A few years ago, a seed was planted that, like the Saguaro cactus plant that takes years to mature, eventually took root and began to grow into a full-blown idea. The seed was subjected to occasional harsh growing conditions, but it was a hardy seed that knew it was supposed to be. When that seed finally bloomed, the result was Faith United Lutheran Church.
Bethany Lutheran Church, Reformation Lutheran Church, and Augsburg Lutheran Church existed for a hundred years in their areas of Toledo, less than 5 miles apart. Each congregation served their neighborhood well and faithfully with many programs sharing the story of God’s gift of Grace to us through the life and death of his Son, Jesus Christ.
After a time, neighborhoods changed, and so did the churches. The seed really took hold here and enjoyed some good growing conditions. There were still some bumps in the road, hurdles to overcome, but, in 2018, after many meetings, through tears and laughter, the seed blossomed into an agreement to unite Bethany and Reformation into one church, using our combined resources to better serve the West Toledo area.
On January 6, 2019, the first worship service at Faith United Lutheran Church was held. There was still some misgivings, doubts, and anxious moments, but there were also much love, confidence and hope. To show our unity, each member of the new congregation was encouraged to light a candle to be placed in the Unity Cross, to show how much more light there can be as one joined congregation than two single congregations.
On Easter Sunday 2019, April 21st, Faith United Lutheran Church celebrated its “Grand Opening”. Covid-19 came along and devastated not just Faith United, but every church in Toledo, the country, and the world. When Covid-19 began to fade, many churches found themselves unable to continue. Faith United struggled, but it maintained its presence in Toledo.
In January 2023, Augsburg Lutheran Church, on West Sylvania Ave, after having served the West Toledo Library Community for over 100 years, closed their doors, and their members merged into Faith United. Faith United welcomes everyone seeking God's Grace and love. We are completely handicapped accessible, and we are an open, understanding, and caring group of Christians.
The wall in the photo at the top of this page was created to remember each individual church, and to look forward to the future at Faith United Lutheran Church.
