First Lutheran receives LSS Servant of Christ Award

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has recognized First Lutheran Church in Marshall as the 2026 LSS Servant of Christ Award recipient for the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  

The LSS Servant of Christ Award honors congregations that are leaders in social ministry outreach or have contributed to addressing special needs in their community in extraordinary ways. The award is extended to one congregation in each of the six Minnesota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. 

“We are inspired by every single congregation that partners with us,” said Patrick Thueson, president of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. “The depth of commitment across Minnesota is extraordinary, and selecting one congregation from each synod is never easy — which is a wonderful challenge to have. We congratulate First Lutheran Church and want to extend our gratitude for their deep generosity, leadership and devotion to serving our neighbor and helping to change lives.”

First Lutheran Church was nominated by an LSS team member who has long admired this congregation’s quiet, steadfast generosity. For 39 years, the congregation has given with open hands and an open heart, offering both financial support and countless in-kind contributions. They have delivered meals, collected needed goods through Learn. Serve. Give. service projects, supported various services here and abroad through its quilt ministry and stepped in wherever their community has needed them. 

Additionally, First Lutheran has welcomed LSS team members into their own space, allowing LSS to office in their building. Their compassion reaches far beyond their walls — and well beyond the work of LSS — touching lives in their local community and across the world.