Senior Adult Ministry

Numerous events are held at First Lutheran throughout the year specifically designed for senior adults including Senior Luncheon, Faithful Aging Milestone activities, and more. Pastoral care and visitation are also offered to homebound members and those in nursing homes or the hospital.

OWLs Luncheons

OWLs (older, wiser Lutherans) luncheons are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the Gathering Room. All “OWLs” are invited for lunch and a program to follow.

Program Schedule

  • May 28: musical selections by Adam and Kayen Hammer

  • June 25: Hany Halverson, speaking on upcoming happenings at Levitt at the Falls

  • July 23: Mason Van Essen, speaking about ways to be digitally connected to FLC, includes practice and training time

  • August 27: Diane Kennedy, principal at Lowell Elementary, speaking about how our church supports our sister school

  • September 24: Adrianne Gray, speaking about the Diaconal Ministries program

  • October 22: Siouxland Renaissance Association, demonstrating and speaking on the clothes and significance of the Renaissance

  • November 26: Larry Rohrer, former Assistant Director of SD Public Broadcasting

  • December 17: Larry Olson and Karol Baer share a participatory music program

  • January 28, 2025: Siouxland Libraries, speaking about services and opportunities for senior citizens

  • February 24, 2025: Big Paws Canine Foundation, speaking about guide dogs

  • March 25, 2025: Pastor David and Maggie Houck, speaking about their missionary travels

  • April 22, 2025: Jeff Eckhoff, Sioux Falls City Planning, speaking about the city's expansion plans

  • May 26, 2025: Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation, speaking about opportunities for senior citizens

NURSING HOME AND HOMEBOUND VISITS

Visitation pastors make monthly visits to those who are homebound and to nursing home residents, providing Holy Communion and devotional time. Twice a year, the pastors conduct worship in nine local care centers. If you become aware of a homebound member who is not receiving regular visitation, contact Bev Bentzinger or call the church.

HOSPITAL VISITATION

The pastoral care staff maintains regular contact with the hospitalized and the recuperating. Visits are made to Avera McKennan Hospital, Avera Behavioral Center, Avera Heart Hospital, Sanford Health Hospital, the VA Medical Center, and hospice locations each weekday and other times as necessary. If you know of a member or friend of First Lutheran who enters the hospital through emergency services, contact Bev Bentzinger or call the Church.

EMERGENCIES

In times of emergency, please call the church office Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (605) 336-3734. For evening, weekend, and holiday emergencies, a pastor is on-call at (605) 323-7667. One of the pastors will be contacted immediately.