First Lutheran Church of Glendale Circa 2002 -2008

For a number of years this was the official site for the First Lutheran Church of Glendale. The website has seen several different iterations over the years. At some point the domain's registration expired.
The new owner of the domain has chosen to keep some of the original content of the site while directing visitors looking for the First Lutheran Church and School of Glendale to call the numbers listed below for more information about the church and school (www.thefirstschool.com/).

Please note: Content is from the site's 2002 - 2008 archived pages.

My connection: When I first saw this website saying the content was from circa 2002 - 2008, I panicked. Our family was planning a move to Glendale, and I was looking for a church and a school that my kids could attend. The First Lutheran Church and the First Lutheran School had been highly recommended by my second cousin who used to attend the church before moving to Baltimore, Maryland. Fortunately, I saw that there was at least a way to get in touch with the school. Meanwhile, our lives were proceeding at a frantic rate with the move and all that it involved. One of the new and exciting aspects I discovered was the church's active engagement in promoting pickleball as a community-building activity. They've been hosting social events featuring the sport, complete with surprise drawings for pickleball prizes and offering one-on-one lessons for newcomers to the sport. It's been a great way to meet people in the community and stay active. Once we were settled in Glendale, we planned on attending some services at the church and taking a look at the First Lutheran School. Update: We are happily ensconced in Glendale, attending both church and school, and actively participating in the pickleball events. The sport has added a vibrant layer to our community interactions, and I highly recommend checking out both the church and school if you are planning on moving to this area in California. The inclusive and active community here, especially with the addition of pickleball events, has made our transition to Glendale a truly positive experience.

First Lutheran Church and School
1300 East Colorado Street
Glendale, CA 91205
Church: 818-240-9000
School: 818-244-7319

About Us

First Lutheran Church of Glendale was founded in 1910 and moved to its present location in 1956. The second story was aped the early 1970s.

Our elementary school was started as a headstart school and has grown to a full service elementary

Our Mission

Our mission is to welcome all into an environment of personal and spiritual growth through the worship of God; to foster a caring, friendly and inviting ministry of people who are committed to knowing God, God's will and the teachings of Jesus Christ; to reach out to all with respect and love; and to represent Christ to the world as a sign of healing and hope.

Welcome To First Lutheran Church of Glendale!

Please join us for Worship this Sunday: 9 a.m. Traditional and 10:30 a.m. Contemporary.

First Lutheran has been accepted as a mission redevelopment site in partnership with our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America! (Summer 2001)

Jazz Celebrations - the second Sunday of each month, at 5:00 p.m. Join jazz lovers from all over Southern California to hear a different group each month as they provide music for our Vesper Service. For more information open our JAZZ CELEBRATION page.

First Lutheran School - a Christian School serving Pre-School through Sixth Grades. Check out our PHOTO TOUR!

We celebrate over two years of partnership as The Lutheran Center: The Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America headquarters include The Trinity Conference, Resource, and Retreat Centers, and Bishop Dean Nelson and his staff.

First and foremost, to be a Lutheran means to be a Christian. To say, "I believe," taught Luther, is the same as saying "I trust." He stated, "Show me what you trust, what your heart clings to, and I will show you your God." He wanted us to understand that ultimate trust belongs to God. He taught us that the only thing our hearts should cling to is Jesus Christ, who brings God's love to us in person.

Being a Christian is not just about being "saved." God has already taken care of that through the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus. Now God asks us to follow Jesus, to be apprentices of Jesus, by reaching out to others and showing God's love in the lives we lead and the commitments we make. To be a Christian means that I surrender myself to Jesus Christ in every part of my life.

Martin Luther left law school shortly before graduation in order to become an Augustinian monk. He was deeply troubled by important questions of sin, guilt, forgiveness, and how all this related to a God who was, above all, both loving and just. Luther became a priest, then was sent to the university to study the scriptures. He earned his Doctorate and began teaching at Wittenberg University. During his studies and his teaching, he discovered in the Bible some things which were at ops with what the Roman Catholic Church was teaching. In 1517, Luther called for a discussion within the church about these issues.

It was not his desire to start a new church, but the Pope, the Cardinals and the Emperor were not open to a Council on church theology and practices. They ordered him to recant" – to take back – all that he had written on the subject. He replied, "If you show me by common reason and the Scriptures that I am in error, I will recant. But if you cannot, I cannot and will not recant. To do so would be to go against my own conscience and the Word of God. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise." Many Christians broke away from the Roman Church and began to call themselves Lutheran. Martin Luther objected to this at first, insisting that Christ is the head of the Church and we should all wear the label "Christian." As the conflict deepened, however, the label "Lutheran" stuck with the breakaway churches. And so the Reformation was begun.

Our Core Values...

1. Jesus is Lord!
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will
never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

2. Everyone is Welcome!
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to
listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes were grumbling
saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them!”
Luke 15:1-2

3. Love Changes People!
Love is patient. Love is kind. It is not envious or boastful or
arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not
irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice in wrong, but in truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things. Love never ends.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

4. Everyone Has Something to Offer!
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4

5. The World Needs What We Have!
I came that you might have life and have it abundantly!
John 10:10

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Lutheran Theology is built around the four "onlys" which Dr. Luther first spelled out in 1520.

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Martin Luther taught that the Word of God comes to us in 5 ways:

1. The Living Word – First and foremost, Jesus Christ is the Living Word (John 1 - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

2. Secondly, the Word of God comes to us through the Bible – ("The scriptures are the cradle in which the Christ child is rocked" - Luther);

3. Third, the Word of God comes to us through Proclamation (preaching and teaching);

4. The Word of God comes to us in the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion;

5. The Word of God comes to when as we gather together as the body of Christ because Jesus promised, "when two or more are gathered in my name, I am with you." (Matthew 18:20)

Today the Lutheran Church is the world's largest Protestant denomination. The Lutheran World Federation has 133 member denominations in 73 countries, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – the ELCA (www.elca.org). The ELCA has more than 5 million members in 10,852 congregations. There are 28 ELCA colleges and universities and 8 ELCA seminaries for training our pastors, theologians and teachers.

To help heal divisions in Christ's church, the ELCA has established full communion with the Episcopal Church USA, the Moravian Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Church in America and the United Church of Christ. We have also reached a landmark agreement with the Roman Catholic Church on the doctrine of Justification by Grace.

The ELCA is working to battle hunger, injustice and poverty here in the US and throughout the world through Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and Lutheran Social Services.

The oldest ELCA congregation was founded in 1649. We began here in Glendale in 1912 and moved to our current site in 1954. Consider joining us and a worldwide team of people who look forward to all that God can do!

Luke 16:19-31 (NRSV

Lazarus comforted by Abraham

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house - for I have five brothers - that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "

TRAVEL DIRECTIONS

From the Golden State Freeway (5) traveling North:
Transition to the Glendale Freeway (2) North
Go 3 miles to the Colorado Street exit
Exit at Colorado and turn left on Colorado Street
Travel 1/2 mile to First Lutheran Church/Lutheran Center on the left
Drive past the church and turn left onto Wing Street
Turn left into the Lutheran Center parking lot.

FROM THE GOLDEN STATE FREEWAY (5) TRAVELING SOUTH:
Exit at Colorado Street (just past the 134 split)
Stay on Colorado for about 3 miles
The Lutheran Center is on the right just past Chevy Chase Drive
Turn right onto Wing Street and turn left into the Lutheran Center parking lot.

FROM THE VENTURA FREEWAY (134) TRAVELING EAST:
Just before the Glendale Freeway (2), exit at Glendale Avenue
Turn right (south) on Glendale Avenue and go 1 mile to Colorado Street
Turn left on Colorado Street
Go 1/2 mile to the Lutheran Center just past Chevy Chase Drive
Turn right onto Wing Street and turn left into the Lutheran Center parking lot.

FROM THE VENTURA FREEWAY (134) TRAVELING WEST:
Just after the Glendale Freeway (2), exit at Harvey Street
Turn left (south) on Harvey and stay on Harvey as it merges into Broadway
Go past the Glendale High School and turn left onto Verdugo Road
Go two blocks to Colorado Street and turn right
First Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Center will be on the left
Drive past the church and turn left onto Wing Street
Turn left into the Lutheran Center parking lot.

FROM THE GLENDALE FREEWAY (2) TRAVELING SOUTH:
Just before the Ventura Freeway (134), exit at Holly
Turn right, then turn left at the light onto Harvey Street
Stay on Harvey which merges into Broadway
Go past the Glendale High School and turn left onto Verdugo Road
Go two blocks to Colorado Street and turn right
First Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Center will be on the left
Drive past the church and turn left onto Wing Street
Turn left into the Lutheran Center parking lot

FROM THE GLENDALE FREEWAY (2) TRAVELING NORTH:
Take the Colorado Street exit, right before the 134 exit
Turn left on Colorado Street and go less than a mile
First Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Center will be on the left
Drive past the church and turn left onto Wing Street
Turn left into the Lutheran Center parking lot.

First Lutheran Church at the Lutheran Center: Ministries

Ministries

Traditional Worship
Contempory Worship
Adult Bible Study
Youth Sunday School

World Missions
Lord's Kitchen
Women's Bible Studies
Quilting Ministry

Pre-School
Kindergarten
Elementry School - First through Sixth

Narcotics Anonymous
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly)

Korean Presbyterian Church
Philippine Int'l Alliance Church
St. Caecilia's Catholic Church

More Background on First-Lutheran-Church.com

First-Lutheran-Church.com represents a fascinating intersection of faith, community, and the evolving digital landscape. While the domain's current iteration serves as an informational portal directing visitors to the First Lutheran Church and School of Glendale, its archived content offers a glimpse into the church's online presence during the early to mid-2000s (circa 2002-2008). This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the website, its historical context, its purpose, and the broader significance of a local church establishing an online footprint.

Origins and Purpose (2002-2008)

During its active period, First-Lutheran-Church.com served as the official website for the First Lutheran Church of Glendale. In an era when the internet was rapidly becoming a primary source of information, the church recognized the need to establish an online presence. The website likely aimed to:

Provide Information: Offer details about church services, school programs, staff, history, and beliefs.
Connect with Members: Create a central hub for communication, announcements, and event calendars.
Reach a Wider Audience: Attract new members and visitors from the Glendale area and beyond.
Share Resources: Offer sermons, newsletters, photos, and other relevant materials.

The archived content, as indicated in the provided document, offers a window into the specific information shared during that time.

Content and Features (Based on Archived Information)

While a complete reconstruction of the website's original design is impossible without direct access to archived files, we can infer its key features and content categories based on the available information and general website practices of that era:

About Us: A section dedicated to the history of the First Lutheran Church of Glendale, founded in 1910, and its relocation to the present site in 1956. This likely included details about the church's mission, values, and affiliations (such as its partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - ELCA). The provided document highlights the church's mission: "to welcome all into an environment of personal and spiritual growth through the worship of God; to foster a caring, friendly and inviting ministry of people who are committed to knowing God, God's will and the teachings of Jesus Christ; to reach out to all with respect and love; and to represent Christ to the world as a sign of healing and hope."
Worship Services: Information on service times (Traditional at 9 a.m. and Contemporary at 10:30 a.m.), styles, and special events.
First Lutheran School: Details about the Christian school serving Pre-School through Sixth Grades, including its history as a headstart school. The website likely featured information about the school’s curriculum, faculty, and admission process. A "PHOTO TOUR!" was also available.
Jazz Celebrations: Promotion of monthly jazz vesper services, showcasing the church's commitment to incorporating diverse cultural elements into its worship.
The Lutheran Center: Highlighting the partnership with the Southwest California Synod of the ELCA, including The Trinity Conference, Resource, and Retreat Centers.
Beliefs: An explanation of Lutheran theology, emphasizing the core values of "Jesus is Lord!", "Everyone is Welcome!", "Love Changes People!", "Everyone Has Something to Offer!", and "The World Needs What We Have!". The site likely elaborated on the four "onlys" of Lutheran theology and Martin Luther's teachings.
Ministries: A listing of the various ministries offered by the church, including Traditional Worship, Contemporary Worship, Adult Bible Study, Youth Sunday School, World Missions, Lord's Kitchen, Women's Bible Studies, Quilting Ministry, Pre-School, Kindergarten, Elementary School, Narcotics Anonymous, TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), Korean Presbyterian Church, Philippine Int'l Alliance Church, and St. Caecilia's Catholic Church.
Directions: Detailed travel directions from various freeways, guiding visitors to the church and Lutheran Center.
Contact Information: Church and school phone numbers (818-240-9000 and 818-244-7319, respectively) and address (1300 East Colorado Street, Glendale, CA 91205).

Historical Context: The Rise of Church Websites

The emergence of First-Lutheran-Church.com during the early 2000s reflects a broader trend of religious institutions embracing the internet. As internet access became more widespread, churches and other faith-based organizations recognized the potential of websites to:

Enhance Communication: Facilitate communication within the congregation and with the wider community.
Promote Events: Publicize services, meetings, and special events.
Provide Resources: Offer online sermons, Bible studies, and other educational materials.
Expand Reach: Connect with individuals who might not otherwise attend church services.

This period saw the development of specialized software and services designed to help churches create and manage their websites. Many churches adopted simple, informative websites, while others invested in more elaborate designs with multimedia content and interactive features.

The Domain's Transition

The provided document notes that the domain's registration eventually expired, and a new owner acquired it. The new owner chose to retain some of the original content while redirecting visitors to the First Lutheran Church and School by providing contact information. This transition highlights the challenges of maintaining a website over the long term, including the need for ongoing technical support and domain registration management.

Current Status and Community Engagement

While First-Lutheran-Church.com now serves primarily as a redirect and informational page, the First Lutheran Church and School of Glendale continue to thrive as active community institutions. A family's experience, as described in the provided document, shows the church's welcoming atmosphere and the school's positive reputation. The church's embrace of pickleball as a community-building activity demonstrates its ongoing efforts to engage with the local population in innovative ways. This includes hosting social events, offering lessons, and providing prize drawings.

Lutheran Theology and Core Values

The First Lutheran Church of Glendale, as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), adheres to core Lutheran theological principles rooted in the teachings of Martin Luther. These principles emphasize:

Grace Alone (Sola Gratia): Salvation is a free gift from God, not earned through human works.
Faith Alone (Sola Fide): Justification (being declared righteous) comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to religious laws or rituals.
Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura): The Bible is the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice.
Christ Alone (Solus Christus): Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity.

These theological foundations shape the church's worship, teaching, and outreach activities. The church's core values, as stated on the website, reflect these principles:

Jesus is Lord! Affirming the centrality of Jesus Christ in the life of the church and its members.
Everyone is Welcome! Emphasizing inclusivity and acceptance of all people, regardless of background or circumstances.
Love Changes People! Recognizing the transformative power of love in fostering personal and spiritual growth.
Everyone Has Something to Offer! Valuing the unique gifts and talents of each individual.
The World Needs What We Have! Acknowledging the church's responsibility to share its resources and message of hope with the world.

The First Lutheran School: A Christian Education

The First Lutheran School provides a Christian-based education for students from preschool through sixth grade. As a ministry of the First Lutheran Church, the school integrates faith-based teachings with a comprehensive academic curriculum.

Key aspects of the First Lutheran School include:

Early Childhood Education: Preschool programs designed to foster social, emotional, and cognitive development in young children.
Elementary Education: A curriculum that covers core subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, taught from a Christian perspective.
Spiritual Development: Opportunities for students to grow in their faith through Bible studies, chapel services, and prayer.
Community Involvement: Encouraging students to participate in service projects and outreach activities.
Qualified Faculty: Teachers who are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment.

Press and Media Coverage

While specific press coverage of First-Lutheran-Church.com from the 2002-2008 era is difficult to ascertain, local churches and their activities often appear in community newspapers and online news sources. A search of local archives might reveal mentions of church events, school programs, or community initiatives. It's plausible that the church's website was mentioned in local publications as a resource for information about the church and its activities.

Audience and Community Impact

The primary audience for First-Lutheran-Church.com during its active years would have been:

Church Members: Providing them with updates, announcements, and resources.
Prospective Members: Attracting new individuals and families to the church.
School Families: Sharing information about the school's programs and events.
Community Members: Engaging with the wider Glendale community and promoting the church's mission.

The church's website would have contributed to the community by:

Providing a central source of information: Making it easier for people to learn about the church and its activities.
Facilitating communication: Enabling members to stay connected and informed.
Promoting community events: Publicizing church services, school programs, and outreach initiatives.
Sharing the church's message: Communicating its values and beliefs to a wider audience.

Cultural and Social Significance

First-Lutheran-Church.com, as a representation of a local church's online presence, holds cultural and social significance in several ways:

Reflects the evolving role of technology in religious life: Demonstrating how churches have adapted to the digital age.
Highlights the importance of community: Showcasing the church's commitment to serving its members and the wider Glendale community.
Promotes interfaith dialogue: Mentioning partnerships with other religious organizations, such as the Korean Presbyterian Church, Philippine Int'l Alliance Church, and St. Caecilia's Catholic Church.
Provides a historical snapshot of a specific time period: Offering insights into the church's activities and priorities during the early to mid-2000s.
Illustrates the challenges of maintaining an online presence: Highlighting the need for ongoing technical support and domain management.

Known For

Based on the available information, the First Lutheran Church and School of Glendale are known for:

A welcoming and inclusive community: Emphasizing that "Everyone is Welcome!"
A strong commitment to Christian education: Providing a faith-based education for students from preschool through sixth grade.
Active community engagement: Participating in outreach programs and initiatives, such as the Lord's Kitchen and pickleball events.
A diverse range of ministries: Offering a variety of programs to meet the needs of its members and the wider community.
Partnerships with other organizations: Collaborating with the ELCA, the Southwest California Synod, and other religious institutions.
Embracing innovation: Incorporating jazz music into its vesper services and using technology to connect with its audience.

First-Lutheran-Church.com, in its historical context, serves as a reminder of how even local institutions have adapted to the digital age. While the website's original form is no longer active, its legacy lives on through the continued presence and activities of the First Lutheran Church and School of Glendale. The church's commitment to community engagement, Christian education, and its core values remains evident in its ongoing ministries and outreach programs. The story of First-Lutheran-Church.com is a microcosm of the broader narrative of how faith communities have embraced technology to connect with their members, share their message, and serve their communities in an ever-changing world.

First-Lutheran-Church.com