Local Churches
Lutheran
604 W Broadway St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-2638
Pastor
Interim Pastor Dennis Nieswaag
Weekly attendance
201+
Contact
Office: 563-382-2630 or office@firstlutherandecorah.org
Website: http://www.firstlutherandecorah.org
Facebook: firstlutherandecorah
Instagram: @flcdecorah
Twitter: @flcdecorah
About
We craft faithful and diverse opportunities for hearing God’s word, sharing in the sacraments, and joining in prayer and praise. First Lutheran Church, grounded in the gathering-word-meal-sending pattern of the Lutheran liturgy, values worship as a sacred space for people of faith and seekers alike to encounter God and to receive God’s grace. Worship is offered in-person and via live stream.
First Lutheran has a longstanding history and relationship with Luther College. Our congregation reflects the meeting of head and of heart, and places a high value on having a “thinking faith.” We are a Reconciling in Christ (open and affirming) congregation with an expansive welcome statement. Our congregation seeks to be a place that supports the mission of Luther College and encourages its students in thoughtful and faithful engagement with the world. We want to be a place where faith can be examined, pondered, and deepened. We also have a large number of Luther faculty and staff members in the congregation, and we are pleased to support Luther College and its students by tending to the souls of those who serve the college.
Opportunities for Luther Students
Internships (paid), Music, Anti-Racism Work, Children and Youth Programming, Bible Study, Service Work, Social Justice Work, Worship Leadership
Adrian Walter, our Director of Youth and Family Ministries, regularly has Luther students as interns and volunteers. Luther students have also been active and welcome contributors to our worship and music life.
Other Information
Accessibility
- Has large print bulletins at every service
- Provides hearing devices for every service
- Accessible entrance/access to sanctuary/fellowship hall
LGBTQIA+/Gender
- Reconciling in Christ Congregation (ELCA Open and Affirming designation)
- Inclusion/equity in leadership
- Marries same-sex couples
- Gender neutral bathrooms
- Opportunity for self-identification of pronouns
Racial Justice
- Congregational anti-racism efforts
- AMMPARO Welcoming Congregation
- Safe sanctuary for undocumented immigrants
Environmental Stewardship
- Active in environmental justice
- Renewable energy
- Assesses energy usage
- Recycling policy in place
309 Winnebago St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3601
Pastor
Rev. Peter Kowitz
Weekly Attendance
151-200
Contact
Office: (563) 382-3601 or office@decorahlutheran.org
Website: https://www.decorahlutheran.org/
About
At Decorah Lutheran the Word and Sacrament are central to our gathering. Worship builds on the historical liturgy by adding new and timely material. Our organ fills the space with glorious sound. The grand piano is a delight for choirs and soloists. Don’t be surprised to hear guitar leading that newly written song. Join us for a multi-generational experience.
We welcome you to be a part of a traditional congregation. Here you will find that multi-generational experience that is larger than your current situation.
Opportunities for Luther Students
Employment, Fellowship, Music, Children and Youth Programming, Bible Study, Service Work, Worship Leadership
Music students regularly perform during worship.
Demographics
Accessibility
- Has hearing assisting devices at worship
- Has ADA compliant ramps
- Has ADA compliant restrooms
LGBTQIA+/Gender
- Marries same-sex couples
- Employs(ed) women clergy
- Gender neutral bathrooms
Racial Justice
- Welcome of immigrants
Environmental Stewardship
- Solar panels
- Assesses energy usage
- Recycling policy in place
1197 Old Stage Rd
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-2747
Pastor
Interim
Weekly Attendance
51-100
Contact
Office: (563) 382-2747 or glenwoodlutheran@neitel.net
Website: http://www.glenwoodlutheran.org
About
Worship takes place at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., alternating between Glenwood and Canoe Ridge Churches. Online worship also continues and can be viewed here.
We are an active, tender hearted congregation with a mix of elders, young children, and every age in between. It is a welcoming and affirming space. We’d love to meet you!
Opportunities for Luther Students
Fellowship, Music, Children and Youth Programming, Bible Study, Service Work, Worship Leadership
In the past, we have enjoyed and appreciated Luther students offering their musical gifts here as worship accompanists. We don’t have many students visit our congregation simply because we are 8 miles outside of Decorah. However, online worship has made us far more accessible and we look forward to welcoming students as part of our community here!
Other Information
Accessibility
- Has large print bulletins at every service
- Provides hearing devices for every service
- Has ADA compliant restrooms
LGBTQIA+/Gender
- Marries same-sex couples
- Gender inclusion/equity in leadership
- Gender neutral bathrooms
- Opportunity for self-identification of pronouns
Racial Justice
- Congregational/community anti-racism efforts
- Community anti-racism efforts
- Active support of local immigrants
Environmental Stewardship
- Assesses energy usage
- Recycling policy in place
701 Iowa Ave.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3963
Pastors
Pr. Amy Zalk Larson
Weekly Attendance
101-150
Contact Info
Website: https://www.goodshepherddecorah.org/
Office: (563) 382-3963 or office@goodshepherddecorah.org
Facebook: goodshepherddecorah
Instagram: @decorahgoodshepherd
About
Worship is at the center of the ministry of Good Shepherd. In worship, we encounter God in word and sacrament and are shaped to be God’s people in the world. Worship at Good Shepherd draws on beautiful, ancient patterns that gather, feed and send us out in service. Our worship is creative, welcoming and joyful. The music includes the great hymns of the church and new songs from around the world. The music and the singing is wonderful and there is always room for you to share your gifts. Holy Communion is celebrated each Sunday when we worship in the building and regularly outside during COVID.
Opportunities for Luther Students
Internships (paid), Internships (for credit), Fellowship, Music, Anti-Racism Work, Children and Youth Programming, Bible Study, Service Work, Social Justice Work, Worship Leadership
Luther students teach Sunday School and Youth Forum, offer music and take part in social justice work.
It’s all about relationships. We want to help you connect with leaders and members from across the generations so you can experience welcome and support and share your gifts.
Other Information
Accessibility:
- Has large print bulletins at every service
- Provides hearing devices for every service
- Has ADA compliant ramps
- Has ADA compliant restrooms
LGBTQIA+/Gender:
- Reconciling in Christ Congregation (ELCA Open and Affirming designation)
- Inclusion/equity in leadership
- Marries same-sex couples
- Gender neutral bathrooms
- Opportunity for self-identification of pronouns
Racial Justice:
- Developing official statement on racial justice
- Congregational/community anti-racism efforts
- AMMPARO Welcoming Congregation
- Safe sanctuary for undocumented immigrants
Environmental Stewardship:
- Active in environmental justice
- Renewable energy
- Assesses energy usage
- Recycling policy in place
Assembly of God
2513 River Rd.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-8711
Website: http://www.clcag.us/
Baptist
111 Montgomery Street
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-4825
Website: https://www.stoneridgecc.com/
Church of Christ
2345 Ranch Rd.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 387-0581
Evangelical Covenant
115 Washington St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-1342
Pastors
Rev. Don Holmertz and Rev. Julie Chamberlain
Weekly Attendance
51-100
Contact
Website: https://www.decorahcovenant.org/
Office: (563) 382-1342 or office@decorahcovenant.org
Facebook: decorahcovenantchurch
About
Up-to-date information about weekly worship format–as well as links to the livestream–can be found on our website.
Decorah Covenant Church is a gathering of people of all ages and backgrounds who are passionate about following Christ and following Christ together. In our Sunday morning service, we value vulnerability, authentic participation and Gospel-centered worship. The atmosphere is creative, comfortable, and encourages togetherness. There are plenty of opportunities for spiritual growth and connections through the week as well, all of which seem to come back to our curious and joyful preoccupation with the Bible. Following Jesus is more than showing up and growing up, however. Jesus said, “You shall be my witnesses….” We take those words seriously in a variety of mission and service efforts locally and abroad. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, we’re interested in getting to know you. We hope that you’ll come with your questions, your struggles, your own history with Jesus, and the unique gifts God has given you.
Opportunities for Luther students
Internships (paid), Internships (for credit), Fellowship, Music, Children and Youth Programming, Bible Study, Worship Leadership
Luther students are involved in many aspects of our ministry at DCC. We currently have a Luther student serving as our worship intern and several other Luther students involved in our worship team. Luther students volunteer with our youth ministry, teach youth and adult Sunday School classes, and over the last year, two Luther students were part of our preaching rotation. We have an active college-age ministry called DeCCAF that gathers monthly (pre-Covid) for food and fellowship, and college students are also involved in other bible studies and small group ministries. Luther students are an integral part of our ministry family here at DCC.At DCC we consider it an honor to walk alongside college students as they take new steps on their journey of faith. We know that these college years are often a time of great questioning, deconstruction and reconstruction, growth, exploration and calling. And we want to be here for all of it. Especially for students coming from a more evangelical background, DCC is a safe place to process new learning, ask hard questions, study the Bible together and build relationships that foster growth and trust. The Evangelical Covenant Church has a high view of Scripture and also a high view of freedom in Christ. This makes DCC a rather theologically diverse body and a great place to explore, ask questions and grow.
Demographics
Accessibility
- Has ADA compliant ramps
- Has ADA compliant restrooms
LGBTQIA+/Gender
- Employs(ed) women clergy
- Does not marry same-sex couples
- Opportunity for self-identification of pronouns
Racial Justice
- Congregational/community anti-racism efforts
- Welcome of immigrants
- Safe sanctuary for undocumented immigrants
Environmental Stewardship
- Recycling policy in place
Jehovah's Witnesses
3144 US Highway 52
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-2801
Roman Catholic
307 W Main St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-9631
Quaker
603 E Water St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3699
Website: https://www.fgcquaker.org/quaker-finder/decorah-friends-meeting/
Weekly Attendance
1-50
Contact
Clerk Bill Deutsch, billbdeutsch@gmail.com, 563-382-3699
Treasurer Hannah Breckbill, breckbih@gmail.com
About
Friends meeting holds an unprogrammed silent meeting for an hour every first day (Sunday). That means that we sit in “silent waiting” together and if someone is called to speak, they do. In time of COVID, we’ve meet hybrid in person and ZOOM, seasonally, outdoors.
Other Information
LGBTQIA+/Gender
- Official welcome statement
- Marries same-sex couples
- Gender inclusion in leadership
- Gender neutral bathrooms
- Opportunity for self-identification of pronouns
Racial Justice
- Congregational/community anti-racism efforts
- Community anti-racism efforts
- Active support of local immigrants
- Safe sanctuary for undocumented immigrants
Environmental Stewardship
- Renewable energy
- Assesses energy usage
- Recycling policy in place
United Church of Christ
209 Broadway St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-2661
Pastor
Rev. Seth Robinson
Weekly attendance
1-50
Contact Info
Office: (563) 382-2661 or office@decorahucc.org
Website: https://decorahucc.org/
About
Worship is held in-person with masks required at 10:30am on Sundays. Services are followed by a time of fellowship with coffee.
Creating spaces where everyone, everyone, everyone can encounter the Sacred is core to our identity as followers of Jesus. Our worship is vibrant and varied. We look to breathe new life into time-honored liturgies and love experimenting with new practices of making meaning.  Recently our services have been intentionally intergenerational—hands-on, participatory, and designed with the gifts and needs of folks across the age spectrum in mind.We long to cultivate joyful connection with ourselves, with each other, and with God.
Opportunities for Luther Students
Employment, Music, Anti-Racism Work, Children and Youth Programming, Service Work, Social Justice Work, Worship Leadership, Solidarity with local immigrant families by offering rides and hauling furniture through Neighbors Helping Neighbors (click here for more info).
In recent times, Luther students have accompanied and performed music during worship on a variety of instruments; served on staff as our Children’s Ministry Coordinator; and volunteered for faith formation activities with kiddos. In the past, we’ve had a group of Luther students meet casually to build community and explore their spiritualities.
We welcome Luther students to know others and be known themselves in an intergenerational community that seeks belonging and integrity. As much as we love to welcome Luther students *in*, we also are excited to come alongside students as we send each other *out* to partner for the good of our community. Our partnerships in the community include a focus on supporting and building relationships with our immigrant siblings, as well as an emerging hub for faith-rooted antiracism organizing and advocacy.
Other Information
Accessibility
- Has large print bulletins at every service
- Provides hearing devices for every service
- Has ADA compliant restrooms
- Has accessible entrance & lift for whole-building access
LGBTQIA+/Gender
- Official welcome statement
- Gender inclusion/equity in leadership
- Marries same-sex couples
- Gender neutral bathrooms
- Opportunity for self-identification of pronouns
Racial Justice
- Congregational/community anti-racism efforts
- Official statement of welcome for BIPOC community
- Active support of local immigrants
Environmental Stewardship
- Assesses energy usage
- Recycling policy in place
United Methodist Church
302 W Broadway St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3835
Pastor
Pr. Hyeunmee Kang
Weekly Attendance
51-100
Contact
Office: (563) 382-3835 or decorah-first-umc@iaumc.net
Website: http://decorahfirstunitedmethodist.org
About
We, Decorah First United Methodist Church, are called by Christ to be a welcoming community of believers who celebrate life’s spiritual journey. We are dedicated to a growing faith manifested by unconditional love, compassion, thoughtful service and stewardship within our church, community and world.
Following are what we value in the worship life that extends from worship to socializing and learning on any typical Sunday:
- Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Our traditional service features scripture readings, thought-provoking sermons and beautiful and inspirational music. Large print hymnals and hearing amplification systems are available from the ushers. We strongly value the inspirational music in the life of worship at DFUMC. Congregational singing, a worship tradition dating back to John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, brings the congregation together in one voice in one Spirit. The pianist/accompanist has been filled by a Luther College music student. The Adult Choir adds beautiful and inspirational music to worship services from September through May, singing a blended repertoire that includes modern, progressive composers such as Bryan Sirchio and Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan. The choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. It is open to anyone who wishes to join and make a joyful noise with us. Up until the pandemic, the choir was directed by Dr. Amy Englesdorfer, an assistant professor of music at Luther College.
- Children are welcome at our worship service, which includes a children’s story time by the pastor. Children’s activity bags are available from the ushers. An unattended nursery is also available during the worship service.
- Communion is offered on the first Sunday of each month. We believe that everyone should be welcomed at the Table. You don’t have to be a member of our congregation or a United Methodist. You just need to want to be closer to God! So, when we invite the congregation to come forward to receive communion, we mean you!
- Coffee Fellowship time: We value it as an extended part of worship. It takes place after worship (10 a.m.) in the lower level Fellowship Hall. It is the time to enjoy coffee and treats while getting to know others in our welcoming congregation.
- Christian Education classes are held Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for preschool through eighth grade children. The kids gather to sing together and then break up into three age groups: preschool to third grade, fourth and fifth grades and sixth through eighth grades. Adult forums are periodically offered at 10:30 a.m. Classes are held in the Education Wing.
Opportunities for Luther students
Employment, Fellowship, Music, Service Work, Social Justice Work
Up until the pandemic, our pianist/accompanist was a Luther College Music student and several Luther students worshiped and socialized with us on Sunday regularly. We are looking for a pianist/accompanist and a choir director. Also we wish to establish a close relationship with Luther College in any way possible. Also we will maintain ourselves as the welcoming congregation for any Luther Student for any capacity.
Other Information
Accessibility
- Has large print bulletins at every service
- Provides hearing devices for every service
- Has ADA compliant ramps
LGBTQIA+/Gender
- Employs(ed) women clergy
- Does not marry same-sex couples
Racial Justice
- Community anti-racism efforts
- Active support of local immigrants
- Safe sanctuary for undocumented immigrants
Environmental Stewardship
- Assesses energy usage
- Recycling policy in place