A Lutheran Home on Janesville's East Side Since 1956
Faith Lutheran Church has stood at 2116 Mineral Point Avenue on Janesville's east side since 1956, growing into a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that describes itself with a simple three-part mission: "People of God, Empowered by Word and Sacrament, Reaching out in Love." The church is building a loving, intergenerational congregation that follows Jesus and works for the good of its neighbors in the surrounding community.
Sunday Worship at 9:30
The congregation gathers for one Sunday morning service at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary. During the warmer months, the service moves into the fellowship hall so more people can spread out. Pastor Collette Broady Grund leads the liturgy alongside the music ensembles. Families with young children have a dedicated space in the sanctuary with tools to help kids participate in worship, including a children's message that teaches Bible stories in an age-appropriate way. Sunday services are livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel, where previous messages are also archived for catching up on a missed week.
Music as a Spiritual Practice
Music is central to life at Faith Lutheran. Ensemble practices are treated as spiritual practices in their own right, not just rehearsals for Sunday. Three groups welcome new musicians at any experience level:
- Choir. Open to all singers, including children, teens, and adults. No music experience is necessary. The choir sings in worship at least twice a month and rehearses on Wednesdays at 6 PM.
- Faith Ringers. The handbell ensemble rings in worship about once a month and rehearses on Mondays at 6 PM. The group includes a few ringers from outside the church, so newcomers are welcome.
- Ukulele Group. A lighter option for those wanting to pick up an instrument, playing in worship about once a month and usually rehearsing after worship the Sunday before they play.
Cherie Norquay directs the choir and handbells, while Eric Schooff serves as Tech Director and Accompanist. Anyone interested in joining a musical group is encouraged to reach out to the church office.
Education for All Ages
Faith Lutheran builds intergenerational relationships as the congregation practices faith together. Children, teens, and adults learn side by side, with separate offerings as well:
- Children, birth through fifth grade. A dedicated space for young families in the sanctuary, plus a children's message in worship and monthly gatherings designed to build relationships and strengthen faith at home.
- Youth, sixth through twelfth grade. A youth group focused on fellowship, study, and service, meeting on the second Sunday of the month in the afternoon or early evening. Teens take on worship leadership roles and run pieces of congregational events like the pop-up Christmas pageant, the Reformation Festival, and the Easter Egg Hunt.
- Adults. Several small groups, including Lydia Circle (a women's Bible study), Tuesday Bible studies in morning and evening options, and Friendship Tables (small groups for relationship building). Many adults also deepen their faith through leadership on the church council, boards, and committees.
Faith's Little Friends Childcare and Preschool
Faith Lutheran hosts Faith's Little Friends, a faith-based childcare program serving children from 6 weeks through 12 years old. The center operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM at 2116 Mineral Point Avenue, Door 3, and offers family activities throughout the year, including Trunk or Treat, a Christmas program, Parents' Night Out, and a Spring Carnival. Director Jessica Lyle and her team focus on a safe, nurturing environment that incorporates God's love for every child.
The center partners with the State of Wisconsin's Department of Children and Families on Get Kids Ready, a free preschool program for 4-year-olds that meets Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:45 AM with lunch included. Before and after care is available at a discounted rate for families needing a longer day. The 4K teacher, Ms. Katie, wrote the curriculum with help from her early childhood professor to meet Wisconsin Early Learning Model Standards, offering more than 400 hours of school-readiness learning over the course of the year.
Reaching Out in Love
Faith Lutheran's outreach reflects its mission. The congregation is collecting an Emergency Relief Fund for Immigrants, working closely with WISNC to direct donations to families affected by ICE detentions. Members are also learning alongside other churches and community organizations about how best to support immigrant neighbors. Missions and Outreach is one of the congregation's named ministry areas, and an Endowment Foundation helps support the church's long-term work in the community.
Meet the Pastor
Rev. Collette Broady Grund became Faith Lutheran's pastor after moving to Janesville in late 2023 from Mankato, Minnesota, where she served as a pastor, developer of a mission congregation, and director of a homeless shelter she helped create. She is passionate about how the Bible teaches Christians to love God and each other and to work for justice and peace in the world. Outside of ministry she enjoys painting, reading sci-fi and fantasy, and growing plants.
Supporting the Mission
The congregation's annual stewardship theme is Spend, Save, Share, three ways of thinking about how the resources entrusted to the church are used. The Building Fund covers the church's mortgage, and online giving is available through Tithe.ly for those who want to contribute. Members can also connect through the church's Facebook page for updates on events and opportunities to serve.
Getting There
The church sits at 2116 Mineral Point Avenue in Janesville, with a freshly repaved parking lot that welcomes riders on bikes and scooters along with cars. The office can be reached at (608) 754-0261 or lynn@faithlutheranjanesville.org.