Our Path
Churches everywhere share a common mission, such as to proclaim good news and serve in response to human need. But what’s our particular vocation as a congregation, here in Palo Alto, at this moment? Who are we? What are our concerns? Where’s our energy? What’s our sense of direction?
Painting of FLC by Marguerite Fletcher, used with her permission.
We are drawn to the image of a path we walk together, led by God.
In scripture, this path is called liberation, release, redemption. Jesus said, “when I am lifted up, I will draw all people myself.” (John 12) We’ve come a long way! In 1920, First Lutheran was established as a mission to Swedish immigrants living in the area. Now, we are a people of varied ethnic backgrounds, serving today’s Silicon Valley.
Where does this path lead?
From measuring up to being beloved …
In the Palo Alto stress of high expectations and achievement, we’re learning to live from God’s mercy. Our worth as people isn’t about distinctions, successes, failures. It’s about God’s delight in us as beloved children. Church can be a place of relief.
We’re worthy of this path. We try to convey it in our messages, how we celebrate and involve each other. Not all of us are fully trained jedi masters, yet we belong.
From isolation to connection …
We’re not alone. We want to be a warm neighborhood hub for community and mutual support, especially across generations and cultures. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we are learning to welcome one another.
We walk together. We’ve been intentional about trying to plan events that are fun and build community, like game nights and dinners. All ages are present.
From fast to slow …
Silicon Valley schedules are overloaded, and work can feel all-consuming. We’re learning to slow down, pay attention, reflect and rest. Some of us work in tech, but we want to be discerning about the use of technology. We want to live by God’s time, beginning with Sundays as First Day and Feast. We pace ourselves with the rhythm of music and liturgy.
We pace ourselves. Our slow read and conversation about scripture has been vital. We’ve had recent dialogues about the use of A.I.
From preoccupied to engaged …
We get caught up in the concerns of daly life, but we’re called to attention and care for neighbors in need, right outside the church door to the Bay Area and beyond. In a scary world, God gives courage to keep going, and to invite others along. From urban life, we get out to enjoy creation.
Our path engages us in the world. We regularly get outdoors as a congregation, and plan service projects. Information coming soon on a new gathering for justice and service.
This work on our congregation’s sense of vocation came out of a year of discernment between pastors, church leaders and congregation (2025-2026). Discernment is ongoing, as we seek to follow the way God leads.