First In...
Faithfulness
Inclusivity
Learning
Community
We publicly proclaim that God loves all of creation, and desires a relationship with each and every one of us. We are a congregation that makes space for everyone, from all walks of life. Your gender, nationality, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and age, are all part of who you are and we want to get to know you as a beloved child of God!
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If you are just getting started on your faith journey, we will walk together as you get to know Jesus, experience the power of the Holy Spirit, and share God’s love for the whole world.
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If you have been away from religious communities for a while, we will help you to reconnect with the gems of the faith that have sustained the Church for 2,000 years.
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If you are a lifelong church-goer who is looking for a new community, we will help you connect with God's mission and ministry through First English Lutheran Church as you live out the calling God has for you!
The Lenten Season at First English
Join us this Lenten season as we journey together toward the hope and promise of Easter. Our midweek Soup Suppers and Lenten services offer a quiet space for reflection, prayer, and renewal, with meaningful worship and an encouraging message each week. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are simply looking for a place to pause and reconnect, you are warmly invited. Come as you are, bring a friend, and experience the comfort and community of this sacred season with us.
Wednesday evenings in Lent: February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026:
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Soup Supper and Learning Opportunity 5:45 pm – in Trout Hall at First English - join us for a communal gathering to share a simple meal of soup and bread, followed by a brief educational and interactive experience – leading into the Holden Evening Prayer service; alternatively a spoken service is held at 12 noon on these dates at our sister church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 225 Haney Avenue, South Bend, IN 46613.
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Holden Evening Prayer service 7:00 pm – at First English - a contemporary liturgical worship service that blends traditional elements with modern musical styles.
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Palm/Passion Sunday service – March 29, 10:00 am – held at our sister church, Hilltop Lutheran Church of the Ascension, at 4114 S. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, IN 46614.
Maundy Thursday Triduum service April 2, 7:00 pm – held at our sister church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 Haney Avenue, South Bend, IN 46613
Stations of the Cross service - April 3, 12 noon – held at First English – a 30-minute prayer service offering devotions and singing at the 14 stations depicting key events from Jesus’s condemnation to His burial.
Good Friday Triduum service – April 3, 7:00 pm - held at our sister church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 Haney Avenue, South Bend, IN 46613
The Vigil of Easter Triduum service – April 4, 8:00 pm, held at our sister church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 Haney Avenue, South Bend, IN 46613
A First English Tradition! – Easter Breakfast- April 5, 9:30 am before the Easter service, in Trout Hall at First English. Friends, family and neighbors are all welcome, followed by an egg hunt!
Resurrection of Our Lord – Easter Sunday service – 10:45 am at First English, or at 9:00 am at our sister church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 Haney Avenue, South Bend, IN 46613
