here's how we serve
SERVING AT PEACE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sometimes we need a small circle of companions striving to follow Jesus' way. At Peace First Lutheran Church we have many opportunities for persons of any age to find their place of service. Peace First Lutheran Church encourages all members of the congregation to join a small group and to meet others in a small group setting. Groups at Peace First Lutheran Church are designed to meet the needs of all members of the congregation while providing outreach to the community.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Outreach ministries are designed to meet the needs of the Astoria and Knappa communities, to extend service of the church into the community:COMMUNITY GARDEN
Located on the property of Peace First Lutheran Church, the community garden provides space for families to grow fresh vegetables. Space in the garden is provided to anyone in the community wanting the opportunity to garden for their family. A suggested yearly donation of $20.00 is requested.
FOOD BANK AND PANTRIES
Peace First Lutheran helps support Astoria and Knappa Food Pantries with donations of food and money. We support food pantries through monthly financial offerings. Additionally, a food barrel is located in the main entrance foyer where members can place non-perishable items for distribution to the pantries.
STEWARDSHIP SEWING
This group meets at 10:00 am every Tuesday. Newcomers are welcome! Please bring a sack lunch. Each year the Stewardship Sewing group makes hundreds of quilts to support ELCA missions around the world.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Peace First Lutheran Church partners with other congregations in downtown Astoria to offer an ecumenical citywide Vacation Bible School program. Vacation Bible School is typically held at the end of June or beginning of July, the beginning of school summer break.
MINISTRIES TO STRENGTHEN THE CONGREGATION
Peace First Lutheran Church provides many activities throughout the week designed to meet the spiritual and educational needs of various age groups within the congregation. Of course, service through outreach to the community serves to meet this need, as well.
WOMEN'S GROUPS
Peace First Women are encouraged to join in the special events and programs that are offered periodically.
MEN'S GROUP
Lutheran Men in Mission meets periodically, fellowship, support and a program of interest to all. Various projects of the congregation are supported through the work of the men.
CARE TEAM
The Care Team is a group of men and women who minister to families during difficult times. Throughout the year the team visits the sick, sends greeting cards for important milestones and comforts those who are grieving. The purpose of the team is to connect those unable to attend services and members in times of need.
PRAYER TEAM
The Prayer Team is a group of individuals who uplift members of the congregation in prayer. The team support all members of the congregation through cards, letters and prayers throughout the year. Additionally, the team pays particular attention to members in difficult times in their lives and the lives of their family. For more information, contact the church office at (503) 325-6252.
BIBLE STUDIES
Men and women are invited to Wednesday Bible Study. The study is offered each week at 10:30 a.m. at our downtown campus. Noontime Prayer follows at 12:00pm so stick around for mid-week worship. All are welcome!
MUSIC MINISTRY
Music is important in the life of the congregation. The purpose of the Music Ministry at Peace First Lutheran Church is to praise God with a Joyful Noise! Contact music director, Laurie Drage, for more information contact: (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or (503) 791-5917. Choir practices Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm, September – May, and sings every Sunday, alternating between the early and late services.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH GROUPS
Young Families are important at Peace First Lutheran Church. Children's Sunday School is held each week during the 9:30 a.m. Education Hour, in the lower level of the church. Lori McDonald and helpers engage kids in song, Bible stories and activities that will help them grow in their knowledge and love for God and his creation. This year we are excited to use the Godly Play curriculum, whose goal is for children to enter adolescence with an inner-working model of the Christian language system that will continue to be of use as a means of maturing spiritually all one’s life. If you would like to help with this age group, contact Lori at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Our Confirmation Instruction will use the Rite-13 curriculum which is a two-year instruction leading to the Affirmation of Faith. All youth who are 11 or will be turning 11 this year and have not completed a confirmation program are eligible.SERVICE IN THE CHURCH
Throughout the year all members of the congregation are encouraged to serve in various roles and capacities in the church: Greeters and Readers, Communion Preparers and Servers, Ushers and Acolytes, Refreshment and Fellowship Preparation, and Church Council and Committees.
