We want it to be of public record that those of different colored skin and heritage are welcome here.

We want it to be known that those who suffer from addiction to drugs and alcohol (whether recovering or not), and their families are welcome here.

We want it to be known that women, men and children are welcome here and that they will not be harassed or abused here.

We want it to be public record that in this congregation you can bring children to worship and even if they cry they are welcome.

We want it to be known that those who are single by choice, by divorce, or through death of a spouse, are welcome here.

We want it to be known that if you are promiscuous, have had an abortion, or have fathered children and taken no responsibility for them, you are welcome here.

We want it to be known that gossips, cheats, liars, the greedy, the self-righteous, racists and bigots and their families are welcome here.

We want it to be known that those who are disobedient to their parents and who have family problems are welcome here.

We want it to be of public record that gays and lesbians and members of their families are welcome here.

Let it be public knowledge that we, American Lutheran Church, take seriously that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The young and old, the rich, the poor all of the broken are welcome here.

We want it to be public knowledge that we are justified by the grace of the Lord, which is a gift through the redemption, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We offer welcome here not because we condone sin or underestimate the cruel damage sin does, but because we believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for the ungodly. That’s us. Christ did not die for us after we showed signs of “getting it all together.” Christ loved and still shows love to use while we are yet sinners.

Sinners are welcome here; sinners like you and me, and like our neighbors. Let us not condemn the world, but let us proclaim to a broken and hurting world, God is forgiveness and grace.

We want it to be of public record that since we are a sinful people, we will not always be as quick to welcome as we should. Let us be quick to admit our sin and seek forgiveness.

May God give us the grace to welcome and forgive one another as Christ has welcomed and forgiven us.

Originally written by Pastor Chuck Hazlett, who served Custer Lutheran Fellowship from 1978-1998, and edited by Pastor John Sandstrom who served American Lutheran Church from 2000-2007.

When the American Lutheran Church formed in 1945 it was not the first Lutheran church in Castlewood, South Dakota. Scandinavian Lutheran Church was located near the current high school on Pearl Street but that church became inactive and did not survive the Great Depression. Later, in 1942, their building was destroyed by a tornadic windstorm that caused much damage throughout the town. The first service for what became known as the American Lutheran Church was held on Wednesday, August 15, 1945 the day after the Japanese surrendered ending World War II. Planning for that first service began a month earlier in the home of William Gantvoort when future parishioners gathered to discuss forming a new Lutheran church in Castlewood.

When American Lutheran Church formed in 1945 the only church building available was a Methodist Church built in 1898 that had not been in use for some time and it was in desperate need of repair. After many hours of updating and remodeling the building served the needs of the congregation for the next 16 years. That building still stands on the corner of Alice Street and 3rd Avenue and today it is occupied as a residence.

The current building at 311 S 4th Avenue was also previously occupied by a different congregation. It was purchased from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, South Dakota and the building was moved to Castlewood on July 11, 1962. The building had been used by St. Paul’s Lutheran for 27 years. After renovations and the addition of a new entrance a re-dedication service for the building was held on December 2, 1962.

Later, in 1999, a large addition was added on to the west end of the church and that became the new sanctuary. The original structure became a fellowship area and a new kitchen was added on the north side of the original church. Previously, the kitchen had been in the basement. The driveway and southern entrance was added at this time.