Links

Links to other expressions of our church:

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has over 5 million members in over 10,000 congregations spread throughout the country. The ELCA is divided into 65 synods, and includes over 17,000 pastors. In addition, 300 missionaries, 125 campus pastors, over 1700 chaplains are partners in the ministry of the ELCA. The ELCA operates eight seminaries and has 28 colleges and universities affiliated with it. Bishop Mark Hanson guides the ELCA in its mission and ministry. First Lutheran has been a member of the ELCA since its inception in 1987.

The Northern Great Lakes Synod, a synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, consists of 41,000 Lutherans in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northeast Wisconsin. With congregations stretching from Sault Ste Marie to Ironwood, from Mohawk to Peshtigo (and lots of point inbetween), we seek to work together in the mission of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this part of God’s creation. Bishop Thomas Skrenes is the Bishop of our synod. Bishop Emeritus Dale Skogman is a member of First Lutheran.TLinks to some of our partners in ministry:

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp is our church camp in Crystal Falls, offering programs for young and old alike.

Lutheran World Relief is the agency through which much relief work is channeled throughout the world. Their web site is a great source for information on hunger and other crises around the globe.

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) is one of ELCA seminaries.  Dan Durbin, a son of First Lutheran, is an alum.

Wartburg Seminary (Dubuque, IA) is another ELCA seminary. Alumni from First Lutheran include Tera Kossow, Diane Surtowski, Terry Frankenstein,  Amanda Kossow and Jean Schmidt. Wartburg has a great youth ministry program, and lots of online courses available to anyone, as well as their regular residential degree programs.

Finlandia University, located in Hancock, Michigan, is a four year liberal arts college affiliated with the ELCA. The ELCA has a relationship with 28 colleges and universities across the country.

For information on any of the 28 colleges and universities affiliated with the ELCA, click here.

Former members Pat Ziems, Jean Schmidt, Amanda Kossow, and Ben Durbin, Diane Surtowski, Terry Frankenstein, Tera Kossow are now ordained clergy in the ELCA.

Augsburg Fortress, our church publishing house provides an online store for quality Bibles, Christian books, study material, and other items.

Prayfaithfully is the Northern Great Lakes Synod’s prayer ministry site. An abundance of prayer resources, devotions, information, and the opportunity to submit prayer requests to the synod prayer team.

Souper Bowl – Souper Bowl Sunday web site

Links for health and healing;

American Cancer Society has lots of information on cancer, treatments, support, and resources for cancer survivors.

American Heart Association resources on heart diseases including strokes, as well as how to live a “heart-healthier” life.

American Red Cross has lots of tips on health and safety, as well as opportunities to donate and be a part of assisting those in need.

Health World Online is a resource center that addresses the mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical dimensions of health and illness. Their philosophy encourages the individual to become the central player in managing one’s health and to work in partnership with your health professionals. Contains many links to a variety of sites specific to health and/or spirituality.

Lifelines – Preventive health screenings help people understand their risk for developing chronic conditions before symptoms are present, while they can still take action. The non-invasive screenings provided by Life Line Screening identify risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, osteoporosis, and other serious illnesses.

Other quality Lutheran and Christian links:

Old Lutheran takes a humorous look at Lutherans, our heritage, and our foibles. We do have a sense of humor, and we don’t mind laughing at ourselves!

Crossways provides resources for study with a special emphasis on the Bible.

Crosswalk explores the intersection of faith and life. A variety of topics (as broad as life itself) are included with reflections on how our faith helps us live in today’s world.