About Us
Rooted in tradition, alive in today.
First Lutheran Church has been a gathering place for faith, fellowship, and service in Hinckley since 1883. As an ELCA congregation, we hold to the historic Christian faith while continuing to ask what it means to follow Jesus today.
What we hold to
01
Grace First
We believe God's love comes before anything we do or fail to do — and that changes everything.
02
Open Table
All are welcome at communion, in worship, and in this community — no exceptions.
03
Service in the World
Faith without works is empty. We feed neighbors, walk with the hurting, and seek justice together.
04
Learning Always
Scripture, tradition, and questions are friends here. We are never done growing.
Our History
Over 140 years of welcome
First Lutheran traces its roots to Swedish immigrants who came to the Hinckley area in the late 19th century. From a small charter in 1883 to a thriving congregation of over 450 baptized members today, every generation has added to the song.
01
The Beginning
First Lutheran Church has its roots among Swedish immigrants who came to the Hinckley area in the late 19th century. The congregation was chartered as the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hinckley in 1883. Three years later the congregation moved into its first building, which measured 18 by 30 feet. In 1894, The Great Hinckley Fire destroyed the first church building along with most of the community on September 1st. Undaunted, the congregation moved into a newly erected building by Christmas of that same year. On August 7, 1896, a tornado destroyed the church again — and again the congregation rebuilt.
02
The 20th Century
In 1929 a new structure was erected, incorporating the sacristy and bell tower of the former church. The name First Evangelical Lutheran Church was adopted in 1932. In 1957 a new educational wing was added, and 10 years later a narthex including a library and classroom was added. A new parsonage was built in 1981. On Pentecost Sunday of 1989, ground was broken across the street from the church as the site for the new building — the cornerstone was laid on September 24th.
03
The 21st Century
The first service in the new church was conducted on January 14, 1990, with dedication on May 20th. The parsonage was sold in 2014. The congregation now numbers over 450 baptized members. We are still going strong, with our parishioners and our community — a village in the pines.
Our Staff
A dedicated team called to walk alongside this congregation.
Photos Coming Soon
Pastor
Erik Rundquist
Hello! I'm new here, joining First Lutheran on Palm Sunday 2024. I'm grateful and excited to become part of this community of faith in our village in the pines. I have been an ordained pastor since 2014 and truly love this calling. I previously served congregations in Chokio, MN; Svea, MN; and as a Vicar in Warren, IL. Alongside my pastoral work, I am a Behavioral Health Practitioner pursuing licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy with Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. My wife and I were recently blessed with our fourth child — now two girls and two boys! I look forward to meeting everyone.
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Youth Director
Mindy Johnson
I have been the Youth Director at First Lutheran since 2005. My responsibilities include helping to oversee the education, youth and family programs here at First Lutheran. I direct Faith in Action, Vacation Bible School, as well as our Youth Group held on Wednesday evenings. I plan and implement many youth activities, including service projects, youth Bible studies, family fellowship activities and mission trips.
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Financial Secretary
Kathy Thompson
I am the Financial Secretary at First Lutheran. I joined the staff in April of 2012. My primary function is to keep records of each member of our congregation — reconciling offerings, preparing individual member contribution statements, and keeping in close communication with the Church Treasurer. I work with the Parish Secretary when needed and fill in for her when she is absent.
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Treasurer
Mary Mortenson
As the treasurer, I handle accounts payable, payroll and associated taxes, and church financial reporting. I coordinate with the Financial Secretary to maintain our records and reconcile the bank statement each month, reporting to the Church Council on church finances. I was treasurer from 2009–2012 and am delighted to return to this role in April 2024 to support the vibrant ministries of First Lutheran Church.
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Custodian
Laurie Dunagan
I am excited to begin my new position here in October of 2024, at First Lutheran Church! My position consists of the cleaning of the church, including before and after funerals, weddings, and rentals. I moved to the area three years ago from Eagan, MN. I have one daughter and was blessed to have her give me four grandchildren who are all young adults.
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