Come and See: How to Reach First Lutheran OKC and What to Expect When You Do
Photo by Photo by Gerrie van der Walt on Unsplash on Unsplash
Reaching out to a church can feel surprisingly intimidating. Perhaps more than any other reason, this is why so many people in Oklahoma City search for a congregation's contact information and then hesitate. Will someone pressure me? Will I be asked questions I can't answer? At First Lutheran OKC, we believe the first point of contact should feel less like a transaction and more like a front porch — warm, unhurried, and open.
How to Reach Us
Our church office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and our staff is genuinely glad to hear from visitors, newcomers, and longtime members alike. You can reach us by phone during office hours, or by email at any time — we make it a practice to respond within one business day, because we believe a slow reply to a sincere question is its own kind of missed ministry.
If you prefer to see a space before you speak to anyone, you are welcome to simply come. Our sanctuary is open for quiet prayer on weekday mornings, and no appointment is required to sit in the stillness for a few minutes. Many people in Oklahoma City do exactly that during a lunch break or on a difficult day. You will not be approached, asked for your name, or signed up for anything.
When to Come
Our principal worship service is Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m., with Sunday school and adult formation classes at 9:00 a.m. If you are visiting for the first time, arriving ten or fifteen minutes early gives you room to park, find the sanctuary, and settle in without rushing. Our parking lot is accessible from the north side, and accessible parking spaces and entrances are clearly marked.
If you have children, know that they are welcome in worship — wiggles, whispers, and all. A staffed nursery is available, but many families choose to stay together in the pews, and we consider that a gift rather than a disruption.
What Happens When You Contact Us
When you call or write, you will most likely speak with our church secretary or a member of the pastoral staff. You can ask about anything: baptism, membership, weddings, funerals, pastoral care during a crisis, or simply what Lutherans believe. There are no wrong questions and no commitment implied by asking. A surprising number of our members' first contact was a tentative email that began, "This might be a strange question, but..."
It is never a strange question. Faith begins with curiosity, and we take seriously the invitation of Jesus in John's Gospel: "Come and see." Before anyone believes anything, they are invited simply to look.
Pastoral Care and Prayer Requests
If you or someone you love is in the hospital, grieving, or facing a season of crisis, please do not wait for a Sunday to let us know. Contact the church office directly, and a pastor will respond as quickly as possible. Prayer requests may also be submitted for inclusion in our weekly prayers of the church; you may share names publicly or request anonymity, and both are honored without exception.
A Word to the Hesitant
Maybe you have not set foot in a church in years. Maybe you were hurt somewhere else, or you're simply unsure whether you belong. We want you to know: contacting us does not obligate you to anything. No one will show up at your door. No one will add you to a mailing list without your permission. Our congregation includes lifelong Lutherans, converts, seekers, and people who describe themselves as "spiritually curious and otherwise skeptical." All are welcome at the table of grace.
If you are reading this page because you searched for us and wondered whether reaching out would be worth it — it would be. The door is open, the coffee is on, and the first conversation is always the easiest one once it has begun. We look forward to hearing from you.
