Christ Lutheran Church is one of nearly 280 congregations in the Southwest Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Across the country, there are 65 synods that comprise the ELCA.  As we are a vital part of the "larger church" in the world, we are networked with 28 Lutheran colleges and eight seminaries.  Through our monetary gifts and offerings we help to support partnership ministries across the ELCA and global mission efforts.

What we believe

Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world. We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God’s word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story. The convictions shared by Christians from many different traditions are expressed in statements of belief called creeds. These ecumenical creeds that Lutherans affirm and use in worship confess the faith of the church through the ages and around the world. Confession of Faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is part of our founding.  The ELCA accepts the following creeds as true declarations of the faith of this church: Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian.  

Our Faith

We believe that we are justified by grace through faith. Faith is what opens us to God’s transforming influence. Simply trusting the gospel and practicing God’s presence (prayer) is the very heart of relationship with God. We nurture faith by hearing God’s word and participation in Baptism and Holy Communion. As the Apostle Paul writes: “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) 

Our Mission Statement

“Welcomed by God

Washed in forgiveness

Walking as servants”

We acknowledge that God welcomes us, taking the initiative and providing the way of salvation for us. The second statement, “Washed in forgiveness” reminds us of the story of salvation and of God’s baptismal promises; as well as challenging us to practice forgiveness in our relationships with others. The final statement, “Walking as servants,” raises the image of servanthood to others as we seek to follow the example of the One who is servant of all, Jesus Christ.

Staff

Pastor – The recently called pastor, James Demke, begins his ministry on May 1, 2009.

Pastoral Assistant – Gwen Arneson has been serving Christ Lutheran as Lay Pastoral Assistant since 2002.  In this role, she assists the pastor of the congregation with planning and visitation, and other tasks, as needed.   She has found much joy in congregational involvement all her life.  Born and raised in the Twin Cities, she graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls and moved to Cottonwood in 1975.  Gwen and her husband, Kevin, are the parents of two sons, Bjorn and Hans, and a daughter, Ingrid.

Office Assistant – Rhoda Schmidt has been a partner in the ministry at Christ Lutheran since 1997 as the office assistant. Many of the tasks performed and daily business matters are the same that other businesses have, using a high degree of confidentiality. Rhoda and her family, which includes their feline companions, live in Cottonwood.  Her interests include: gardening, music, reading, nosing around in antique and secondhand stores, and watching sports.

Church Custodians – Marv and Nancy Kremin have served as custodians since 2002.