Check out the variety of programs, events and more that First Lutheran provides for our community. 

Souper Bowl of Caring

On the last Sunday in January one year, seminary intern Brad Smith prayed during worship at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC:  "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat." This simple prayer was taken to heart by the Sr. High youth group there, who in 1990 enlisted the help of 22 other Columbia churches and raised $5,700 in the first Souper Bowl of Caring (click to learn more.) Since then, this annual event has become nationwide - in 2007 over 14,000 participating groups raised over $8 million - all donated directly to local helping agencies by the groups who raised the funds. Every year on Super Bowl Sunday, the youth of First Lutheran Church join in this effort, collecting food and monetary contributions from worshipers and then going door-to-door in the community. All proceeds go directly to area helping agencies (see below.)

Community Agencies We Support

Members of First Lutheran also raise funds and bring weekly donations of food, household products, clothing items, baby items, school supplies and whatever else might be needed to support people in need in Pecatonica and in the wider area of Winnebago County, through agencies listed below.

ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Relief Ministries
Rockford Rescue Mission
Rock River Valley Food Pantry
Pecatonica Ministerial Association Assistance Fund
Pecatonica Food Pantry
The Carpenter's Place, Rockford
King's Kids, Rockford