All Saints’ Lutheran Church hosts a series of special celebrations to commemorate its 50 years of Christian service to the Federal Way and South King County communities.

For most of those years, at its conspicuous location on the corner of South 272nd Street and Military Road South, All Saints’ has served as the church home for thousands of Christian worshipers. Although enormous growth and dramatic changes have taken place throughout our community, All Saints’ has steadfastly endured.

First home

It was at the historic Steel Lake Grangem where services were first conducted. Some old-timers may, with nostalgia, remember the old Grange Hall, which sat on the corner of South 288th Street and Military Road South, the present site of the Walgreen’s Drug Store.

In 1966, the church home moved to a new but modest sanctuary that was built on the present site. Since that time, there have been significant additions to the facility, culminating in the present larger and more modern sanctuary, which was dedicated in 1993.

Time for celebration

A 50-year milestone “remembrance” is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6

Past and present members and former pastors will gather for special ceremonies followed by a luncheon hosted by the church.

Retired Pastor Elvin Bjork, All Saints’ first pastor, will be among those on hand.

As a young minister at the time, Bjork officially commissioned the church and presided over the newly formed parish for about six years.

During the “remembrance” celebration, the pastors and early members will share fond memories from their respective eras. Some charter members also will be on hand, including several who have remained active at All Saints’ since the beginning.

The second major event – “rejoicing” – will take place on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 28.

The Rev. Bishop Robert Hofstad will be featured as the honored guest and will deliver a special sermon on that day. After the worship service, a German potluck dinner will be provided in honor of The Rev. Martin Luther, who championed the beginnings of the Protestant movement on this special day nearly 500 years ago.

Finally, on Sunday, Dec. 2, the church will celebrate a “rededication.” It was exactly on that day, 50 years ago, that All Saints’ was officially commissioned under a charter of the Lutheran Churches of America. Following a Rededication Service by ASLC’s Pastor Jan Otto, there will be a social gathering along with refreshments.

All members of the community, as well as past church members, are cordially invited and encouraged to come and take part in this special “once in a lifetime” series of events.

Please call the church at 253-852-4884 if you would like to attend.

LINK:

To learn more, visit aslcauburn.com.