A  B  O  U  T     U  S

A SHORT HISTORY OF ISLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

 

MISSION STATEMENT

"ISLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH EXISTS TO FULLY KNOW THE JOYS OF SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST AND TO JOYFULLY SHARE THAT SALVATION WITH ALL AROUND US THROUGH WORSHIP, WITNESS, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, NURTURE, FELLOWSHIP, SERVICE AND STEWARDSHIP."

 

  

20TH YEAR IN 2005

Island Lutheran Church  celebrated 20 years as a congregation in November of 2005.  Our ministry began when 23 original members held their first worship service at the Port Royal Plantation Clubhouse.  When clubhouse events were scheduled, worship services, prayer meetings and other events were held in member’s homes.  In April of 1986 Island Lutheran Church was chartered and joined the Lutheran Church/Missouri Synod.

A prime site of 2.4 acres, at the corner of Main Street and Wilborn Road, was purchased in 1989 and groundbreaking for the sanctuary was held in the fall of 1991.  Rev. Robert Hedtke became the first full time pastor in the spring of 1993.  The original building, totaling 4,000 square feet, was completed and temporary modular units were added in 1996 to meet expanding needs in Christian education for adults and children and youth activities.  A pre-school was added to our church’s mission in 1998.

Text Box:    Subsequent successful capital campaigns, titled Faith Forward and Faith Forward II, provided funds to add  dedicated pre-school rooms, a fellowship hall, and expanded narthex, classrooms, conference room and offices.  A recent appraisal values the church’s land and buildings at $1,913,521.  As part of the dedication of the new facilities, two retired pastors were honored for their tireless efforts in ministering to ILC members. The facilities  were dedicated as the Milton J.Nauss Christian Life Center and the John E. Graudin Fellowship Hall.

Text Box:   Rev. George Spicer conducted his first service in June of 2001.  A second worship service was added in August of 2002.  Also, in 2002, a congregational “Vision to Action” workshop developed five priorities that would enhance and expand the Church’s ministries.  All were carried to a successful conclusion.  The Women’s Ministry, organized in 2002, has carried out many significant projects

  “Mission Possible” became a church wide emphasis in 2004 as thirty-five separate mission efforts were successfully completed.  An interesting mission carried out by our youth involves working with P.E.P (Programs for Exceptional People) in by-weekly Friendship Gatherings.  In cooperation with Lord of Life Lutheran Church, we completed a Habitat for Humanity house in 2004.  Our congregation supports missionaries in Brazil and Kyrgyzstan.

   Beginning in June of 2004, Island Lutheran participated in the LCMS Director of Christian Education Internship program.  Mr. David Timmerman has served his year and  graduated  from Concordia University.  Island Lutheran has extended a call to David and he has accepted to become our full time Director of Christian Education, beginning June 1, 2005. 

 

A 1000 square foot youth room was finished at the end of 2004 to be the center of our youth’s Christian education, social and recreation programs.

  Bible studies have been greatly expanded in 2005 with weekly, bi-weekly and monthly opportunities held at various times and days of the weeks.

  Regarding our Pastoral Leadership – Pastor George Spicer accepted a call to Life In Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria, Arizona in December of 2004.  Our Call Committee  worked with the Southeastern District to provide pastoral candidates for us to consider.  Rev. Dr. Gregory P. Hollis accepted our Call and became our pastor on March 1, 2006. 

  FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LUTHERAN CHURCH, CLICK BEING LUTHERAN

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