About Stavanger Lutheran Church
Stavanger Lutheran Church is nestled among a few homes and farm fields just north of Seneca, Illinois. We are a warm and welcoming church located at 2904 N. 32nd Rd, Seneca, IL, and near the surrounding towns of Morris, Marseilles, and Ottawa, IL.
All Who Believe are Welcome
Stavanger Lutheran Church is an affiliate of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). We welcome all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to join us for worship.
Stavanger Lutheran Church practices a traditional, liturgical worship service that includes the Service of the Word, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and monthly Holy Communion.
We sing praises with traditional hymns, accompanied by organ or piano. Dress is casual at Stavanger and children are welcome. A children’s sermon is included on most Sundays.
Our Pastor
Reverend Jennifer Bennet, Master of Divinity, is serving as Interim Pastor and assisting our call committee in the search for a lead pastor for Stavanger Lutheran. Learn more about Pastor Bennet on our Meet the Church page.
Ministries
Stavanger’s congregation is actively involved in member-based organizations and volunteer efforts that uplift the community and each other. Members commit their time and gifts to local and global mission efforts. Please be sure to visit our page Ministries page to see more.
Our History
Stavanger Lutheran Church has proudly served the community since its founding in 1879 by Norwegian immigrants. The original church was built in 1880 and was located one mile east of Stavanger. The church served twenty-three families and conducted all services in Norwegian until 1920.
The congregation grew, and during the 1920’s, members pledged funds and volunteered labor to build the larger church we worship in today. The laying of the cornerstone for the current church took place Sept 12, 1926, and the church building was formally dedicated May 22, 1927. The beautiful white altar, pulpit, and baptismal font we use today were all moved from the original church.
In 1975, Stavanger Lutheran Church was honored when the reigning King of Norway, Olav V, visited the church and listened to the Sunday School children sing a special song in Norwegian.
Today many congregation members are not of Norwegian ancestry, however, Stavanger’s heritage is proudly displayed each December when we present our locally renowned Scandinavian Christmas Program.
Join Us
We love having visitors at Stavanger Lutheran Church and hope you will join us for worship
soon.