A Historic Janesville Congregation Working to Reopen Its Doors
First Lutheran Church, the first Lutheran congregation in Janesville, Wisconsin, sits on North Randall Avenue in the heart of the city. A member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) within the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, First Lutheran has long served as a place of worship, learning, and community for generations of families. The congregation's vision - "Embracing Love's Adventure Together" - shapes everything from Sunday worship to weekday outreach. Today, First Lutheran is actively rebuilding its home after a flood damaged its facilities. While the church works to reopen its own doors, worship and many of its ministries have moved next door to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 700 North Wright Road, where the two congregations are collaborating in new ways.
The church's mission is to reach, nourish, and empower people with the Good News of Jesus Christ, and its core values - being firmly rooted in faith through grace, Scripture, and sacrament; loving community; embracing the power of music and creativity; caring for real needs; and remaining a work in progress - are lived out in nearly every program that bears the First Lutheran name.
Two Sunday Services, One Worshiping Community
First Lutheran offers two traditional worship services each weekend, with Holy Communion celebrated at all services. At 8 a.m., worshippers gather for a drive-in service at First Lutheran's own parking lot on Randall Avenue. At 10 a.m., the larger in-person service is held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 700 North Wright Road in Janesville. Between those two services, a coffee hour, Sunday School, and adult small groups fill the morning with connection and learning.
Worship at First Lutheran is rooted in the ELCA's liturgical tradition. A typical service moves through a gathering hymn, greeting, prayer of the day, scripture readings, Gospel acclamation, sermon, songs of worship, the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, offering music from the choir or instrumentalists, the celebration of Holy Communion with music during distribution, prayers, a blessing, and a final hymn of dismissal. Worship generally lasts about an hour. The 10 a.m. service is livestreamed each Sunday, beginning at 9:45 a.m. on the congregation's YouTube channel and is also shared on the church's Facebook page. Recordings of past services are available on YouTube, and a podcast carries sermons beyond the livestream.
Visitors are welcomed but not put on the spot. There is no assigned seating, no expectation to give or participate, and a clear invitation to simply experience worship as a gift. Most people dress casually or business casual, and an elevator is available to reach the worship level if stairs are a concern.
Children at the Heart of Worship
First Lutheran makes space for children throughout worship. A "Prayground" at the front of the sanctuary invites children and parents to sit together and engage in quiet, holy play during the service. Activity bags with hands-on items and fidgets are available in the Gathering Space for families to pick up before entering the sanctuary. A staffed nursery is open at all services for parents and young children.
Sunday School meets at 9:45 a.m. in classes for ages 3 to 4, 5 to 6, grades 1 to 3, and grades 4 to 6. The program supports families as they grow in faith together, helping children learn about God and share the love of Jesus in their everyday lives. Throughout the year, children can also take part in Vacation Bible School and other seasonal events.
Confirmation is designed for students in seventh and eighth grade and gives them the opportunity to explore faith, worship, service, prayer, and Luther's Catechism through activities, biblical training, and conversation.
Youth and Young Adults
Youth Group gathers on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the FLC Parsonage. Open to students in grades 7 through 12, the group features theme nights, games, a scripture message, small groups, and service nights. Youth develop friendships and a deeper relationship with God through a mix of fellowship and faith formation. Information about an upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering for ninth through twelfth graders is shared through the youth ministry.
The Young Adult Ministry is for high school seniors, college students, those in early career, and the newly married. Meetings are held on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the FLC Parsonage, beginning with a potluck meal at 6:30 p.m., followed by discussion of scripture or other topics from 7 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to stay and hang out afterward.
Masterpiece is a Christian education class for children, youth, and adults with cognitive disabilities. Typical sessions include fellowship and sharing, music, crafts, games, and other hands-on activities. Masterpiece meets September through May.
A Music Ministry for Every Voice
Music holds a central place in First Lutheran's life together. The congregation's music ministry includes several ensembles that welcome singers, ringers, and instrumentalists of all ages and skill levels.
The Chancel Choir is open to anyone in seventh grade and beyond who likes to sing. The choir rehearses from 10:35 to 11:15 a.m. on Sundays in the Choir Room and sings in worship about once a month, as well as for major worship celebrations. Rehearsals run weekly from September through May.
The First Lutheran Hand Bell Ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., September through May. Geared for ages 12 through adult, the ensemble welcomes ringers of all ability levels.
The Worship Team is a multi-instrumental and vocal group that rehearses from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in the sanctuary, weekly from September through May. All instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome.
Music is directed by Amy Hartsough, Director of Music, with Dan Talbot serving as Worship Coordinator.
Growing in Faith as Adults
Adult faith formation at First Lutheran includes a wide range of weekly and monthly gatherings.
Bible Study meets on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, with both Old and New Testament study. The Women's Bible Study gathers for encouragement, connection, and growth in God's Word. Women's Circles are small groups that meet regularly for Bible study, fellowship, and mutual support.
Centering Prayer, also known as the prayer of silence, meets on Mondays from 8 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. This contemplative practice invites participants to quiet the mind and open their hearts to God's presence. The Men's discipleship group, Men of Iron, meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. for small group study, encouragement, and fellowship.
Practicing the Way, an eight-week course rooted in spiritual practices, meaningful community, and everyday rhythms of discipleship, has been offered with both morning and evening sessions. Morning sessions run from 9 to 10 a.m., and evening sessions from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with a potluck. Topics include following Jesus, formation, the practices, meeting God in pain and suffering, healing from sin, crafting a rule of life, and life together.
Break Bread Small Groups gather in homes throughout the fall and spring, typically with six to eight people sharing meals and conversation.
Mission Sew, Knitters, and Other Hands-On Service
Service and care for neighbors near and far are woven into the life of the congregation. Mission Sew brings together a dedicated group of quilters on the first, third, and fifth Wednesdays of each month, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at First Senior Housing. Volunteers cut, sew, tie, and pin quilts for Lutheran World Relief, which distributes them to struggling neighbors across the globe. Margaret Drinkwater coordinates the effort.
Knitters meet on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at First Senior Housing for a relaxed morning of knitting or crocheting and conversation. Their handmade items are shared as part of the "Made with Love at FLC" ministry.
Second Harvest food distribution is served on the third Thursday of each month from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Volunteers help provide nourishment to neighbors in need.
The BG's, a group of mostly retired men, gather every Tuesday at 8 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lounge for coffee, fellowship, and the many outdoor and indoor maintenance tasks that keep the church's spaces welcoming.
The Page Turners Book Club meets at 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at a member's home. The club reads widely and welcomes all who enjoy good books and meaningful conversation.
The CROP Hunger Walk is supported at the end of April each year, with walking and fundraising that supports both local meals and long-term food security around the world.
Safe Families for Children extends the congregation's outreach beyond its walls, offering support to families in crisis.
The Medical Equipment Loan Closet
One of First Lutheran's longest-running community ministries is the Medical Equipment Loan Closet, located at 740 North Randall Avenue in Janesville. The closet is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, closed on holidays and the Monday after Easter.
Operated as a self-serve ministry, the loan closet lends items as long as they are needed, with no sign-out required. Walkers, canes, commodes, wheelchairs, shower benches, toilet risers, gait belts, grab bars, CPAPs, wound care supplies, and other gently used items are donated by community members and passed along to elderly neighbors and those recuperating from illness or surgery. The closet accepts items that are clean and in usable condition and offers referrals for items it cannot store. Diabetic supplies and some medications are accepted by HealthNet.
Weddings, Funerals, and Pastoral Care
First Lutheran's sanctuary comfortably accommodates 800 people, and weddings are performed for members and non-members alike. Couples are invited to complete a Wedding Reservation Request Form and then coordinate with Jeanie Pomplun in the church office before reserving a reception venue, photographer, or musician.
Funerals and memorial services are understood as celebrations of the resurrection. Most are held in the sanctuary, though pastors are also available for services at funeral homes and other community locations. Families are asked to coordinate details with the church before setting a date and time with a funeral home. Senior Pastor Rev. Michael Mueller and Visitation Pastor Rev. Jim Johnson are both available for these services.
Becoming a Member
Anyone interested in making First Lutheran their spiritual home is warmly invited to do so. The congregation offers two membership classes. Membership 101 is a gathering for new friends and anyone curious about the congregation, sharing a meal and a conversation about the mission and ministry of First Lutheran. Membership 201 explores the Lutheran faith, life in Christian community, and what it means to grow as a disciple at First Lutheran, including opportunities to serve and connect. Attending 101 first is recommended but not required.
Rebuilding Together
The flood that damaged First Lutheran's facilities has prompted a congregation-wide rebuilding effort, and the church is moving forward with hope. Worship services and ministries have continued at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church while repairs are underway, and the church has invited 100 people to give $5, $10, $50, or $100 to support reopening the building. Donations can be made online through Vanco, through the Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement app (church code LMT92F), by ACH or electronic check, by credit or debit card, or by check made out to the church with an offering envelope. Thrivent members can also direct Choice Dollars to First Lutheran.
The People Who Lead First Lutheran
Senior Pastor Rev. Michael Mueller leads the congregation, supported by Visitation Pastor Rev. Jim Johnson. Eric Engen serves as Youth Minister, with Jessalynne Garvin as Youth Assistant and Video Production. Renee Engen is Sunday School and Confirmation Coordinator. Amy Hartsough is Director of Music, with Mike Schuler as Audio/Video Coordinator and Michael Palmer as Audio/Video Assistant. Dan Talbot is Worship Coordinator. Aubrey McMeen coordinates Masterpiece. Anne Cresswell serves as Nursery Coordinator. Christal Swigart is Director of Communications. Arwen Twitchett is Business Administrator, and Jeanie Pomplun is Office Administrator. Custodial care is provided by Kora Conrad, Jason Coon, and Jude Tropp as Facilities Maintenance Coordinator. Nan Bandt serves as Office Assistant.
The Church Council, led by President Jarod Wasson, meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The Foundation Board, led by President Kevin McMullen, meets quarterly. A monthly newsletter, Progress, keeps the congregation informed about its shared ministry and community life.
Connect With First Lutheran
First Lutheran Church is located at 612 North Randall Avenue in Janesville, Wisconsin. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors and members alike are invited to plan a visit, fill out a baptism form, request a wedding, or begin the funeral process. Updates on rebuilding are shared regularly, and the congregation's calendar, podcast, newsletter, and livestream are all available to keep everyone connected as First Lutheran works, together, toward reopening its own doors.