First Lutheran Food Pantry
Open to the public. A photo I.D. with current address is required.
- 2nd & 4th Thursday1:00–2:00 PM
- 3rd Wednesday5:30–6:30 PM
On the first Sunday of each month our “Noisy Offering” of loose change supports the pantry.
Galesburg, Illinois · A congregation of the ELCA
There’s a place for you here.
We are a community centered around worshiping God and serving our neighbor. Join us Sunday mornings at 9:30, in the sanctuary or on our live stream.
ServicesSunday morning 9:30 AM
Faith Formation for All AgesSunday 10:45 AM
Live stream9:30 AM Sunday mornings
Start here
Thank you for visiting.
We are a community centered around worshiping God and serving our neighbor.
We welcome you to become a part of this faith community of people who make First Lutheran Church their spiritual home and who are part of the living body of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
As you look around, you will learn about our rich history, the many ministries and the people of faith who make First Lutheran Church a genuinely welcoming community of faith. There’s a place for you here!
About us
This is Christ’s church.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person – questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.
We are children of God, called to serve and share the Good News!
First Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Become a member: contact Pastor Marolla to make arrangements. In a relaxed atmosphere you will find what we stand for and who will be accompanying you on your journey towards a true community in Christ.
Our vision · I
Claimed
Claimed by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we are a new creation through God’s living word by the power of the Holy Spirit.
II
Gathered
Gathered by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will live among God’s faithful people, hear God’s word and share Christ’s supper.
III
Sent
Sent by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people following the example of our Lord Jesus, and strive for justice and peace in all the world.
Welcome!
The congregation of First Lutheran Church in Galesburg welcomes you.
Modeling the example of Jesus, the community of First Lutheran welcomes all to worship, receive the sacraments, and share in fellowship and service. We welcome…
- New visitors and long-time friends
- The young, the old, and everyone in between
- Believers, questioners, and seekers
- People of every race, culture, and ethnicity
- People of all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations (LGBTQ+), with their family and friends
- Single, married, divorced, separated, and partnered
- Every socioeconomic and educational level and all political affiliations
- Differing physical, mental, and emotional abilities and challenges
- All who seek renewal through the love and mercy of Jesus Christ
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28
You are loved and welcome here! · A Reconciling Congregation (ReconcilingWorks)
Worship & music
Come join us. There’s a place for you!
A dynamic part of life at First Lutheran is found in our Music Ministry. Musicians at FLC reflect the diversity and inclusion offered in this place.
- Anchor ChoirA mixed ensemble that sings in worship several times per month; high school age and above. Rehearsal 8:15 Sunday morning.
- SojournersOur treble choir of sopranos and altos, singing occasionally in worship.
- Sons of the RockThe men of the congregation, singing periodically.
- The BandA mixed wind ensemble of woodwinds, brass and percussion. Rehearsal as needed.
Our sanctuary is acoustically live and often hosts the Nova Singers, the Knox College Choir, the Galesburg Community Chorus, the Galesburg Regional Concert Band, Tuba Christmas and visiting college choirs.
2018Allen G-340 organ
Three manuals, 58 stops, dedicated in May 2018. It replaced the Moeller organ original to our 1928 building.
1959Steinway B grand
Our seven-foot grand piano, rebuilt in February 2019.
Bob Fornander, Director of Music Ministries, and Amber Clark at the organ and piano.
Can’t be here? Worship is live-streamed at 9:30 AM each Sunday.
[Weekly worship details, e.g. Holy Communion, to confirm]
Ministries
Doing God’s work in our community
One of the best ways for a church to do God’s work is through community involvement. Our Outreach/Social Ministries committee finds ways to serve like Christ and show love to all our brothers and sisters.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Knox County is located in the house part of our building, 156 N. Seminary St. We provide financial and volunteer support.
Adopt-A-Highway
Four to five times a year, young and old clean up the terraces on Seminary Street between Main and Losey. Refreshments afterwards!
Helping neighbors
Monthly gifts to the Christian Community for Helping Neighbors (C.C.H.N.), Healthy Heart Screenings in the Parish Hall every other month, and sermons online for the homebound.
Mitten Tree & birthday cakes
Each December our youth collect mittens, hats and socks on a tree in the sanctuary for local schools. And we bake birthday cakes for students: “We feed people!”
Women of the ELCA Piecemakers’ Sewing Circle · Tuesdays 9 AM, Sept–May Safe Space · young adults 18–30 Listening Room Weddings Stewardship
Faith formation
Lifelong learning, for all ages
Where adults are vigorous learners in the faith, children and young people will have models and companions for their own learning, and all generations grow together in their faith.
- 10:30 AMFaith Formation Conversations: food and fellowship, Sunday mornings
- 10:45 AMFaith Formation time in the East Alcove, September through May
- SummerSpecial events [Dates to be announced]
Adult Faith FormationVacation Bible School [2027 dates]Kids Connect Time
“Faith formation is a gift of the Holy Spirit that continues throughout life.”
From “Our Calling in Education,” ELCA Social Statement on Education, 2011
Meet our staff
The people who serve with you
Pastor Pam MarollaPastor
The Rev. Dr. Pamela Marolla has served First Lutheran since November 2012. A church musician from age 15, she holds a Bachelor of Music from St. Olaf College and a Doctor of Ministry.
Bob FornanderDirector of Music Ministries
An Augustana graduate with a master’s in vocal performance, retired from teaching bands and choirs at AlWood, and a founding member of Nova Singers.
Amber ClarkOrganist
A church organist since age 14 with fifty-plus years at the console, and a retired organ instructor of Knox College.
Izzy GarciaOffice Manager
In the office Monday through Friday, 9 to 4. Reach her at info@galesburgfirstlutheran.org.
[Staff photos, with permission] [Building & Grounds Steward: the staff page and the 2024 newsletter list different names] [2026 Church Council officers]
Stewardship
We have first received, and therefore we give.
Congregational stewardship begins with a healthy understanding of gratitude and generosity. Thank you for supporting the ministries of FLC.
- Noisy OfferingFirst Sunday of each month: loose change for the First Lutheran Food Pantry.
- Legacy givingThe First Lutheran Church Endowment Fund provides vital financial support to our ministry. A gift of any size is significant: a bequest, a life-income gift, an IRA designation, or stocks and property.
- Time and talentFaith Promise, choirs, the pantry, Adopt-A-Highway and more.
New
Give online
Give securely from your phone or computer, once or every week, to the general fund, the food pantry or the endowment.
[Online giving connects here: Prairie Praise secure giving]
Give nowContact us
Join us Sunday at 9:30 AM
Worship at 9:30, Faith Formation for all ages at 10:45. We’re on Water Street, just east of downtown Galesburg.
Visit364 E Water Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
Office(309) 343-3176
Emailinfo@galesburgfirstlutheran.org
Office hoursMonday–Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM
FacebookFollow us
Forms: Membership information · Baptism · Weddings: schedule an appointment with Pastor Marolla.
Map: 364 E Water Street, Galesburg, IL 61401