Welcome Home…

We’re glad you’ve found the web home of First Lutheran Church! Please take a few moments to learn a little bit about us; we hope we get the opportunity to get to know YOU!

The history of this gathering of Lutheran Christians spans 130 years, founded by German immigrants in 1880. The church is also known as “North Branch,”  a name borrowed from the nearby creek and the township designation.

Our location is on Hwy. 50, just 3 miles south of the Hwys. 34 and 50 corner (6 miles north of Syracuse). We’re surrounded by a landscape of rolling pastures and cropland, situated on a six acre hilltop that is blessed with a view of those beautiful Nebraska sunsets. You’re welcome to drop by during the week and walk the grounds for meditation and prayer. If you happen to pass by at night, you’ll see the cross of Christ atop the church, shining in the darkness. The cross can be seen for miles, enfolding travelers and nearby homes with Christ’s presence and peace.

Our ministry is varied and vital, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our spirituality, mission, learning and outreach. For example, First Lutheran’s rotational Sunday school has been a model for other churches in the area (you have to experience it to appreciate it). Adult study intersects the message of scripture and our 21st century lives, with the “bones” of Lutheranism as our framework. We have many local and global mission projects, and mission trips slated for all ages. Our worship services (8:15 and 10:30 Sundays) reflect what we call “welcoming reverence,” when the community gathers to celebrate the risen Christ with joy, song, laughter, heartfelt prayer, and sharing of the meal. This community of faith loves each other’s company, so potlucks, parties and picnics are scattered liberally throughout the church year. We often invite the surrounding communities to join in, as part of our commitment to our local mission field…and, it’s just that much more fun!

So please come visit us! If you live in the area, we would welcome you to join our merry band in Jesus Christ, serving, playing, and praying together so that Christ may be known by us and through us.

Welcome Home!

Upcoming Events

  • January 1 (Sun.)
    One Worship Service
    at 10 a.m.

    No Sunday School

  • January 15 (Sun.)
    One Worship Service
    at 10:30 a.m.

    11:30 a.m. Annual Congregational Meeting

    11:30 a.m. – 1 pm. Annual Soup Dinner