First Evangelical Lutheran Church
21 South Bedford Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 (for GPS purposes, use 100 East High Street)
Through bible readings, hymn singing and anthems by our Chancel Choir, we will re-tell the story of how God sent Jesus to us as a little baby.
Join us for this beautiful candlelight service and for Christmas cookies in the Atrium after!
This Sunday, November 17, we will gather for one service at 9:15 a.m. Following worship, we will hold our 2024 Annual Congregational Meeting, during which we will discuss and act on 2025 budgets, vote for Congregation Council and Nominating Committee members, receive reports from staff and committees, and reflect upon the year in ministry.
Safe Harbour is inviting us to an Open House at 132 East High Street (gifted by the congregation to Safe Harbour in 2023 and now known as Harbour House) from 11-12:30 p.m. on Sunday. We are delighted that three more affordable rental units will soon be available for the community!
We will resume our regular worship schedule on Sunday, November 24, with holy communion at 8 and 10:30 a.m.
The people of First Lutheran wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!
As we give thanks for the past year, and especially for God’s abiding love for us, we offer this prayer:
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
(from Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
Our next American Red Cross blood drive is quickly approaching! To see available appointments and pre-register for our drive, just click here: BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULE
NOTE: You can also go to the ARC website https://www.redcross.org , click on “Give Blood” and then “Find a Blood Drive”, to find other local blood drives in your area.
Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!
A scene from a past blood drive
First Lutheran is delighted to host the second concert in a summer series being offered by local singers Nina Cline (soprano), Leah Kaye Serr (mezzo-soprano), Christyan Seay (tenor), and Matthew Robinson (baritone), with Daniel Dorty, collaborative pianist, featuring solo and ensemble selections of opera, operetta, musical theater and sacred music.
The concert is free and open to the public. A free will offering will be taken.
Parking is available on High Street (unmetered on our block), our large main parking lot (accessed via High Street) and our overflow lot (accessed via Liberty Avenue).
Join us for a wonderful afternoon of music!
Pictured: Nina, Leah, Christyan and Matthew at the first concert of the series on June 23 at Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Cathedral in Harrisburg.
On Sunday, June 23rd, we will hold one communion service at 9:15 a.m., followed by a continental breakfast in the Martin Luther Room. This is an opportunity for our two worshiping communities – the ‘early’ folks and the ‘late’ folks – to gather together around Christ’s table…and then the breakfast table! All are invited!
Scenes from a past Fellowship Sunday breakfast!
On Saturday, April 20, the 2023-24 Fine Arts at First series will conclude with a concert by the Lebanon Valley College Choir. This fifty-plus member ensemble, directed by Tyler Canonico, sings a variety of repertoire including fine music drawn from centuries past and newly-composed pieces.
All Fine Arts at First concerts are free and open to the public. A free will offering will be taken.
Attendees are invited to greet the musicians and enjoy a cookie reception in the Martin Luther Room after the concert.
Parking is available on High Street (unmetered on our block), our large main parking lot (accessed via High Street) and our overflow lot (accessed via Liberty Avenue).
Our celebration of Easter lasts a “week of weeks” (seven Sundays). Please join us throughout the Easter season, a joyous and hopeful time for the people of God!
Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
We are delighted to announce that the renovation of 132 East High Street, Carlisle, has begun!
The 100+ year old house, owned by First Lutheran since 1997 and sitting on a parcel of its property at the corner of East High and South Bedford, was gifted by the congregation to Safe Harbour in December 2023. Safe Harbour, a non-profit, provides a continuum of services to people experiencing homelessness in Cumberland County.
Safe Harbour has received a number of grants to renovate the house into three affordable housing units.
Since the building already exists, a ground-breaking wasn’t appropriate – so several folks (including Pastor Leber) got to take a sledgehammer to a wall inside!
Our congregation is grateful to be able to help increase the number of (desperately-needed) affordable housing units in our community, and we look forward to welcoming new neighbors to our block when the renovations are completed in 12-14 months!
Special thanks to the Borough of Carlisle and HARB for their help and support during this process.
Due to the inclement weather predicted for overnight Saturday night, our 8 a.m. Sunday holy communion service and Faith Formation at 9:15 a.m. is cancelled.
We will gather for holy communion at 10:30 a.m. as scheduled.
Stay safe!