Home Welcome to First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam
Explore who we are. If you would like to become more involved with us, feel free to participate in anything that interests you in our life together. Contact us with any questions or concerns or suggestions.
Our Mission
To make disciples and present them mature in Christ. [Matthew 28 and Colossians 1]
Our Vision
First Evangelical Lutheran Church will be a welcoming, discipling, serving congregation as a spiritual center to enrich the well-being of the Beaver Dam community and beyond.
Pastoral Ministry
Rev. Dr. Mark J Molldrem - Senior Pastor
Rev. Mark D. Jensen - Associate Pastor
ELCA Synod
First Lutheran is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Visit the ELCA website to learn more about who we are and what we believe.
Worship Schedule
Wednesday
6:00 p.m.
Saturday
5:30 p.m. - Traditional Service
Sunday
8:00 a.m. - Traditional Service
10:30 a.m. - Contemporary Service
Childcare available at Sunday morning services. Weekly communion.
Christian Education
Sunday at 9:15 a.m.
Radio Broadcast
Sunday at 8:00 a.m. on WBEV - 1430AM.
First is on Facebook!
Come join us on our Facebook page and follow the church. "Like" us so you can follow the latest announcements and events, view photos, and interact with the church.
Announcements
Annual Meeting & Chili Cookoff - January 29, 2012
Join us for the Chili/Soup Cookoff and the Annual Meeting. Contact the Church Office ASAP if you're interested in cooking.
Chili Cookoff at 11:30 a.m.
Annual Meeting at 12:30 p.m.
Ash Wednesday - February 22, 2012
We begin the Season of Lent with the imposition of ashes. Humility and repentance will lead us into joy.
Soup Supper at 5 p.m.
Worship at 6:15 p.m.
Pork Chop Dinner & Auction
This annual event is the biggest fundraiser for the youth who will be attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans this July. Good food and fun!
February 12, 2012 at 5 p.m.
Worship Worship
Worship is offered to glorify God and provide inspiration for worshipers for a life of faith, hope and love.
Worship is trans-cultural: The experience is rooted in our basic humanity shared by all. Worship is contextual: It must be relevant to a particular people in a particular place. Worship is cross-cultural: We can all be blessed by the music and traditions of others. Worship is counter-culture: It challenges us to strive for the standards of the rule of God. Different Styles of Service for Different Tastes
Traditional Services
Our traditional services feature a traditional liturgy and order of service using the Evangelical Lutheran Worship as a resource. The services include singing of hymns, reading the Scripture, listening to the sermon, voicing our prayers, offering our financial support of the congregation, and sharing in Holy Communion. Our adult choir, Joyful Praise, and Handbell Choirs are featured at these times.
Contemporary Services
At the contemporary services, we rev up the experience with contemporary Christian music led by various praise bands:
P-Jays (middle-school youth), Be Not Afraid (high school youth) and New Spirit (adults). Each band provides a different style of presentation that keeps the toes tapping. Multimedia is often used, and a children’s message is added in the mix.
Worship Schedule
Wednesday
6:00 p.m.
Saturday
5:30 p.m. - Traditional Service
Sunday
8:00 a.m. - Traditional Service
10:30 a.m. - Contemporary Service
Childcare available at Sunday morning services. Weekly communion.
Christian Education
Sunday at 9:15 a.m.
Radio Broadcast
Sunday at 8:00 a.m. on WBEV - 1430AM.
Visit our Sermon Blog
Can't make it to this week's service? Want to review, comment, or continue this week's lesson? Visit our Blog .
History About Us >
History
Early Organizations
The first organization was the King’s Daughters, dating back to 1888, a Bible study group, which introduced the concept of Circles. The Ladies Aid, the Lutheran Youth Organization, and the Brotherhood were other early organizations.
Church building erected in 1892
It all began in 1860
First Evangelical Lutheran Church had its beginnings in 1860, not long after Beaver Dam was incorporated as a town. At the time, the population of Beaver Dam was 2,700.
In January 1860, a group of seven men met with the Rev. Hans Peter Duborg, a Lutheran minister from the vicinity of Columbus. They adopted a constitution that formed the basis for the first Lutheran Society in Beaver Dam. Rev. Duborg often walked the distance of 10 miles to Beaver Dam. Since that first pastor, 41 pastors have served our congregation. It is interesting to note that 16 served the first 100 years and 26 since 1960, many of them concurrent with other pastors on staff.
All of the first members were of German background. Many of the settlers arrived in Beaver Dam and sought work through want ads in the Beaver Dam Republican, as the newspaper was called at the time:
By 1892, the congregation had grown to 143 families. More space was needed. Land was purchased on the corner of North Center and West Mackie and a new church was built in 1893. This location was chosen because the church would sit high on a hill with a spire 114 feet high so “it can be observed all over town.” The builder was John Herr.
Three bells would hang in the bell town high above the city: Gloria, the largest; the next in size, Concordia; then, Virginia. They have called us to worship through the years and were installed in our new bell tower which was erected in 2010 for our 150th anniversary as a congregation.
WORK WANTED: About 20 Germans, just out from the old country, are now stopping in this village for employment. Among them is one blacksmith, three carpenters, one wagon-maker, together with farmers and laborers. Also quite a number of attractive girls who want places to do housework. For further information apply to Michael Waldhier at the new grocery store.
Church services broadcasted over the air waves
Alfred Wittmann served as pastor from 1938 to 1957. Early in his ministry, the congregation began the radio program “Christ’s Messengers.” The first program was aired over WIBU, Sheboygan and WWCF-FM, Baraboo. In 1954, the program began broadcasting over WBEV in Beaver Dam.
German & English church services offered
At this time, the congregation was still holding weekly services in German. The German service was at 8:15 am, followed by two English services. By 1940, the average attendance at the German service had dwindled to nine; so, in 1941, it was held only once a month. German services were ended in 1953.
The church that was built in 1893 underwent major remodeling and renovation three times. The Fellowship Hall (now called Friendship Hall) was added in 1951 and the education building in 1965 in response to facility needs.
More >
There are still descendents in our congregation from these early members of this church.
The first church building
The very first church was a small remodeled building purchased for $300. It was located on James Street across from where St. Peter’s School is presently located.
In 1875, there were differences of opinions in the church over money matters and lodge membership, which eventually split the congregation. The pastor resigned and left with a number of the members. They went on to form St. Stephen’s congregation as part of the Wisconsin Synod. First Lutheran chose to be a “non-synodical congregation” at the time and did not become affiliated with a synod until 1958 when it became a member of the Wisconsin District of the American Lutheran Church. Presently, we are a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
History2 About Us >
History
New church building dedicated in 2003
Finally, in 1999, after remodeling and rebuilding, adding, subtracting and moving as needs changed, we started to consider what to do to bring us into the new millennium. How could we help our aging, much changed, frequently redecorated, much beloved church to be ready with excitement to face a future with unknown needs and challenges? Together we had faced wars and many changes in Beaver Dam and growth of our congregation.
So, on October 15, 2000, it was thirteen hundred families (2,294 souls) that decided to build a new church on the same site where the church had stood for more than one hundred years. It was with much emotion that we watched the church being torn down; but soon the feelings were replaced with the pleasure of seeing the new replace the old. The new church building was dedicated early in 2003.
Congregation Profile:
30% of the membership - age 0-24
48% of the membership - age 25-64
22% of the membership - over 65 years of age
The percentages are somewhat similar to national averages for congregations.
Traditional and contemporary services offered
Music reflects the signs of the times. We have gone from the traditional pipe organ to drums, trumpets, keyboard and guitars. A contemporary service was introduced in the late 1990s and is now a well-attended weekly worship service.
Supporting the community and beyond
We have not only been responsive to our own needs, but have been sensitive to the needs of our community and beyond. For example:
At the time Monarch Range closed, leaving many unemployed, we developed programming and support to help the families involved. Similar help was made available during the farm crisis experience of the 1980s. Support was provided as PAVE got underway; FLC led the effort to fund the new shelter for victims of domestic violence in Dodge County. We resettled a Romanian family who were fleeing oppression under Communist rule. We started a daughter congregation in Columbus and for our 125th Anniversary, we became involved in starting a mission church in Florida. We share our facility with the community, providing space for voting, the American Red Cross Blood Bank, and other events we can accommodate, like public forums for current issues. It is our intent to not only serve the members of First Lutheran, but to also open our doors to offer a welcoming, hospitable environment to all in the community. In so doing we strengthen the foundation that has roots in the beginning of this community.
Staff About Us >
Staff
Program Staff
Linda DeJaeger - Youth Room Attendant
Dick Dornbrook - Sunday School Coordinator
Liz Figueroa - Nursery Co-Leader
John Huebner - Custodian
Marian Krueger - Shared Ministry Coordinator
Cheryl Poetter - Nursery Co-Leader
Kim Schroeder - Youth Room Attendant
Ashley TeBeest - Youth Room Attendant
John Jahnke - Facilities Manager
Pastoral Staff
Rev. Dr. Mark J. Molldrem
Pastor of Congregational Life (Senior Pastor)
Reverend Mark D. Jensen
Pastor of Congregational Care and Support (Associate Pastor)
Music Program
Mary Irwin - Choir Director
Marty Slager - Organist
Juanita Kenitzer-Bell Choir Director
Kathi Wiedenhoeft-Sparks Director
Office Staff
Jill Adams-Business Manager
Sheree Apostoloff- Office Manager
Becky Stenerson - Secretary / Receptionist
Molldrem Staff >
Rev. Dr. Mark Molldrem
Pastor of Congregational Life (Senior Pastor)
Pastor Mark joined with us in ministry in 2004. Previously, he had served for over thirty years in various parishes in Wisconsin and Michigan. His three decades of ministry has involved work with persons in recovery from chemical addiction, adult singles, married couples, refugee resettlement, and victims of domestic violence.
Pastor Mark is a graduate of Concordia College (Moorhead, MN) and Luther Theological Seminary (St. Paul). He is a retired martial artist, having achieved fourth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He enjoys reading, writing, canoeing, exercising and traveling with Shirley, his wife.
He is the author of Victory of Faith and a writer for CSS Publishing's pastoral journal Emphasis. He also is doing collaborative work with novelist Joan Bauer. Throughout the years he has contributed articles to a variety of national magazines and journals.
Shirley, a retired nurse, has a small craft business, From the Heart, creating delightful greeting cards and popular pins to wear. Their married children are Jeff (and Kristin) in West Allis, WI and Jennifer (and Sean Fredrick) in Bolingbrook, IL. He is the proud grandfather of Maddie, Andy and Colin.
Dr. Molldrem's responsibilities include guiding the vision and mission of the congregation, developing leadership for ministry among the members, relating the congregation to other Christian fellowships and to the community, overall administration of the congregation, and supervision of the staff.
Contact Dr. Molldrem
Jensen Staff >
Mark D. Jensen
Pastor of Congregational Care and Support
(Associate Pastor)
Pastor Jensen is the spiritual leader for the Nurture and Care through Education, Small Group ministry, and support to Family Life and empowerment of member care for one another.
Pastor Mark was called to serve at First Lutheran in 2001. The last twenty years he has served parishes in Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. He has been involved in Small Group Ministry, worship planning, Social Concerns, Befrienders, education, marriage enrichment retreats, pre-marriage workshops, drama ministry and visitation.
Pastor Mark is a graduate of Dana College in Blair, NE and Wartburg Theologicaol Seminary in Dubuque, IA. He and his wife Karla are avid writers and have written several dramas for Contemporary Drama Services in Colorado Springs, CO. He aslo enjoys biking, reading and spending time with his family.
He currently is serving as the Vice-Chair of the Church Health Service (CHS) board, which is a local organization that seeks to provide free clinics for low income individuals. In addition, Pastor Mark and Karla are also a clergy presenting couple for Lutheran Engage Encounter.
Karla, works part-time for Dodge County Lifespan Respite and is a Real Estate Agent for French Real Estate. Pastor Mark and Karla have three children, Micah who attends Beaver Dam High School, Isaac and Kamilla who attend Beaver Dam Middle School.
Pastor Jensen is the spiritual leader for the Nurture and Care through Education, Small Group ministry, and support to Family Life and empowerment of member care for one another.
Contact Pastor Jensen
StaffMusic Staff >
Music
Marty Slager
Organist
Marty is responsible for providing leadership and direction for the music that takes place in worship. Marty plays the organ and directs the following music groups:
P-Jays praise band (grades 6-8) Be Not Afraid praise band (grades 9-12) Marty also works with any soloists who want to be a part of the worship service. You may reach Marty by calling the church office.
Juanita Kenitzer
Bell Choir Director
Juanita Kenitzer is the director of our two bell choirs. The Glory Ringers, the more advanced group, ring at the 8:30 am service the third Sunday of the month. The Jubilee Bells, a learning group, ring the third Saturday of the month at the 5:30 pm Saturday service. The choirs practice on Thursdays for one hour each September through May. Juanita rang bells for many years before becoming director in 1995. She has been a piano teacher since the 1960s and has been involved in music since childhood.
Mary Irwin
Choir Director
Kathi Wiedenhoeft
Sparks Director
Kathi is the music director for First Sparks, a children's choir for first through fifth grade students, which delights the congregation with songs of praise once a month. She also teaches Sunday School for the two-year-old children, getting them started on their journey of faith. Kathi lives in Beaver Dam with her husband, Bill, and daughter, Olivia (three older children are out of the nest). Kathi is a knitter and felter, enjoys baking, cross country skiing, and biking and has played with the First Lutheran Bell Choir for several years.
StaffProgram Staff >
Program
Dick Dornbrook
Sunday School Coordinator
Dick has been a member at First for 28 years, has taught Sunday school and now holds the position of Sunday School Coordinator, which he loves very much! He sees this as his opportunity to serve God and the members of First. Dick is retired after 30 years with the county. He and his wife, Denise, live in Juneau and have 7 children, and a growing number of grandchildren. Over the years they have been foster parents for 19 kids.
Liz Figueroa
Nursery Co-Leader
Liz Figueroa has lived in Beaver Dam for many years and is licensed for family day care in her home. She has worked at First for the past several years as co-leader (with Cheryl Poetter) of our nursery ministry. She enjoys caring for the children in the nursery and meeting all the wonderful families at First. Liz likes to garden in her spare time.
Marian Krueger
Shared Ministry Coordinator
Marian Krueger is the Shared Ministry Coordinator. Her duties include setting up schedules for volunteers, working with the New Disciples Class, guiding the Hospitality Team and helping put together special events at the church. She is married to Larry. They have two married children and six grandchildren. She enjoys the grandchildren, gardening, traveling, reading and watching the Vikings
Cheryl Poetter
Nursery Co-Leader
Cheryl Poetter lives in Beaver Dam with her husband, Dick and her children, David and Michael, and her grandson, Daniel. She enjoys geneology, reading, going to rummage sales and home projects (especially when they are finished).
StaffFacilities Staff >
Facilities
John Jahnke
Facilities Manager
John Jahnke lives in Beaver Dam with his wife, Deb, and sons Collin and Kaden. He is a self-employed licensed home inspector and real estate broker. With his family, he has recently joined First Lutheran and is enjoying life together with us. John likes remodeling, being a "fix-it guy. He delights spending time with his sons, playing laser tag and golfing and sharing other outdoor activities. John and Deb recently traveled to Japan for a relaxing vacation together.
John Huebner
Custodian
John Huebner has been our part-time custodian for many years. He had been a faithful employee at Weyeco Shoe Factory here in Beaver Dam for 37 years previously. John enjoys watching baseball and football and is an avid Green Bay fan, collecting Packer memorabilia. You will find him throughout our facility with a friendly smile and a ready desire to serve.
StaffOffice Staff >
Office
Sheree Apostoloff
Office Manager
Sheree is very excited to be part of the staff at First Lutheran. As Office Manager, she works on a wide variety of items having to do with the church and its many programs. It’s a big job which requires the many skills she brings to it. Sheree used to commute one hour to a previous job, so finds her 20-minute drive from home a breeze. Her lab puppy especially appreciates her extra time. Sheree enjoys her interests in gardening, family and activities having to do with animals. Sheree and her husband, David, live in Horicon on the marsh, along with their puppy, Annie, and their two cats, Ollie and Baby.
Becky Stenerson
Secretary / Receptionist
Becky is excited to be on staff here at First Lutheran as the Secretary. One of her primary responsibilities is to prepare the weekly bulletin for the church services. She resides in the Beaver Dam area with her husband, Jeff, and three children, David, Alyssa, and Johnathon. She enjoys spending time with her family, music (playing piano, singing, and learning to play guitar), traveling, cooking/baking, home remodeling and decorating, reading, and riding horse.
Jill Adams
Business Manager
SundaySchool Ministries >
Sunday School
One of the most important areas of education at First Lutheran is Sunday School. Our Sunday School program is open to everyone. We offer classes for children age 2 thru high school and also adults. All classes are offered at 9:15 a.m.
Our 2-year-old thru 6th graders attend Joyful Junction.
Our 7th and 8th grade Confirmation students learn from the Old and New Testament and The Catechism. The Wednesday program is a part of the evening Confirmation classes.
Our High School Sunday School is known as Youth Forum and meets in the Youth Room on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Topics discussed, activities and projects all focus on daily life as a Christian.
Our Sunday School children's offerings are divided in half. Half stays here at First and assists in the ministry of the parish and Sunday School. The other half is divided into three areas of community giving to assist in a benevolence ministry. There are a number of Sunday School activities that are fun and educational. The children's Christmas programs, Sunday School music, Special Festival Sunday themes and Rally Sunday are a few.
Music plays an important part in our Sunday School. New songs and old favorites are sung and enjoyed.
Luther's Small Catechism is studied in Sunday School and then presented in skit and song at a special performance for parents and parishioners to see, called The Catechism in Review.
We want to provide a safe environment for our children. We have a Parish Protection program for all adults who want to work with our children and youth that they must take before working with them. Participants must attend the class, complete the paper work and have a background check completed.
Adult classes are offered also during the year. Topics vary from Bible studies to Book reviews and speakers. They meet at 9:15am in the Lower Level.
If you are interested in our Sunday School for you and your family or are interested in teaching, please contact the Church Office. One of our Sunday School or Office Staff will be in touch with you.
The Kids' Council, students from our Sunday School, meet every other month to talk about Sunday School issues and how their offerings will be shared with the world beyond our doors.
AdultEducation Ministries >
Adult Education
Sunday School is not just for the kids. Growing in our faith relationship with God is a life-long endeavor.
Adult education classes meet in the Commons Area in the Lower Level on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. The Sunday morning classes cover a variety of fascinating topics.
There are also opportunities throughout the week (morning, afternoon and evening) at which you can study God's word. Learn how it instructs us in the ways of the Lord. Share your thoughts and feelings about what the Bible says and how it relates to daily life.
Please join us for a spiritual, enriching time together!
SmGrpMinistry Ministries >
Small Group Ministries
Contact the Church Office for current Small Group schedules.
Study Groups
Various Bible studies are available throughout the week at different times led by the pastors and other members of the congregation.
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship meets on Saturday morning for breakfast (prepared by themselves), fellowship and shared conversation over Scripture and concerns of the day.
Other groups are welcomed and encouraged to form around any area of interest that relates the Bible and Christian life to matters of daily concern.
Social Concerns Small Group
Our Social Concerns Small Group gathers to identify and coordinate ways that our parish can work to make a difference for those in our parish, community and world who are in need. This group meets monthly for devotions, sharing and planning for upcoming events that our parish can be involved in to make a difference for others.
Chronic Illness Support Group
Many among us at First Lutheran and in our community deal with chronic health issues. Those of us dealing with chronic illness can often feel alone or isolated because it’s difficult to explain to family and friends what we are going through. This is why First Lutheran hosts a Chronic Illness Support Group. This group is designed to inform, support, encourage, and inspire those who live with chronic illness. This group is open to anyone in our parish and surrounding area.
Befriender Ministry
Befrienders are a trained group of individuals within our parish who provide a listening ear, support, encouragement, prayer, and inspiration for members who may be facing difficult issues in their life.
A training period of nine months, meeting twice monthly, is offered to equip Befrienders to convey the love of Jesus in these special relationships.
Calico Cut-Ups
Each month a group of members meet to visit and laugh together as they each work on their respective crafts/projects; then they continue their fellowship over a meal.
Fall Marriage Retreat
Pastor Mark and Karla Jensen lead a fall marriage retreat at the Green Lake Conference Center. Six couples participate in the retreats. The goal of the weekend is to enrich relationships within the marriage and to become better acquainted with other couples within our parish.
Couples continue to meet throughout the year after their respective retreat for fellowship, mutual support and continual growth in their relationship.
Workers in Transition
As needed, we gather with others from the community to provide support, guidance and net working for those who are between jobs.
YouthMinistry Ministries >
Youth Ministry
Contact the Church Office for current Youth Ministry schedules.
Milestone Ministry
Walking with parents every step of their Baptismal journey, Milestone Ministry empowers families to Keep the Promise and Pass on the Faith. Milestone Ministry provides special workshops and celebrations to guide families through their child's faith life each and every year. Some milestones include: 1st Baptism Birthday, Sunday School entrance, 3rd Grade Bibles, 1st Communion, and Confirmation. Other milestones tie our faith walk with our everyday life including first prayers, Blessing of Backpacks and Graduation.
Mommy & Me
This group is currently not meeting. We are looking for someone interested in getting this group going again.
This special ministry connects moms and little ones with other Christian moms and little ones. Through snacks, play, sharing, devotions, songs and special events each is blessed and empowered to be their best. Mommy & Me is a special place to belong during the early years of your child's life. And the Christian friendships you make will last a lifetime!
Carpenter Kids
Christian friendships are so important in a child's life. Fun is important too! Carpenter Kids ties these two together in purely fun activities for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.
Monthly activities include skating, Non-Birthday Parties, Waldvogel's Fall Fair and the favorite Sleep Overnight at Church. Each event is packed with fun opportunities to get to know other kids. And they all include a God moment to remind us why we gather and whose we are.
M & M
Middle & Mighty is our ministry of fun, fellowship times for middle school students (6th - 8th grade) only. Meeting almost every month, M&M events include a Box Overnight sleepover, snow tubing, laser tag, scavenger hunts, Noah's Ark trip and some crazy onsite events like "June Bug Night." M&M is full of crazy fun times specially designed for middle school minds. It's a great place to invite your friends and show them just how much fun church stuff can be!
Confirmation
Our new curriculum and long-beloved format is a perfect match for the high energy of middle school students. We mix up a night of learning and spiritual growth through providing a format that includes interactive learning times, great personal faith talk sharing, games that tie to the theme, teaching by the pastors, small group sharing, worship, snacks, drama, video, music and art. Then we add in caring adults as guides for a deeply enriching time of spiritual journey. Wow! That's new and improved Confirmation!
Senior High
Claiming your faith means owning your ministry at 1st Lutheran. So our senior high youth plan out their own ministry and fellowship times with adult mentors and advisors. The outcome is ever changing and always relevant.
Want to wrestle with your faith, ask a few questions or just vent? Stop by Youth Forum on Sundays. Looking for something fun to do? Check out the newest activity the Senior High Youth Council has planned. Want to get away and grow in your faith? Try out a Youth Zone weekend or join the National Youth Gathering Team.
Youth Room
First Lutheran is dedicated to the community of Beaver Dam. The Youth Room is open for all Middle School students Tuesday through Thursday during the school year and Monday through Fridayin the summer. The Youth Room is staffed with adults who care and offers a variety of games, music, movies, and fun. We have a computer lab that is available for games or studying with secure, youth-friendly content filtering. Come join us and bring your friends.
National Youth Gathering
In July 2009, twenty youth and chaperons departed for New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth Gathering . Along the way we made several stops including the Gateway Arch in St Louis, the Meramac Caverns in Missouri, Graceland, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and more. After three years of hard work, the group shares this experience with you. View the photo galleries posted on our Facebook page .
MusicMinistry Ministries >
Music Ministry
First Lutheran offers many opportunities for you to praise God with music. The following groups provide worship leadership at both our traditional and contemporary services. Contact the Church Office for current Music Ministry schedules. Visit our Music Ministry Staff page to learn more about our music directors.
Special Music
This is open to young and old alike.
P-Jays
Middle school praise band.
Be Not Afraid
High school praise band.
New Spirit
Adult praise band.
Jubilee Bells
Beginning ringers, 6th grade – adult.
Glory Ringers
Experienced ringers.
Joyful Praise
Adult SATB choir.
Sparks
Children’s choir, grades 1-5.
MinistryPartners About Us >
Ministry Partners
We encourage you to check out the following sites belonging to our partners in ministry.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
First Lutheran is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) .
ELCA Lutheran Colleges
The 26 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have faith in your future. Learn more.
Social Ministry
Bread for the World
A collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.
ELCA Disaster Response
The ELCA is prepared to respond in dynamic ways to both domestic and international disasters.
Lutheran Disaster Response
A collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS). They help disaster survivors by promoting hope, healing, and wholeness.
Lutheran Social Services in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
LSS serves people of all faiths and backgrounds throughout Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and the world.
Lutheran Social Services in America
Lutheran Social Services provides help, healing and hope to children, elderly and the poor in the name of Jesus Christ.This organization touches the lives of more than six million people.
Lutheran World Relief
Works to fight poverty and promote a more just and peaceful world by helping people help themselves.
Inter-Church Agencies
Lutheran World Federation National Council of Churches World Council of Churches Wisconsin Council of Churches Insurance and Investment
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
ELCA Seminaries and Extension Centers
The Theological Education department facilitate this church’s sponsorship, support, and provision for the oversight of its eight seminaries and two extension centers.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary - Berkeley, California The Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest - Austin, Texas Luther Seminary - St. Paul, Minnesota Wartburg Theological Seminary - Dubuque, Iowa Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago - Chicago, Illinois Trinity Lutheran Seminary - Columbus, Ohio Lutheran Theological Center - Atlanta, Georgia Lutheran Theological Seminary - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania The Lutheran Theological Seminary - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary - Columbia, South Carolina Augsburg Fortress
The Augsburg Fortress is the publishing arm of the ELCA.
Ecumenical, Full-Communion Partners with the ELCA
The Episcopal Church in the USA The Moravian Church The Presbyterian Church in the USA The Reformed Church in America The United Church of Christ The United Methodist Church AboutUs About Us
History
First Evangelical Lutheran Church had its beginnings in 1860, not long after Beaver Dam was incorporated as a town. Today it is . . . . .
Staff
Meet our pastors - Rev. Dr. Mark J. Molldrem and Rev. Mark D. Jensen as well as our many music, program, office, and facilities staff.
Council
Meet our church council members.
Newsletters
Download the latest Newsletter or read an archived issue.
Ministry Partners
Learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, our ecumenical full-Communion Partners, social ministry partners, inter-church agencies, and inusrance/investment partner.
Contact Us
We encourage you to contact us with any questions you have.
Finding the right church home may be very much like browsing the real estate market.You begin with a handful of possibilities, and then narrow those into your favorites. Besides simply meeting your needs, most house hunters would agree that a “special feeling” accompanies the desire to make a specific house your home.
Welcome to the Friendly Household of Faith and Discipleship!
First Lutheran Church is known for its many
Exciting youth and family events Meaningful challenges for spiritual growth and renewal Relevant and personal preaching and teaching Opportunities to surround yourself with the familiar spirit of friendliness First Lutheran Church opens its heart to Beaver Dam and the surrounding communities.
Our church family is delighted to host a variety of guests, from those simply visiting family or passing through town, to those searching for God, to disciples of Christ looking for a spiritual church home. Our goal is to make all people welcome in the Lord’s name and share that special feeling of comfort, security and familiarity that comes in knowing you are home.
Welcome to your new home!
If you would like to become more involved with us at First Lutheran Church, keep your eyes open for special opportunities to become better acquainted with our members. We administer a Spiritual Gifts Inventory so you can discover your talents and make your new “home” a little more comfortable and fulfilling for all of your family members.
Take a moment to browse through the rest of our Web site. See our “Newsletter” to get the latest news about what is happening here.
The disciples at First are eager to meet you and become better acquainted with you. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the church office anytime!
Newsletters About Us >
The "Focus" Newsletter
January February March April May June-July August September New Learning Opportunities Nurturing Events Schedule ManPower Cookout & Guys Night Out Needs for the Lutheran Church in Liberia Youth Ministry News Lutherans United Assisting After Disasters Harvest Dinner Christmas Bazaar/Rummage Sale Updates Much more! 
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Worship is offered to glorify God and provide inspiration for worshipers for a life of faith, hope and love. Worship is trans-cultural – the experience is rooted in our basic humanity shared by all Worship is contextual – it must be relevant to a particular people in a particular place Worship is cross-cultural – we can all be blessed by the music and traditions of others Worship is counter-culture – it challenges us to strive for the standards of the rule of God NewsletterQ1 About Us >
"Focus" Newsletter
The "Focus" Newsletter: January - March
A letter from the Pastor Updates on the Youth Programs Small Group Activities Church Council Highlights Finances at First Mission Updates Monthly Calendar Much more! Read the Current Issue NewsletterQ2 About Us >
"Focus" Newsletter
The "Focus" Newsletter: April - June
A letter from the Pastor Updates on the Youth Programs Small Group Activities Church Council Highlights Finances at First Mission Updates Monthly Calendar Much more! Read the Current Issue NewsletterQ3 About Us >
"Focus" Newsletter
The "Focus" Newsletter: July - September
A letter from the Pastor Updates on the Youth Programs Small Group Activities Church Council Highlights Finances at First Mission Updates Monthly Calendar Much more! Read the Current Issue Ministries Ministries
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