About | OSLC GREELEY

Our Story

A Crazy Idea That Changed Everything
It started with a pastor who cared too much — and that turned out to be exactly what Greeley needed.

In 1927, a Lutheran pastor was called to serve a German-speaking congregation in Greeley, Colorado. At the time, this was familiar territory. The Volga Germans who had settled in Greeley came from villages along the Volga River in Russia, carrying their faith, their language, and their traditions with them across an ocean and into the heart of northern Colorado. By 1920, there were more than 16,000 Evangelical Volga German immigrants of the first and second generation settled across Colorado, and the church was the heartbeat of their community. Many of those Volga German families in Greeley attended Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

But this particular pastor had a vision that extended beyond the German-speaking congregation he had been called to serve. He kept finding himself drawn to a small group of Greeley residents who simply wanted to worship in the English language. He gave his time to them. He gave his energy to them. And for that, he was accused of neglecting his primary duties — and ultimately evicted from the church's housing.

He could have walked away. Instead, he stepped out in faith. He and his family committed themselves fully to that small, unlikely, English-speaking gathering of believers — people who had nothing more than a shared longing to worship and belong. From that courageous act of pastoral devotion, Our Savior's Lutheran Church was born.

Growing Deep Roots in Greeley
What began with just 14 members grew steadily over the decades into the vibrant congregation that stands today at 1800 21st Avenue — just two blocks south of NCMC hospital, woven into the fabric of this community.

Our Savior's Lutheran Preschool
In 1975, our outreach expanded in a new direction when Our Savior's Lutheran Preschool was established as a licensed preschool and outreach ministry of the church, formed by staff members and parents who desired a parent-cooperative program serving children ages three to six. Decades later, that preschool continues to thrive, having grown to serve over 70 children and earning recognition as Best of Greeley for five consecutive years.

Our Savior's is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which was formed in 1988 through a merger of three Lutheran bodies, and we are members of the Rocky Mountain Synod, which walks alongside congregations and leaders across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Western Texas. We are part of something much larger than ourselves — and we are glad to be.

Who We Are Today
We gather every Sunday at 8:30 AM (traditional) and 10:00 AM (contemporary), both in person and livestreamed. Our services also air on Comcast Channel 18 at 9:00 AM. From June through August, our early service moves outdoors to our courtyard, and coffee and cookies are served in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 AM.

We offer Sunday education throughout the school year, programs for children and youth, Bible studies, and our beloved Pub Church on Thursday evenings at Rule 105 Brewing.

We come from all walks of life. We carry all kinds of stories. And we believe, as that first pastor did nearly a century ago, that there is always room for one more at the table.
All are welcome here.

Have questions? We'd love to hear from you at greeleylutheran.org or stop by at 1800 21st Ave, Greeley, CO 80631.

Pastor Deb Abbott Lead Pastor

It is a privilege and a joy to serve the people of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. A native of Fresno, California, Pastor Deb has served congregations in Billings and Kalispell, Montana and Loveland, Colorado before being called to this community in Greeley. Her husband Brad is retired and shares her love of volunteering and can often be found with a trombone in hand.

All are welcome here. May God bless you on your journey of faith.

Deacon Linda Sue Akers Deacon of Word and Service

For more than twenty-five years, Our Savior's Lutheran Church has been home to Deacon Linda Sue Akers not simply as a place she attends, but as a community she has served with her whole heart. Her contributions span youth and family formation, the Benevolence Committee, new member welcome, Synod Assembly representation, and much more.

Linda holds Master's degrees in both Diaconal Ministry and Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies. Her career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker reflects a life devoted to the well-being of the Greeley community, including leadership in local nonprofits and healthcare. She is also an Honored Alumna and Professor of Family Studies at the University of Northern Colorado.

She is the proud mother of Helen, Heidi, and Ryan, and grandmother to Roberto, who was baptized, confirmed, and took his very first steps right here at OSLC.