“Now the Church is not wood and stone, but the company of believing people; one must hold to them, and see how they believe, live, and teach.”
(“The Complete Sermons of Martin Luther, Volume 1”).
This Parish is full of believing people with a rich history of caring for each other. The history of these three churches and how they have bound together over the years is a true gift from God.
St. Matthew, Myrtle Creek, OR
In 1949 the congregation was started as a Mission Station for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. 10 years later in 1959, it was formally organized as Saint Matthews Lutheran church. The church building was constructed in 1963. The addition of Sunday school rooms and an office was completed in 1971. In 1973, kindergarten was begun on a daily basis and was so successful that in 1974 there were morning and afternoon classes, both full. In 1977 1st grade was added, and in 1978, grades K – three were offered. Grades 4-8 were added in the following years. The congregation joined the ELS in 1976. A mission was conducted in Roseburg from about 1972 to 1974. The congregation merged with Christ Lutheran in Sutherland and began worshipping together at the Sutherlin location in 2021 with plans to relocate to Roseburg in the future.
Christ Lutheran Church, Sutherlin, OR
Christ Lutheran was organized in 1972. The church building, purchased by the congregation, have been constructed in 1949.
The congregation joined the ELS in 1976, receiving pastoral services together with St. Matthew (Myrtle Creek, OR).
In 2005 they began to share their pastor, Rev. James Wilson with Resurrection in North Bend. In 2022 Rev. Nicholas Lilienthal was ordained and called to serve at Christ Lutheran and Resurrection.
Resurrection, North Bend, OR
In 2005 Resurrection Lutheran began in North Bend, served by Rev. James Wilson who was also serving Christ Lutheran in Sutherlin. In 2022 Rev. Nicholas Lilienthal was ordained and called to serve at Resurrection.