History

Faith Lutheran Church is one of the newer churches in Waconia with a young history of approximately thirty years.

In 1967, four men, having coffee in a local coffee shop discussed the need for another Lutheran Church in the growing community of Waconia. A steering committee was formed and the first worship service was held in June of 1968. These were humble beginnings with seventy-five people joining the church. In September of 1968 the local Izaak Walton League clubhouse was rented as a temporary facility. In 1969 the congregation was designated as a preaching station of Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown.

Rev. Terry Morehouse was called in August of 1969 as the congregation’s first pastor/mission developer. In August of 1970 the church held a Charter Sunday and became incorporated as Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church. It began with a confirmed membership of 141 baptized members. In 1974 a Building and Planning Committee was formed with the result being the construction of its first structure.

Rev. Ken Kotzer was called in May of 1980. The 80’s were a decade of constant growth. Staff and programming were added. Cheryl Mathison and Brian Fragodt served Faith as interns during these years.

In August of 1988 Rev. David Mohn became Faith Lutheran’s third pastor. Two years later a new sanctuary and office wing were constructed.

Rev. Daniel Warnes was called in August of 1993 as an Associate Pastor. In October of 1996 he joined Rev. Julie Ebbesen in forming a Co-pastorate.

November of 2005 Rev. Dale R. Peterson was called as Senior Pastor and May of 2006 Rev. Jason Okrzynski was called as our Associate Pastor.

The congregation has been in constant growth since its beginning. As Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church continues this trend it is excited about meeting the challenges of a growing community, and shaping a vision that will continue to reach out to its members and the Waconia area. It is grateful for the courage and foresight of those individuals who met the challenge of forming this new church.

The Faith Endowment

The Faith Enodwment Fund is a separate fund established by Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church of Waconia. The Fund was created to receive special gifts for outreach beyond the normal scope of general operating budget. The Endowment Fund is managed by an Endowment committee appointed by the Church Council. It was established for the purpose of encouraging the creation of a permanent fund. The principal of the fund will grow indefinitely, while creating income for both local and extended Christian outreach.

The Fund provides an opportunity for Faith members to make a special gift during their lifetime or upon death to carry on the ministry of Christ through Faith in future years. The Faith Endowment Fund was established by the congregation in November 1996 by enactment of new bylaws which provides for the creation and management of the Fund and protects the integrity of the Fund.

Possible uses for the income may include:

ELDERLY - partnering with area non-profit service agencies.

YOUTH - church camp scholarships.

EDUCATION - Seminary or college scholarships for member students attending ELCA institutions.

CHURCH PROPERTY - capital improvements.

COMMUNITY - food shelf and disaster relief.

MISSIONS - missions field hospital needs.

For more information call Chuck Dueber at 952-442-8612 or the church office at 952-442-2101.