And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.
Hebrews 10:24
Cygnet Ministries
Remember the story of the Ugly Duckling? It turns out the one who was a little different turned out to be a beautiful swan! We believe all our neighborhood kids are beautiful and this ministry of First Lutheran Church reaches out to them every Monday afternoon to give them a safe sanctuary to play games, do crafts, study and get tutoring, or just hang out with friends. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and are not limited to just FLC members. We have a fantastic crew that comes from other neighborhood congregations, too. And the Kitchen Grandmas are on hand to make sure the kids get a hearty, healthy meal before they go home.
Cygnet Ministries started out over ten years ago as an after school tutoring program for kids who live close by First Lutheran Church. From its beginning serving around 10 children, the program has grown to over 100, with upwards of 50 in attendance on any given Monday, and our kids now come from many different neighborhoods. The doors open at 4:30pm and programming runs through dessert to around 6pm. It is open to any child of school age, or pre-school age if accompanied by a parent or older sibling. The evening meal is always preceded by a short devotion and prayer. For many of these kids, this is their only exposure to Church, and they consider FLC to be “their Church.”
We dedicate Cygnet Ministries to all those who have been leaders or participated in the past, but especially to the memory of the late Don Swanson, our devotional leader, and for whom the program is named. Cygnet is always in need of volunteers. Stop by on most Monday evenings at 4:30pm and check us out. We can also use help in the kitchen, either with cooking or with donated food and meals.
Freeport Area Church Cooperative (FACC)
The Freeport Area Church Cooperative is a coalition of churches and organizations working to meet the human and spiritual needs of the people in the Freeport Area. The coalition of twenty organizations provides emergency food, clothing and shelter; assistance with payments for emergency prescriptions, dental and eye care; job counseling and skill development; and a “read free” book center to all those in need.
Freeport Area Church Cooperative
514 South Chicago
Freeport, IL 61032
+1 (815) 233-0435
Interested in helping?
We could always use your assistance! Whether you want to donate food or clothing or if you’re more hands on and want to learn about other ways you can participate, please feel free to contact us.
Christian Education
At First Lutheran Church, we strive to provide ongoing Christian education for Christians of all ages. From Pre-School to Old School, we have a place for you.
Sunday School
Sunday School is held during the school year (September through May) for pre-school children through fourth grade. We have excellent teachers who meet with children usually from 9:30 a.m. through 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School Parents: If you wish to drop your children off for their Sunday School classes, please direct them to go to the Sanctuary where they will be attended until the 8:15 am worship service ends. Of course, please know that you are invited to attend worship as well!
The children enjoy music time, stories and working together on fun activities. Please feel free to bring your child or children anytime for a visit. Parents are always welcome to sit in too.
We look forward to seeing you next Sunday
Confirmation
Confirmation is an educational program for fifth through eighth graders held on Sundays usually from 9:30 am through 10:30 am.
If you would like to learn more about our Confirmation Program, please contact us at +1 (815) 235-9790. We look forward to hearing from you.
Affirmation of Baptism
Affirmation of Baptism is a most important event in the Lutheran Church; and at First Lutheran in Freeport, it happens on Reformation Sunday every year. The red colors come out, and we celebrate the addition of newly-confirmed members in the body of Jesus Christ.
Diakonia
Searching for God?
Diakonia is a lay education program in certain ELCA synods which provides a spiritual journey to those who wish to become more involved in their church or who want to better understand their faith.
Here is what some people involved in the program have said:
“I have grown a great deal since the first day of classes. I can safely say that I now know what love is.” “I find that I cannot grow spiritually without sharing my faith with others. The members in the class have become my friends in Christ.”
“Diakonia gave me an in depth understanding that I did not previously have.”
Diakonia is a lay education program which meets once each week for two years during the school year. Individuals are joined by students and pastors from around the synod to talk about the Bible, Christian Doctrine, Christian Ethics, Church and Society, and other topics. Students are also be given the opportunity to discern what spiritual gifts they might have.
