WHO WE ARE
FLC is a worshipping community in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati (across from Washington Park directly next to the Washington Park Streetcar Platform). We are rooted in the belief that the Christian gospel is true, compelling, and transformative. We are a collection of people from all walks and stages of life. Our stories, backgrounds, and interests are varied. But, we are held together by one common bond: We believe that God’s grace in Jesus is the good news the world needs to hear, experience, and live into.
First Lutheran Church is an inclusive and reconciling faith community where we follow Christ's example and welcome all into our community regardless of gender, ability, race, age, culture, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Wherever you are on your faith journey, whether you are committed to following Jesus Christ, are skeptical, or are just mildly curious about Christianity, we welcome you.
FLC is connected to the church regionally and nationally. Nationally, we are a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This connection provides us with partnership in mission, accountability, and support. We live out our ties regionally through our membership in the Southern Ohio Synod, which includes congregations in Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati.
WHAT WE DO
Our Purpose is to Share the Love of God.
We are a beautiful collection of people from all corners of the city. We are single, married, widowed, and divorced. We are transplants, natives, young, middle-aged, and elderly. Some of us are new to the church. Some of us grew up in the church as Lutherans, Catholics, Baptists, UCC, or Methodists. We are professionals, students, unemployed, artists, and stay-at-home-parents. We love this city and this neighborhood. Above all, we are all beggars needing the love and grace of God found in Jesus.
OUR LEGACY
First English Evangelical Lutheran Church started in 1842 with a handful of people gathering to worship. That original group of folks, mostly European immigrants, had a bold dream. They wanted to plant an English-speaking, gospel-centered community in the heart of Cincinnati. They wanted a church, not just for themselves, but for the whole city.
175 years later, that dream continues to unfold. FLC has seen a lot of change over the decades but has always placed God’s mission first as it has faithfully matured disciples and lived out of a place of redeeming grace.