Online Church
During the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our worship services will be online. Join us on your computer, tablet, or smartphone for online church service published every Sunday at 10am. Also, during the Holy Week our online services will be available for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil.
All of our online church videos show the bulletin in a split screen so that you can easily read, sing, and easily follow along! You may also request a prayer or donate online to help fund our worldwide ministry.
We also have recorded hymns and spiritual songs that you can watch, listen, and sing along with on our Music page!
Thank you for joining us virtually for Worship Service! Please share our website with others! Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Please be careful during this pandemic and spend time in prayer in your home with God!
Thank you joining us today for Passion Palm Sunday!
Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay In Touch With God!
Can you name this Hymn? If so, send it to us for your free virtual gift!
Holy Week Is Almost Here — Join In Decorating Your Door!
Mark the beginning of Holy Week this weekend by adorning your front door or a window with a palm decoration. You may use other branches as the scripture indicates “branches”. Then as the days proceed… add some more… Some purple on Maundy Thursday…something black on Good Friday and then add white and yellow for Easter Sunday! Let’s let our doors be adorned for Holy Week!
Click For Link To Send Your Photo
Jimmy and Joyce Fundling:
Marcell Kay Fritz Stafford:
Rev. Rhoades & Corinne:
Sandra Tetley:
Donna and Paul Martin:
Kelsey Scheuerman:
Diane and Carlos Pena:
Margaret Aaron:
Virtual Worship of The Final Lenten Service:
Three Piano Solos: Amiga de Crist, Jesus Christ Is Risen Today, and This Is The Day The Lord Has Made
(By Kelsey Scheuerman, Musical Instrument Director)
Click For More Music!
Sing Along Hymn: "My Song Is Love Unknown"
"Holy Holy Holy" by Jerry Ray (Piano solo by Kelsey Scheuerman, Musical Instrument Director)
Virtual Worship Service For March 29:
"Jesus, Name Above All Names" by Nadia Hearn
Audio: Ancient Words (solo by Kelsey Scheuerman)
Worship at First Lutheran Church of Galveston!
Saturday 5:30 pm or Sunday 10:00 am
2415 Winnie, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 762-8477
Welcome to First Lutheran! Let’s start at the beginning-- God Loves You! We celebrate God’s good news for us and for all people – so we worship, pray, study, share, serve beyond self and seek to be generous people. All because of God’s love.
Whether you have questions or doubts (we all have questions and doubts) – we give thanks that you are here and join us in exploring real life together.
We hope to see you at worship and look forward to meeting you!
~ Reverend Richard Rhoades Pastor, First Lutheran Church in Galveston
Faith and Fear
Living Faithfully in a Time of Pandemic
Breathe! Let’s start there. Take a deep breath and relax. Social Media, the news and a trip to the grocery store is enough to stress anyone out. And, now that there is a presumptive case from our county and the President has declared a national state of emergency, we have reason to take things seriously. So, once again. Breathe.
God in God’s wisdom formed us – including giving us brains and intelligence. Now is a time to set aside fear and panic to use our brains – and to collectively act and react with faith, knowledge and love.
We hear from the prophet Isaiah:
Do not fear, for I am with you.
Do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
God repetitively in the scriptures calls us to trust in God and not fall into fear. But God also expects us to use our brains…to act in trust and love. We live such faith in a balance—trust that God is with us and will help us – act wisely in real life.
Now is such a time. God is with us. And, God will help us. And, God has given us knowledge worthy of our hearing and following:
- Wash your hands.
- Avoid hand shaking and hugging.
- Practice “social distancing” – meaning, keep more space between you and others.
- Sanitize door handles, phones, etc.
- If you are not well – stay home.
- If you have a compromised immune system – stay home.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors by phone.
- Pray for those with the virus, the medical workers battling to cure it, those affected financially and for the entire world.
Doing preventative practices is a form of loving our neighbor. Loving our neighbor includes watching out for their best interest. This is not just about keeping ourselves well. And, if we stay well, then resources can go to those in need and we can make ourselves available to serve them – dropping off groceries (including toilet paper if it is ever back in stock), and tending things they may not be up to doing (mowing, etc.)
Should you attend worship? If you are well and want to attend, then yes. Practice “social distancing” – keep extra space between those around you. Receive Holy Communion and prepare yourself for the opportunity of serving others.
Breath! Stay calm! Breathe! God is with you!
Peace,
Pastor Rhoades
Learn With Us!
Join us in exploring and learning more about who God is and who we aere as God's people. Check out one of our offerings.
Thank You!
Worship With Us!
Join us at God's invitation to Holy Communion in worship every Saturday and Sunday.
Continue The Tradition!
Join us in our worship and mission that began here in 1850. With deep historic roots and a vibrant vision of the future we live now. Click here to learn more.
Thank You!
Make Donations Easy by Giving with Your Smartphone!
You can support First Lutheran Church from anywhere at any time even if you forget to bring cash or your checkbook. Simply use the "GivePlus Mobile" app to donatewith your smartphone.
Here's how:
• Download the FREE app on your smartphone.
• Make one-time or recurring donations using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account.
• Log in or donate as a guest.
• Securely and conveniently manage donations,using Touch ID/Fingerprint, PIN or password.
So, search your phone's app store for "GiveP/us Mobile" or contact the church office at 409-762-8477 for help!
Thank you!
