Ministries We Offer
Cheshire Lutheran Church, commonly referred to as CLC, is a vibrant community that reaches out in many ways within its own church community, toward our town and region, as well as toward the world at large. This page contains many of the ministries we serve.
Our Church Library
Cheshire Lutheran has an ever-growing library of books and multimedia materials that can be borrowed by any of the members. The collection spans all ages and a variety of interests. Subjects for adults from Bibles and Scriptural commentaries to Confessional and devotional writings, to works of history and fiction are included. Volumes for children and youth range from picture books and story books to children’s Bibles and devotionals. DVD’s include both education and entertainment titles.
Little Cherubs Christian Preschool
Our vibrant Preschool serves children aged 3 to 5 in two separate classes. The 3-year-old attend Tuesdays & Thursday, while the Pre-K (4 and 5- year-olds) attend on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Families come from Cheshire and the surrounding communities, with both members and non-members comprising the student body. All classes meet in our dedicated 21st-century education wing.
Sunday School
Our Sunday School program meets during the Education Hour on Sunday mornings between the services during the school year. Educational opportunities are offered for children from Toddler through High School. Each week begins with a time for songs, prayer and an introduction to the day’s lesson, with everyone gathered together; then the students break into groups divided by age/grade.
Adult Bible Classes
Cheshire Lutheran offers a number of Adult Bible classes during the week. Classes currently meet on Sunday mornings during the Education Hour and on Wednesday afternoons, with Sunday’s classes being topical and Wednesday’s taking an in- depth look at one Book of the Bible at a time. All classes are led by our Pastor. During the Lenten season, Wednesday afternoon classes pause and an evening study is offered in conjunction with the Church’s Wednesday night Soup & Salad Supper.
Recurring Classes
First Communion and Confirmation classes are regularly held for Middle School/Junior High students (Grades 7 and 8). Adult Information classes are also available for anyone age 18 and older.
Youth Group
Cheshire Lutheran invites students from Grade 7 to 12 to participate in its Youth Group. Age-appropriate activities allow the participants to develop a sense of community and belonging. Past events have included service projects, movie and game nights, outings for group enjoyment, and National Youth Gatherings.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Every Summer, Cheshire Lutheran offers its Vacation Bible School program to all the residents of Cheshire and our surrounding communities. This free program welcomes children from Preschool through Grade 6, while students in Junior High and High School are welcome to participate as Youth Volunteers. The 5-day program includes a different Bible lesson every day, songs, games, snacks, and hands-on activities like crafts and age- appropriate science experiments.
Social Welfare Ministry – Love Our Neighbor
At Cheshire Lutheran Church, our Social Welfare Ministry reflects Christ’s call to love and serve our neighbors. Through our gifts and the use of Thrivent Grants, we support both local and global charitable efforts, responding to needs as they arise.
- Local Outreach
- Cheshire Community Food Pantry: We provide monthly food donations and adopt a shelf to ensure it remains stocked year-round. Our congregation also participates in assembling Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need.
- Global and National Support:
- Orphan Grain Train: Each year, we prepare and send back-to-school kits to meet urgent needs both locally and worldwide.
- Caring and Supporting our Members
- Providing rides, meals, and memories to those in our congregation who may need extra support.
As needs change, so do our efforts, ensuring that our ministry always serves with purpose and compassion. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact by sharing God’s love in action.
Cheshire Lutheran Church Women (CLCW)
The Cheshire Lutheran Church Women is an inclusive ministry encompassing all women members of the congregation, with men and children joining in many of its activities. This vibrant organization offers opportunities for women to express their Christian faith through fellowship, service, and charitable giving.
CLCW Activities:
- Ladies’ Night Out: A springtime evening of fellowship and fun, featuring a catered dinner in the fellowship hall, open to all women of the congregation.
- Apple Pie Workshop: Held each October, this beloved event brings the congregation together in the church kitchen to make and sell apple pies, fostering fellowship and raising funds for charitable causes.
- Greeting Card Sales: Greeting cards are sold for $1.00 each from a stand outside the church office. In addition to providing an affordable way to connect with loved ones, the CLCW sends birthday and get-well cards to youth and shut-ins. Proceeds support charitable efforts.
Charitable Giving
Funds raised through apple pie sales and greeting card purchases are donated to organizations including:
- AbleLight (formerly known as Bethesda Lutheran Communities)
- Hope Pregnancy Center
- Cheshire Community Food Pantry
- Quilts of Valor (quilts for veterans)
- Safe Haven of Waterbury
- CLC Youth Group
Through fellowship and service, the CLCW is a shining example of Christ’s love in action, making a meaningful impact on the congregation and community.
