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Liturgical Arts
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Our History
Deerfield Lutheran celebrated its centennial in 1990. Congregational Historian
Dorothy Loftus, editor of our Centennial History, concludes that history with
an article that we offer to you as a fitting summary.
A Time For Renewal
Observing what our forebearers wrote about our Deerfield Lutheran
Church, we recognize
one thing is certain in history, there will be change. Some changes for the
better, some not.
Originally called the Liberty Norwegian Lutheran Congregation of Deerfield,
our name was changed to Deerfield
Lutheran Church
in 1933.
Down through the years many synods merged. The congregation belonged to the
Norwegian Synod, then The Evangelical Lutheran Synod, then the American Lutheran Church.
In 1988 our church participated in the merger that brought together the
Lutheran Church of America, The Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches
and the American
Lutheran Church
to form the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
The original structure, built in 1890, remains the main church building.
Additional space was gained by the excavation of the basement in 1912, the
extensive remodeling in 1951 and the education wing in 1974.
The ethnic makeup of our congregation has changed from a predominantly
Norwegian congregation to the present roster of names from many ethnic
backgrounds.
For several decades the administration of the church consisted of the pastor
and a small group of men. Today the church is more congregation oriented. The
council, committees, and various organizations as well as the pastor lead in
a mutual ministry.
The women, once denied voting privileges, previously participated mainly in
social, spiritual and fund raising activities. They now serve as council
members, readers, ushers, lay preachers and are active in various committees.
(Women have also served as President of the Congregation!)
There have been dramatic changes in the times and types of worship services.
"Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy" was a command strictly
adhered to in the early days of the church. A more mobile society and the
changes in life style has led to demands of services mid-week or Saturday
(currently Mondays at 7:00 p.m.), presented in a less formal structure.
One of the biggest changes is the relationship of our congregation with
churches of other denominations which has taken place since the 1960's. There
is a new emphasis on not only saying we are one in Christ, but we seek out
times and places to affirm that we are made one in Christ in Holy Baptism.
Remembering the past and looking forward the future, only God knows what will
happen to, and within, our congregation in the next 100 years. When we
seriously consider what God wills for us and what is happening in our church
and community, we see that there is a need for renewal. We need to have a
growth in spirituality and in a life style that fits in with God's will for
us. That will of God is summed up with the two great commandments: "You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart. and with all your soul, and
with all your mind", and "You shall love your neighbor as
yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)
As we celebrate our centennial we are thankful for the many blessings we have
experienced as a congregation. We ask God's blessing on our congregation that
we may renew our faith and glorify His Kingdom.
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Significant changes since 1990 include our Youth & Familiy ministry which
is staffed by Kathy Miles. More than a "program" we focus on
all the ways we as a congregation nurture faith in the domestic church (our
individual households) for ALL ages. This includes an active mentoring
program for our High School confirmation students as well as annual mission
trips and service related activities for youth and families.
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