HISTORY OF GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Grace Lutheran Church began with the first worship service being held in Grandma’s Daycare, the former Wesleyan Church and now Trinitas Classical Academy building, at Fifth and Minnesota Ave. on October 5, 2003. The Grace Lutheran Church congregation started with all lay leadership and the first congregational meeting was held on October 8, 2003 and chose Grace Lutheran Church as its name.

Grace Lutheran Church (GLC) formed as an independent church. The congregation voted on September 12, 2004 to affiliate with Augsburg Lutheran Church (ALC). Grace Lutheran Church withdrew its affiliation with ALC in October 2005 and joined Lutheran Churches in Missions for Christ (LCMC).

In November 2004, a generous friend of the congregation donated a 15-acre site on Greenwood Lane to GLC. Members assembled at the property on Sunday, November 7, 2004 for a thanksgiving worship service. A “Ground-Breaking Celebration” was held on October 5, 2008 on the church property on Greenwood Lane.

GLC’s first confirmation was held on May 1, 2005 with twelve confirmands being confirmed.

In the fall of 2005, GLC moved to a larger worship home on Highway B.

GLC’s celebrated its 20-year anniversary on August 8, 2023 with a brunch following the Worship Service.

We have a commitment to give 10% of every weekly offering to support local and outreach needs. The Mission and Outreach Team meet monthly to support this mission.

The Building and Grounds Team was very involved in the construction of the new church facility and also completed the addition of the open-air Pavilion, created a workshop in the garage and added storage on the north side of the building. They continue to be very involved in maintaining the church and parsonage facilities and welcome new members.

Pastors and Staff:

Professor and Pastor Jim Burtness (Dolores) was very helpful in forming our new church.

Pastor Carl Buettemeier, White Bear Lake, MN called and offered his support and would come to preach often bringing along his wife, Jane and his guitar.

Pastor Larry Lystig (wife Carolyn) served as interim pastor until the call for a permanent pastor was accomplished. Pastor Lystig conducted his first worship service on March 20, 2005 and served until June 30, 2005.

Karen Gustafson was hired on March 8, 2004 to fill the part-time Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator position and served for almost 13 years retiring in 2016. Amy Jorczak was hired to take over the position.

Tony Hopp served as Financial Secretary from April 4, 2006 until his retirement in 2023 after nearly 17 years as Grace Lutheran’s bookkeeper.

A letter of call was issued to Pastor Tony Stoutenburg in 2005. Pastor Tony, his wife Pam and son Matt came from the state of Washington. Pastor Tony conducted his first services at GLC on July 2nd and 3rd, he was installed on Sunday, July 17, 2005 and served until December 2018. GLC was served by interim pastors, Eric Hulstrand and Jordan Scott, while going through the call process for a new pastor.

A letter of call was issued to Pastor Stewart Carlson on November 10, 2019. Pastor Stew’s first service was Jan. 5, 2020, and he was installed on July 19, 2020. Pastor Stew had served as pastor at Silver Bay, MN for seven years. Due to an unexpected illness, Pastor Stew passed away on March 23, 2021. Pastor Stew had arranged for Jeff Hogden to preach on March 27, 2021 when he had planned to take a vacation. Due to Pastor Stew’s unexpected death, Jeff graciously agreed to serve our congregation for a longer period of time. An “Interim Letter of Call” was extended to facilitate Jeff’s ordination following the completion of his education and he was installed at GLC on November 14, 2021. Pastor Jeff helped Grace through July of 2022.

A home was purchased July 18, 2022 for a parsonage for GLC and we welcomed Pastor Dirk Jensen, wife Karen and son, Kaleb from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Pastor Dirk was installed on August 28, 2022 and submitted his letter of resignation on March 8, 2026.

Information:

GLC has several educational programs: GLOW (Grace Lutheran on Wednesdays) for 4-year-olds through 5th grade, Confirmation grades 6-8, and Sunday School following the worship service for the children and several Bible Studies during the week.

GLC broadcasts Sunday worship services on Facebook Live (Grace Lutheran Church, Hayward, WI), Youtube (Grace Lutheran Church-Haywar7547) and our website (gracelutheranhayward.org – under the Live Video tab).

6-2025