the day's readings. The Apostles' or Nicene Creed is confessed together, a message song leads into the sermon, and prayers follow, always closing with the Lord's Prayer.
The service ends with a responsive sending and a closing song. When the music resumes after a pause, it is the signal that worship is finished and fellowship is about to begin. The pastor greets worshippers as they exit, and everyone is invited to stay for coffee and donuts in the fellowship hall.
Communion Every Sunday
Holy Communion is offered at every service. The communion policy sets out the Lutheran understanding plainly, inviting those who receive to examine themselves with three questions before coming to the altar:
- Do I believe I am a sinner in need of God's forgiveness?
- Do I believe that Jesus Christ is my Savior from sin?
- Do I believe that as I receive the bread and the wine, I am receiving the very, true body and blood of Jesus Christ my Savior and by it my sins are forgiven, my faith is strengthened, and I have eternal life?
Those who can answer "yes" by the power of the Holy Spirit are invited to commune. Those who are unsure are welcome to come forward for a blessing instead, crossing their arms in front of their chest to indicate that wish. Gluten-free wafers and grape juice are available in the center of each tray.
The Education Hour at 11:00
After worship, the congregation stays for an hour of Christian education. Adults meet in the fellowship hall for a Bible study led by Pastor Stace. Children and youth move to their own classrooms, organized by age.
Children ages 2 through kindergarten gather to learn Bible stories, sing songs, and build fellowship together. First through fourth graders are currently working through the New Testament, learning the books of the Bible and memorizing verses. Fifth through twelfth graders tackle the meaning of their faith through Bible studies tailored to their questions. A confirmation class is in session for seven students, working through the Lutheran tradition's teaching on the faith.
Kids in Worship, and the Little Extras for Parents
The church believes in families worshipping together, and the main service is set up to make that possible. Coloring pages and crayons are available to help entertain younger children. A tip from regular CLC parents: sitting on the sides of the sanctuary works well, since a wall blocks one side and helps contain wiggles. Noise and movement are welcome.
For families who need a quieter moment, a nursery space and a private nursing room are available for stepping out with little ones. After the service, the whole family is invited to coffee and donuts in the fellowship hall, a relaxed chance to meet other parents and members.
Three Monthly Rhythms Beyond Sunday
Three regular gatherings fill the calendar in addition to Sunday morning worship.
Senior Share Food Distribution takes place on the first Thursday of every month from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The program provides free food for those in need; those interested fill out a brief form the first time they come and are then ready to receive food at each subsequent monthly distribution.
The Knitting Group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are welcome, including beginners looking to learn. Julie Evenson is the contact for the group.
Men's Bible Breakfast gathers on the third Saturday of each month at 7:30 AM at the church. Men meet for Bible study and a morning meal together.
Vacation Bible School and Children's Summer Ministry
Christ Lutheran runs an annual Vacation Bible School, with the 2026 program scheduled for July 26 through 29. Registration is handled online through VBS Pro, and the church welcomes children from the congregation and the surrounding neighborhood.
What the Church Believes
Christ Lutheran is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a denomination that traces its roots to the Reformation and Martin Luther's recovery of the gospel of grace. The church summarizes the basis of the Christian faith in three short phrases drawn from Luther's teaching:
- Grace Alone. There is nothing a person can do to earn salvation. Salvation is a free gift, resting completely on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, who has mercy on broken people and broken lives.
- Faith Alone. Forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation come through trusting in the work of Christ on our behalf. Faith is the vessel that holds on to grace.
- Scripture Alone. The Bible is the inerrant, errorless Word of God and the only rule and guide for the Christian life and belief.
The church believes in the Triune God: the Father as Creator of all that exists, the Son, Jesus Christ, whose suffering, death, and resurrection saved humanity from sin, death, and the devil, and the Holy Spirit, who strengthens faith and encourages daily walking with the Lord. The Bible is treated as the inspired, "God-breathed" Word, as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16, and is the foundation of all the church's teaching.
The People Who Lead the Congregation
Pastor Stace Rollefson serves as the congregation's pastor and leads the adult Bible study each Sunday morning. Elizabeth Finke serves as the Director of Christian Education, coordinating the Sunday School and youth ministries. Juli Hogan serves as organist, and Charles Hightower directs the choir. Alex Ortiz leads the praise team, the contemporary music counterpart that supports the blended worship style.
Online Worship, Sermons, and Giving
For those who cannot attend in person, the church posts each Sunday's full worship service on its YouTube channel, with the sermon for each Sunday available by the following Monday. The online sermon archive reaches back through 2026, 2024, and 2023, including midweek Lenten services, Ash Wednesday services, and Christmas Eve services, with sermon titles running from "Dying to Self" and "Understanding Your Cross" in the summer of 2026 back through titles like "Incarnation!" and "Christ the King" in late 2023. Sermons are also available as a podcast through Buzzsprout. The church's Facebook page carries the latest video as well.
Online giving is run through Vanco Services, with options for tithes and offerings on the giving page. In-person giving is available at worship services and during office hours, and checks may be mailed to the church at any time.
Practical Information for a First Visit
Sunday worship is at 9:30 AM, with the education hour beginning at 11:00 AM. Dress runs the full range, from jeans and shorts in the warmer months to suits and skirts on festival days like Christmas and Easter. Children are welcome in worship; coloring pages, a nursery, and a private nursing room are available.
The church sits in southwest Fort Worth at 4409 Sycamore School Road, at the corner of Sycamore School Road and Hulen. The worship entrance is under a portico, with plenty of parking around the building. Visitors who want to let the church know they are coming can fill out a short online form, and the staff welcomes questions by phone at 817-370-6242 or by email.