A few years ago, a seed was planted that, like the Saguaro cactus plant that takes years to mature, eventually took root and began to grow into a full-blown idea. The seed was subjected to occasional harsh growing conditions, but it was a hardy seed that knew it was supposed to be. When that seed finally bloomed, the result was Faith United Lutheran Church.
Bethany Lutheran Church and Reformation Lutheran Church existed for a hundred years in their areas of Toledo, less than 5 miles apart. Each congregation served their neighborhood well and faithfully with many programs sharing the story of God’s gift of Grace to us through the life and death of his Son, Jesus Christ.
After a time, the churches began sharing a pastor. The seed really took hold here and enjoyed some good growing conditions. There were still some bumps in the road, hurdles to overcome, but, in 2018, after many meetings, through tears and laughter, the seed blossomed into an agreement to unite our churches into one church, using our combined resources to better serve the West Toledo area.
On January 6, 2019, the first worship service at Faith United Lutheran Church was held. There was still some misgivings, doubts, and anxious moments, but there were also much love, confidence and hope. To show our unity, each member of the new congregation was encouraged to light a candle to be placed in the Unity Cross, to show how much more light there can be as one joined congregation than two single congregations.
On Easter Sunday 2019, April 21st, Faith United Lutheran Church will celebrate its “Grand Opening”. The Easter Festival Worship Service, at 10:00, was chosen as that day shows the world the new life of the Risen Christ and our new life of a united congregation. Please join us for this special worship service and stay to be a part of this energized group of Christians continue to grow in faith and love.
