English Lutheran Church (ELC) is a welcoming, Christ-centered, faith community of the La Crosse Area Synod, which is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is a church that is deeply rooted in tradition and always being made new. We strive to be faithful to the gospel and to work toward more justice and wholeness in the world.
Together, our Five Big Rocks shape who we are and how we serve. Through Worship, Evangelism, Ministry, Discipleship, and Fellowship, English Lutheran Church seeks to follow Christ faithfully, love our neighbors deeply, and grow together in grace. See below for more.
All are welcome at English Lutheran Church—to worship, to serve, to grow, and to belong.
Together, our Five Big Rocks shape who we are and how we serve. Through Worship, Evangelism, Ministry, Discipleship, and Fellowship, English Lutheran Church seeks to follow Christ faithfully, love our neighbors deeply, and grow together in grace. See below for more.
All are welcome at English Lutheran Church—to worship, to serve, to grow, and to belong.
1. WORSHIP (praise, word, song)
“Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.”
— Psalm 95:6
Worship at ELC is participatory, welcoming, and rooted in tradition while open to creativity. We offer a variety of worship experiences, including special services such as the River Service and Holden Evening Prayer. Our worship life is enriched by bell, chime, and vocal choirs, and we intentionally create opportunities for children to serve in worship. Digital screens provide accessible words and music, allowing all to participate fully. Through offerings like the Hungry Jar and Communion Envelope, worship also becomes a way we support outreach and care beyond our congregation.
— Psalm 95:6
Worship at ELC is participatory, welcoming, and rooted in tradition while open to creativity. We offer a variety of worship experiences, including special services such as the River Service and Holden Evening Prayer. Our worship life is enriched by bell, chime, and vocal choirs, and we intentionally create opportunities for children to serve in worship. Digital screens provide accessible words and music, allowing all to participate fully. Through offerings like the Hungry Jar and Communion Envelope, worship also becomes a way we support outreach and care beyond our congregation.
2. EVANGELISM (sharing your faith)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… and remember, I am with you always.”
— Matthew 28:19–20
Evangelism at ELC focuses on creating meaningful points of connection and belonging. We live into our Welcome Statement by affirming diversity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, including the use of pronouns on nametags and staff communications. We reach beyond our walls by livestreaming worship, offering devotionals for homebound members, and hosting community events such as our Pet Blessing, which connects families and neighbors to church life. Intentional follow-up with new members is supported through our Coordinator of Caring Ministries, helping people move from visiting to belonging.
— Matthew 28:19–20
Evangelism at ELC focuses on creating meaningful points of connection and belonging. We live into our Welcome Statement by affirming diversity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, including the use of pronouns on nametags and staff communications. We reach beyond our walls by livestreaming worship, offering devotionals for homebound members, and hosting community events such as our Pet Blessing, which connects families and neighbors to church life. Intentional follow-up with new members is supported through our Coordinator of Caring Ministries, helping people move from visiting to belonging.
3. MINISTRY (service to god & others)
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.”
— Matthew 25:35, 40
Ministry at ELC is hands-on and wide-reaching. We partner with Trinity Lutheran Church to provide meals and support their clothing closet, and we respond to local needs through programs such as the Giving Tree, Mobile Meals, Hope Restores, and hosting Homeless Connect. Our congregation supports global ministries by assembling school kits, funding Good Gifts through Lutheran World Relief, and creating quilts that are distributed worldwide. Members also serve through jail ministry, donation drives, and volunteering at Sugar Creek, maintaining cabins used for ministry and retreat.
— Matthew 25:35, 40
Ministry at ELC is hands-on and wide-reaching. We partner with Trinity Lutheran Church to provide meals and support their clothing closet, and we respond to local needs through programs such as the Giving Tree, Mobile Meals, Hope Restores, and hosting Homeless Connect. Our congregation supports global ministries by assembling school kits, funding Good Gifts through Lutheran World Relief, and creating quilts that are distributed worldwide. Members also serve through jail ministry, donation drives, and volunteering at Sugar Creek, maintaining cabins used for ministry and retreat.
4. DISCIPLESHIp (spiritual growth)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”
— Romans 12:2
Discipleship at ELC invites people to grow in faith through learning, prayer, and conversation. We offer Bible study and discussion opportunities, including special studies such as group viewing and discussion of The Chosen. We have a strong Sunday School and Confirmation program for youth. Prayer is nurtured through worship and our Prayer Chain, led by members of the congregation. We also encourage thoughtful engagement with faith and society through conversations on topics such as Christian Nationalism, helping members connect the Gospel to real-world issues. Faith Webs and small-group experiences support faith formation at every stage of life. And of course, we offer opportunities for all ages, from Pre-K through seniors!
— Romans 12:2
Discipleship at ELC invites people to grow in faith through learning, prayer, and conversation. We offer Bible study and discussion opportunities, including special studies such as group viewing and discussion of The Chosen. We have a strong Sunday School and Confirmation program for youth. Prayer is nurtured through worship and our Prayer Chain, led by members of the congregation. We also encourage thoughtful engagement with faith and society through conversations on topics such as Christian Nationalism, helping members connect the Gospel to real-world issues. Faith Webs and small-group experiences support faith formation at every stage of life. And of course, we offer opportunities for all ages, from Pre-K through seniors!
5. FELLOWSHIp (building community)
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
— Acts 2:42
Fellowship at ELC strengthens relationships and builds community. We support Sunday morning fellowship time, host congregational picnics, organize Senior Fun gatherings, and plan social events for the community. Seasonal events like Trunk or Treat or quadrennial experiences like The Bethlehem Event create space for connection with families and neighbors, reinforcing our belief that community is essential to a healthy, vibrant church.
— Acts 2:42
Fellowship at ELC strengthens relationships and builds community. We support Sunday morning fellowship time, host congregational picnics, organize Senior Fun gatherings, and plan social events for the community. Seasonal events like Trunk or Treat or quadrennial experiences like The Bethlehem Event create space for connection with families and neighbors, reinforcing our belief that community is essential to a healthy, vibrant church.
