Brief History
In the fall of 1982, 30 families met in their homes to begin
a new Lutheran church.
In January, 1983, with members feeling they had made a “leap
of faith” the new church was named Faith Lutheran.
Pastor Dave Lilley was called to be the first minister in April
1983. Faith Lutheran worshiped in various locations: Mayflower Congregational
Church, College Parkway Baptist Fellowship Hall, Milliken Middle
School Cafeteria, and Timbercreek Apartment Club House.
Ground breaking for the first building was held at 1887 Timbercreek
Rd. on May 26, 1985, with the December 1985 membership up to 317
members.
Children’s Day Out began in September 1987. Pastor Nolan Sucher
was called to assist Pastor Lilley. Membership grew to 587 by December
of 1987.
In the spring of 1988 Christian Education classes spilled over from
the church to Timber Creek Elementary School, and by the end of 1988,
membership had reached 687.
Our first intern started in August 1988, and in January 1989, Pastor
Lilley announced his resignation, effective that March. Intern John
Guilfoyle stepped in as did Interim Pastors Mary Peterson
and Marsha Anderson. Membership was 743 at the end of 1989.
July 29, 1990, Pastor Phil Geleske was installed as the new Pastor
and Dave Heise as Deacon. Membership rolls showed 732 members in
December 1990.
The constitution was revised in 1991 and we held our first Ministry
Fair. December membership had grown to 806. In 1992, names such as
Flashy, Flames, and Flickers started appearing on the scene.
In 1993 the congregation developed plans to purchase other property
to allow for much needed growth. The 10th anniversary was held September
12. Pastor Nolan joined as Associate Pastor on March 6, 1994, and
Pastor John was called on June 17, 1994.
Ground breaking for our current facility at 6000 Morriss Road began
on April 23, 1995.
Pastors Phil Geleske and John Guilfoyle announced their resignations
in 2004.
Early in 2005 a new position was hired at Faith, full-time Youth
director Tom Schwolert. Also in 2005 Faith called Dr. Jeffrey Vayda to become the new senior pastor.
In 2007 we are celebrating our 25th anniversary. Many faces have changed, but our purpose of seeking to worship together continues.
God Bless!
Faith Lutheran Church
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