About Faith Lutheran Church

This Lutheran Church was started by a group of nine people with “faith” that a  United Lutheran Church of America could be sustainable in Owensboro.  In 1957, three years after their first meeting, the name Faith Lutheran was chosen and services began.  In 1959 the charter to organize was opened.  In 1961, this lot on Frederica St, was purchased and in 1962 seminarian Patrick Flynn accepted the call to be Owensboro’s Mission Developer.  On April 28, 1963 Faith Lutheran Church was formally received into the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and Rev. Patrick Flynn accepted the call to be our first Pastor.  In 1967 this building was dedicated, and  Rev, Leif Pohl became our second Pastor. 

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In the 1970’s, Faith continued to grow and in 1976 Rev. Roy Poltrock was installed as our third Pastor.

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In 1980 the Rev. Mark Vance was ordained and installed as our fourth Pastor.  In 1982 Rev. Ron Poisel began his ministry as our fifth Pastor.  Thanks to our ministry and the influx of Lutherans from northern states to local employers, our church continued to grow.  In 1986 ground was broken for a fellowship/education unit.  This unit was dedicated in November. In 1987 a parsonage was purchased and our second Faith Lutheran Preschool opened its doors.

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The decade of the 90’s was a very busy time at Faith.  In 1992, six years after ground breaking, the mortgage for the fellowship hall was burned.  In 1993 we celebrated our 30th anniversary. In January 1993, Pastor Poisel resigned and Rev. Steven Werner became our sixth Pastor.  We also became computerized and hired our first Office Administrator, Kathy Cue.  In 1996 our cookbook was published, our church league softball team had a successful season, and Bread Ministry began.  Blood drives began in 1997 and we donated gallons over the years.  In 1998 Pastor Werner resigned and Pastor Karen Husby became our interim.  Our seventh Pastor, Rev. Ken Witt, was named in October 1998.  In April 1999, a long awaited sound system was installed.

 

The 2000’s started off with a bang, literally with a tornado hitting Owensboro on January 3rd.  Significant damage to the church and the parsonage occurred, but fortunately with no injuries to any of our members!  The years from 2000 to 2006 were filled with capital drives to update the church’s facilities.  The roof’s storm damage was repaired, the nursery was renovated with a “Noah’s Ark Theme”, carpeting was replaced, and new hallway tile was installed.  At this time large local businesses stopped the influx of new employees from the northern states and our membership declined.  We were also losing some of our original core members due to their health.  This was also a time of personal growth for our members, as the reins were passed to the next generation of leaders.  In 2007 Pr. Ken Witt resigned and Pr. James Culver was named interim Pastor.  In 2008, our aging and storm damaged parsonage was sold. On May 1st, 2008, our prayers were answered when Pastor Liberty Lausterer was introduced as our eighth Pastor.  Under Pastor Liberty’s leadership, our congregation was healed and became more spiritually based.  We became closer to one another and to our community.  In 2009 the Prayer Shawl Ministry began.  In 2010 Taize Prayer services began and in September , we did a “Pilgrimage” to New Harmony, Indiana to walk the Labyrinths.  In 2011, Faith began a year of Sabbath, simplifying our focus on one spiritual event and one service event each month.  In 2012, new exterior lighting was given to the church.  In April, lightning struct our Allen organ and a new Johannus organ was dedicated in November.  Our new Mustard Seed Ministry began serving monthly meals at the Roosevelt Houses and was featured in the Messenger-Inquirer.  The roof of the sanctuary was replaced and a Prayer Garden was established and dedicated August 26th in memory of Kenny Braun.

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Now, lets take a look at our 6th decade of service at Faith Lutheran Church!

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2013

Mustard Seed Ministry begins its second year of service.

New members, Margaret Bartlett and Marian Pace were received on Feb.17th

The Sanctuary was painted and many work days were planned for sprucing up the interior and exterior of the church in preparation for our anniversary.

Celebrated Faith’s 50th anniversary.  Bishop Gafkjen conducted the service and many former members and visitors joined the celebration.  A dinner was served and memories were shared.  A time capsule was filled and placed in the ground on the south west corner of the church.

Faith was the beneficiary of the Rhodes Estate and received a check for over $59,000.00.  That gift of love has been used to repair, refinish, and beautify the church Roy and Jenevieve loved so much.

In May we received the sad news that Pastor Liberty Lausterer had resigned as our Paster.  Many tears were shed when we bid Liberty and Micah farewell on June 30th.

Paster Bill Howard agreed to serve as the interim Pastor of Faith.

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2014

Mustard Seed Ministry began its third year of service.

A lot of time and energy this year was spent on two main projects, the Call Process and the Roof repair. 

After many discussions with the roof’s contractor and subcontractor, then a third party inspector, it was deemed the roof was installed improperly causing interior damage to our Sanctuary.  After legal council was asked for advice, the church council voted to accept a low offer of $7,000,00 from the contractor’s insurance.

Faith’s call committee completed our Ministry Site Profile and posted it online.  By summer the Synod supplied names and we started interviewing three candidates.  One candidate was submitted to the church council.  After interviewing, the council asked the candidate back to meet the congregation and lead worship.  In October, a congregational meeting voted Pastor Jane Rothman as our Pastor at Faith.  Pastor Rothman began her ministry on November 22, 2014.

We celebrated 3 graduates in May and in June we attended the summer picnic at Bill and Carol Howard’s home on the lake.

In September a large group took a road trip to the Derby Dinner Theater to enjoy “The Church Basement Ladies” play.  We talked and laughed about that night for months.

In 2014 we celebrated 2 Baptisms, Oliver Busse and Kaydence Rickard, and held a memorial service for long time member Tal Freels.

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2015

After no resolution to our complaints of wrong roofing practices and materials, letters of complaints were sent to “The Better Business Bureau” and the “Home Builders Association”.

Faith’s office administrator of twenty years, Kathy Cue, retired on September 1st.

Fedde Hall was updated with new paint, cleaned carpet and new framed pictures {thanks Ron Stauffer and Ron Goltry} on the walls.  This was financed by the Rhodes Memorial fund.

Faith’s annual picnic, in conjunction with Mustard Seed was held in September and all Roosevelt House residents were invited.

Melissa Johnson was hired as our new administrative assistant. Carrie Kuegel was named the new treasurer for Faith Lutheran.

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2016

Our 5th year of Mustard Seed Ministry to the Roosevelt Houses continued with great success.

New members David Acey and Bill Harrison were welcomed into our congregation on January 24th.

A constitution task force was formed with Chris Tiarht, Pastor Jane, Carolyn Filzer, and Steve Cue to bring our constitution up to date.

Council was approved to spend up to $20,000.00 on the roof and interior water damage.

A significant expenditure for roof repair and a decrease in giving has put our financial situation in question.

An increase in our parking lot usage by other entities has been seen and insurance liabilities are a concern.

Melissa Johnson resigned as office administrator and Savannah Brook Robbins has been hired to replace her.

New members Barb Winters, Karisa Winters, and Kyle Winters joined Faith Lutheran in October. We said good bye to Ron and Mary Goltry as they move to the Carolinas.

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2017

New members David and Jennifer Garber, Shelba Hall, and Stevie Evans joined our congregation.

Faith’s Mustard Seed Ministry began its 6th year

We received an offer from Plasma Biological Services to rent or buy space in our parking lot. This offer was turned down due to liability and maintenance issues.

Faith hosted a youth group from an ELCA church from Wisconsin for an overnight stay in our Fedde Hall.  They were returning from a mission trip in Nashville TN.

Shared Ministry discussions with the Synod began.  We had discussions with Trinity Episcopal Church about shared ministry. Current giving continues to trail behind expenses again this year by over $30,000.00.

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2018

On January 1st Faith Lutheran and Trinity Episcopal entered an agreement where Pastor Jane split time between the two churches and she became interim Rector at Trinity.  The expense of her compensation and benefits were shared.  This agreement ended at the end of September.  In October, Pastor Jane reduced her workload to half time.

Mustard Seed Ministry began its seventh year

Worship attendance averaging 28 persons in 2016, and 26 persons in 2017, it has slipped to 22 in 2018.

An ice dam formation caused significant damage to the nursery and sacristy.

Faith’s 55th anniversary was celebrated during fellowship on 4/28/18.

On the previous Saturday night, we enjoyed fellowship with Bishop Gafkjen at Sundaes on Saturday event.  The Bishop presided at our service on Sunday and attended Trinity’s services.

Faith hosted Lake Nokomis Lutheran Youth Group for a supper, over night stay, breakfast, and worship service as they traveled to a mission project.

God’s Work ,Our Hands prepared large thank you baskets for the local first responders [ fire departments and police departments].  These included baked treats, fruit, candies, gum, and thank you notes.

Faith celebrated Pastor Jane’s 15th anniversary of Ordination.

Current offerings continue to fall significantly behind current expenses.

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2019

Mustard Seed Ministry begins its eighth year under Peggy Stemle’s direction.

Replaced thermostat on office wall with a programmable one to help lower expenses.

Pastor Jane and Carolyn Filzer attended the Synod Assembly.

Due to security concerns, the doors are locked during services are held.  A door bell was installed, but problems still exist.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Fugate, assistant to the Bishop was present at the July council meeting to discuss future options available for Faith.

Pastor Jane announced her retirement as of September 1st 2019.

The “Friends of Sinners” men’s and Women’s homes were invited to worship and lunch following service.  They received drawstring bags filled with hygiene products.

Heather Apel, assistant to the Bishop for leadership, met with the council to discuss the process following Pastor Jane’s retirement.  Paster of Record, Interim Pastor, part time Pastor, shared ministry, and merging with another church were discussed.  We also had further information about the “Leadership Academy” and Synodical Authorized Ministry.

Signed Pastor of Record Covenant with Rev. Karen Husby on September 11th.

Replaced the old office copier with a new printer/scanner/copier.

This year a church picnic was hosted by the Cues at their home

Pastor Tom Vanselow and Pastor Jeff Otto agreed to be supply Pastors when needed.

The average worship attendance is down to 19 and giving is again falling behind expenses.

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2020

Mustard Seed Ministry began its nineth year.

Covid-19 has disrupted our normal services.  Faith was closed a few times and then adopted new guidelines to be followed.  They included mandatory wearing masks, signing statements of health each service, and having everybody’s temperature taken before entering the church.

Sharron Tiahrt was hired as our new secretary.

Pastor Husby’s contract as Pastor of Record has been extended

Individual prepackaged communion kits were used in the pews to celebrate communion.

Council, after lengthy discussions, voted to proceed with the sale of property on the north side of our property to Ken Crandall Properties for $25,000.00 and an additional $25,000.00 contribution to the church.

A new computer was installed in the office and Fastek assisted in transferring the information.

We continued sharing “Who Are We” surveys as part of our ministry profile.

On November 2nd, Faith received a letter from the Bishop calling for suspension of in person worship due to Covid-19.  The in-person services were suspended until 12/6/2020.

For the first time in the last few years, offerings have exceeded expenses and worship attendance has increased slightly.

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2021

Mustard Seed Ministry continues to amaze everyone starting its tenth year.

The council met virtually with Pastor Nancy Nyland to discuss our Ministry Site Profile and the next steps to be taken.

Memorial service for David Acey was held on April 25,2021.

After many members gathered to plan David Acey’s service, an ad-hoc committee for funeral service planning was formed.  Pam Janoski, Steve and Kathy Cue, Susan Davis and Peggy Stemle agreed to serve and invite anyone else to join.

The Ministry Site Profile was reviewed, accepted and submitted to the ELCA site to be reviewed by Pastor Heather Apel.

In-person fellowship resumed 7/4/2021.

The fellowship after service on 8/29/2021 celebrated Steve and Kathy Cue’s 50th wedding anniversary.

Mike and Kathy Brown were welcomed into our congregation with a fellowship reception.

Our sound system was greatly enhanced by the installing  of new microphones.

A candidate for shared ministry was identified and after discussion, discernment, and prayer, the council deemed the candidate was not to be a match for our needs.

Jack Haehlen was Baptized [Pam and Ed Janoski’s grandson] by Pastor Mike Brown on November 26,2021.

A funeral service was held for long time member Frieda Shepard.

Sharon Tiahrt resigned as our church secretary and a search for her replacement has began.

2021 was again a year with increasing attendance and giving.

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2022

Pastor Husby was named interim Pastor for Trinity Lutheran in Terre Haute and will no longer be our Pastor of Record.

We welcomed the Afghan refugees still temporarily housed in area hotels, to use our kitchen facilities on Saturdays to prepare meals.

Mary Meyer was hired to fill the church secretary position.

The Bishop’s office appointed Pastor Mike Brown as our new Pastor of Record.

The office has added a second computer monitor to assist in compilation of documents.

Mustard Seed Ministry began its eleventh year of service.

New Assisting Minister robes have been purchased

Father Mark Diebel, a retired Episcopal Priest, has joined our list of supply ministers.

The church’s parking lot has been resealed and painted.

The Pastor of Record Covenant with Pastor Brown was extended for another six months to 2/17/2023.

A discretionary fund was established to help those in need on a limited basis.

David and Leigh Adler and Terri Fiorelli were received into our congregation.

Faith hosted a worship service and meal for “Friends of Sinners Women’s House” for God’s Work Our Hands.

Faith raised $400.00 for ELCA Disaster Relief for the Eastern Kentucky Flood Assistance.

Faith has been blessed with a growing congregation and have out grown our entrance mailboxes. They have been replaced with boxes that will allow for future growth.

Faith signed a yearly contract with 4 Seasons for the maintenance of our aging HVAC units.

After almost 50 years of non-member service to our church, Steve Stemle has been received as a member of our congregation.

Our Christmas project this year was the WBKR Christmas Wish program.  A donation of $668.00 was delivered.

For the third year row, additional members have been received, average attendance has increased to 25, and giving has exceeded expenses.

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2023

Mustard Seed Ministry has begun its 12th year of service.

Pastor Brown again signed the Pastor of Record Covenant for 6 months.

Our constitution revisions have been completed.

 

As we now begin our seventh decade as an ELCA church in Owensboro, Kentucky, Faith Lutheran Church looks forward to servicing our members and this community in the coming years. We are a small but mighty Family of Faith.