St. John Lutheran Church, LCMS

Church

There are so many ways to serve your fellow church members... try attending a Sunday morning bible study, or sending your kids to Sunday School.  Instruction is provided 9:00am -9:45am.  

Adult Bible Study:  Coffee, treats and God's Word.  What's better?

Come join us! Held in the church fellowship hall. Year-round.

We have an active Sunday School program.  If you are in Pre-K -  high school please come join in the fun as we learn more about God.   Classes run September - May. 

Join a Committee or attend a LWML Ladies Aid meeting.  We meet at church on the 1st Thursday of the month (April - December) at 1:30pm. 

150th Anniversary Celebration        August 15, 2021

Bulletin (printed by Baker Printing, Ink)            History Book (printed by Printmasters, Inc.)  

Theme:  Holding Fast to Biblical Truth for 150 Years 

Video: Sunday, August 15, 2021 12th Sunday after Pentecost.  Our 150th Anniversary Celebration. 

St. John Lutheran Church of Atwater, Minnesota, was founded in 1871 by German farmers who had recently settled in the area.  They came from diverse regions of Germany, but were united in the need to join together and worship their common Lord.  In 1873, they built the first church/school and then turned to the Missouri Synod for a Pastor.  

Throughout their 150 years, St. John has held fast to Biblical Truths in its teachings, sacraments, and educational programs.  A Parochial School was supported from 1873 to 2010, offering a Christian education through 8th grade.  The congregation gradually transitioned from being a "German Lutheran" congregation, converting completely to English by the start of WWII.  The congregation is now a mixture of descendants from the original families, plus newer families from the surrounding area who are seeking God's truth. 

Today, St. John is a vibrant congregation with an average worship attendance of 90.  Unlike many rural congregations, St. John has a diverse age distribution with more than 30 children enrolled in Sunday School.  St. John is a very active in foreign missions, supporting churches in Sri Lanka and Madagascar and an orphanage in Nicaragua.  As an example, we purchased six motorcycles for the Lanka Lutheran pastors so that they could better support their congregations.  The congregation continues to provide financial support to seminary students who have their roots in our church.  St. John is also known throughout the community for our annual Oktoberfeast and Oyster Stew Supper.  

Video Link here (Note:  Today's video cut off after 18 minutes into the main part of the service for unknown reason.  The video ends just after Pastor Westad finished reading the Old Testament I Kings 8:22-30.)  It was a memorable day!