who-are-we
Our Mission:
By grace through faith God forms us to
preach, teach, and live God’s Word.
Our Vision:
We are a people so rooted in the
Gospel that our lives overflow in worship,
witness, service, learning and support.
“A vibrant congregation in an
eclectic community.”

Who We Are

First Lutheran Church of Norfolk is a dichotomy.
On one hand, it is the “Mother Church” of the Southeast Virginia region, with a history dating back to 1894 and a congregation that nurtured the growth of the Lutheran faith throughout the region. Our building is solidly constructed of massive stone. It is replete with detailed and ornate stained glass, and rich with dark, heavy, hand-carved woods.
 
But a church is far more than a building, or even a set of traditions. It is a living, thriving community of faith in Jesus Christ, and ours is far from staid and stodgy.
 

First Lutheran is located in a vibrant and trendy neighborhood in central Norfolk. Its congregation is a diverse mix: of young adults, families, and older couples; of newcomers to the area and life-long residents; of those comfortable in suit-and-tie and those more comfortable in shorts and sandals; of neighborhood residents and those from across Hampton Roads who cross bridges and tunnels to worship.

 
First Lutheran is alive! Our members work and serve together, providing outreach from meals and shelter for the homeless and hurting in our own community to education for children in Tanzania and Bread for the World. And our church also plays together. From baseball games, to ice cream socials, advent coffees to special events for our seniors, our members take time to create and strengthen relationships far beyond a Sunday morning.
 
First Lutheran is member of the  Evangelical Lutheran Church in America , or ELCA, one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with about 4 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is currently lead by The Rev. Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop.
For more information, contact us HERE