Synodically Authorized Lay Ministers, Jerry Lemieux and Pablo Ramirez on either side of transition facilitator, Rev. Newt Kerney.
Klamath Lutheran Church has been a place of faith and community in Klamath Falls for nearly a century. Our roots trace back to 1927, when a small group first gathered for worship under pastoral leadership. During the difficult years of the Great Depression, however, the congregation found it impossible to secure a pastor and made the painful decision to disband. The story didn't end there.
In the spring of 1937, a group of families still longed for a Lutheran congregation to call their own. They formed a Ladies' Aid, reached out to church leadership for guidance, and on June 13, 1937, they were officially organized as a congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, one of the predecessor churches that would eventually become the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which we remain a part of today.
The young congregation grew and soon set about building a church home. The main building was constructed almost entirely by volunteer labor with donations coming not only from members but from lumber mills and businesses throughout Klamath Falls. Services were first held in the completed basement in 1942, and over the following years the sanctuary was completed. Through memorials, donations, and dedicated effort, chimes, stained glass windows, an education wing, offices, and other furnishings were added over time.
Over the decades, programs have been added and changed to meet the ever-evolving needs of ministry in this place. Today, Klamath Lutheran is a lay-led congregation rooted in the Lutheran tradition and actively engaged in shared leadership. Without a called pastor, the congregation is guided by two Synodically Authorized Lay Ministers who provide preaching, worship leadership, pastoral care, and ministry coordination in partnership with the people of the church.
We gather for worship, service, learning, and fellowship. Seeking to grow in faith, support one another, and serve our neighbors with compassion and justice. Our worship is liturgical and participatory. We believe that liturgy, which means "the work of the people," is something we do together. Everyone is welcome to take part by reading scripture, ushering, greeting, serving as an acolyte or cantor, helping with communion, or offering hospitality during coffee hour.
Through this shared model of ministry, we trust that the Holy Spirit is at work in our community, and that the strength of our congregation flows from the gifts and participation of all. Each person offering something meaningful to the life and mission of the church.
Our building is accessible with a ramp and lift. Hearing assistance devices are available to ensure everyone can fully participate in worship.
We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation. As Christ welcomed all people, we also desire to welcome without regard to age, race, culture, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, or political views. We seek to be united in God's gracious love.
In the spirit of recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land for generations, we acknowledge that Klamath Falls, Oregon, rests on the ancestral homelands of the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin-Paiute peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and express gratitude for their enduring connection to this land.
We recognize the historical and ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous communities and strive to be mindful of our responsibility to engage in meaningful and respectful relationships with the original caretakers of this territory. May we move forward with an awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the Native peoples and a commitment to fostering understanding, cooperation, and justice.