Get to Know Us Better

Welcome to Cheshire Lutheran Church

Cheshire Lutheran Church is commonly referred to as CLC.  Here at CLC we are centered in Worship, Fellowship, Witness, and Service. Whether you’re a lifelong member or new to our community, we invite you to join us as we grow together in faith and love.

 

Our church is a place for everyone—singles, families, children, youth, seniors, and everyone in between. We offer liturgical worship services steeped in tradition, dynamic Christian education for all ages, and a variety of opportunities for fellowship and service. From Sunday School and Bible studies to youth activities and community outreach, we are committed to supporting each other in our journey of faith.

 

We believe in the power of community, and we strive to be a place where you can learn, grow, serve, and connect with others. Whether you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to belong, there’s a space for you here at CLC. We encourage and welcome all to be part of our vibrant family as we serve God and our neighbors with joy and generosity.

Join us today—there’s a place for you here at Cheshire Lutheran Church!

cheshire lutheran church outside spring

Mission Statement

Cheshire Evangelical Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, called by Jesus Christ to go to all peoples everywhere and make them disciples, is a community that proclaims the Gospel as it reaches out to the people.

Empowered by the grace received through the Word and Sacraments offered in our worship life, we are committed to nurturing the faith and service of our members. In our life together, we are encouraged and strengthened as witnesses to our Lord; therefore we share our finest gifts and welcome others into the fellowship around the Gospel.

cheshire lutheran church mission statement

Our Team

pastor david rowold-headshot

Pastor Rowold and his family came to Cheshire Lutheran in early 2018. Prior to accepting the Call to CLC, he served as Pastor of Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomfield, NJ for almost 15 years.

Pastor Rowold earned his Doctorate (M.A., Ph.D.) in Liturgical Studies from Drew University in Madison, NJ, and his Masters (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. During college, he attended Southern Connecticut State University and later received his degree from Concordia College in Bronxville, NY (B.A. in Religious Studies).

Pastor is also a proud graduate of Hamden High School in Hamden, CT.

Rev. Dr. David Rowold
Pastor

Pastor Rowold and his family came to Cheshire Lutheran in early 2018. Prior to accepting the Call to CLC, he served as Pastor of Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomfield, NJ for almost 15 years.

Pastor Rowold earned his Doctorate (M.A., Ph.D.) in Liturgical Studies from Drew University in Madison, NJ, and his Masters (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. During college, he attended Southern Connecticut State University and later received his degree from Concordia College in Bronxville, NY (B.A. in Religious Studies).

Pastor is also a proud graduate of Hamden High School in Hamden, CT.

brenna steczkowski headshot

Bio coming soon...

Brenna Steczkowski
Office Administrator

Bio coming soon...

martha medford headshot

Organist and choir director of Cheshire Lutheran Church since 2008, is originally from Ohio. Piano and voice training began at the age of 6.

She added organ instruction in high school and began playing for services at Trinity Lutheran in Ohio. Her advanced training in music took place at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and the University of Texas in Austin.

Her work includes a variety of denominations, such as Episcopal, Congregational, and Catholic.

She is grateful for the hard work and dedication of her choirs and fellow musicians at Cheshire utheran Church.

Martha Medford
Music Choir Director

Organist and choir director of Cheshire Lutheran Church since 2008, is originally from Ohio. Piano and voice training began at the age of 6.

She added organ instruction in high school and began playing for services at Trinity Lutheran in Ohio. Her advanced training in music took place at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and the University of Texas in Austin.

Her work includes a variety of denominations, such as Episcopal, Congregational, and Catholic.

She is grateful for the hard work and dedication of her choirs and fellow musicians at Cheshire utheran Church.

Our Church Story

On December 9, 1956, a small group of Christians gathered at the Cheshire Grange Hall for the first worship service of Cheshire Lutheran Church. Within ten months, these early members had committed to purchasing the land where our church now stands. The church was built in 1960 and dedicated on January 29, 1961.

 

Over the years, we’ve grown through expansion and ministry. In 1978, we added classrooms, offices, and a fellowship hall. Decades later, a new wing was built to house Little Cherubs Christian Preschool, which continues to support the spiritual, social, and educational growth of young children.

 

CLC has long been a place of welcome and service. We actively support our local community through programs like Cheshire Interfaith Housing, town-wide food drives, and the Cheshire Community Food Pantry, while also contributing tens of thousands of dollars annually to national and international outreach.

 

Our history is a foundation for the future—one of faith, growth, and service. Together, we will continue to build a community that grows in faith and makes a difference in the lives of others.

Our Church History

Cheshire Lutheran Church began its journey on December 9, 1956, when a small group of people gathered at the Cheshire Grange Hall for its first worship service. Within ten months, these visionary charter members committed to purchasing the land where our church now stands. Construction began in 1960, and the new building was dedicated on January 29, 1961.


As the congregation grew, so did the need for expanded facilities. In 1978, a building project added classrooms, church offices, and a spacious fellowship hall to support the growing mission and ministry of CLC. Nearly thirty years later, members identified additional opportunities for growth, leading to the formation of a Facilities Planning Committee in 2001. This group’s work inspired the expansion and renovation project approved in 2005.


Breaking ground in June 2007, the congregation dedicated its expanded and updated facilities in August 2007, which included features like a new wing to house Little Cherubs Christian Preschool, updated classrooms and offices, improved heating and cooling, new technology upgrades, and expanded meeting spaces. This major investment strengthened our ability to connect with the community and support future generations.


Throughout its nearly 70-year history, CLC has been known for its welcoming spirit, service to the local community, and local and global outreach. Members have supported local causes such as Cheshire Interfaith Housing, food drives, the Cheshire Community Food Pantry, and Hope Pregnancy Center, while contributing tens of thousands of dollars annually to national and international ministries. 

Little Cherubs Christian Preschool remains one of CLC’s most impactful outreach ministries, providing children with a foundation grounded in faith and education.


In 2006, the church celebrated its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of worship, service, and fellowship. As part of the celebration, the congregation adopted a hymn titled “God’s Redeemed, Beloved and Holy”, written by Pastor Steve Starke. This hymn highlights both our gratitude for the past and our call to continue walking together in faith and love into the future.


Today, Cheshire Lutheran Church continues its mission with a history rooted in faith, service, and forward-thinking growth. As we reflect on the past, we remain “Graced by the Past … Called for the Future,” trusting that God will guide us as we move into what lies ahead.

cheshire lutheran church street sign