WHO WE ARE
SHARE THE LOVE OF GOD
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.
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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.
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STANDING BY FULL INCLUSION
We seek to share the love of God with the full diversity of people God calls to form the body of Christ.
Through Jesus Christ, God chooses everyone to be part of God’s family. Through the Spirit, the First Lutheran Cincinnati faith community chooses to embrace you in peace, whatever your age, ability, socioeconomic background, race, culture, faith, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, relationship status, or whatever other distinctions make you who you are.
Welcome, Inclusion, Celebration
We are Lutherans working with the recognition that racism, sexism, ageism, able-ism, heterosexism, homophobia, and all other artificial distinctions that seek to raise one group into privilege and preference over another, conspire together to diminish our world and the church.
Reconciliation is a fundamental value; it is what the Apostle Paul says we are all called to do. Through our participation in Reconciling in Christ, ministries, resources, events, and alliances, we build a community for worship, education, and support; foster welcome and acceptance in all settings; and offer full participation in all sacraments, inclusive liturgical resources, and ministries of the Church, we invite all people into gospel lives of authenticity, integrity, and wholeness.
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WHAT WE DO
Our Purpose is to Share the Love of God.
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We are a beautiful collection of people from all corners of the city, united in our commitment to serving the community and creating opportunities for growth and connection. We actively participate in service projects, artistic endeavors, and various events that foster a spirit of giving back. Whether through volunteering our time, sharing our talents, or organizing initiatives that uplift others, we strive to make a positive impact on those around us.
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Our congregation is a diverse tapestry of individuals – single, married, widowed, and divorced. We are transplants and natives, young and old, newcomers and lifelong members. Some of us were raised in different faiths, such as Lutheranism, Catholicism, Baptist, UCC, or Methodism, while others are just beginning their spiritual journey. We are professionals, students, unemployed, artists, and stay-at-home parents, yet we share a common love for this city and this neighborhood.
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Above all, we are beggars in need of the love and grace of God found in Jesus. Each week, we gather in worship, a sanctuary where all are welcome, regardless of their background or circumstances. Join us on this path of fellowship, service, and spiritual growth.​
DID YOU KNOW...
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 FAITH MEANS
A living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
When Lutherans talk about faith, we are talking about the relationship God’s Holy Spirit creates with us. It’s a relationship where God’s promise of steadfast love and mercy in Jesus opens us to a life of bold trust in God and joyful, generous service to everyone we know and meet in daily life.
Martin Luther was exuberant when he described the freedom of “a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that believers would stake their lives on it a thousand times.” He once wrote, “Oh, it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith. It is impossible for it not to be doing good things unceasingly.”
At the same time faith does not close our minds to the world and our hearts to others. We continue to listen to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. We listen to the witness of others and we watch for the ways God is active in the world around us. Faith opens a place for engaging others in conversation, for seeking the truth, for asking questions and speaking love in word and deed.
Faith is a full life, liberated for a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.​