Very likely, yes. ELCA churches nationwide wear those shirts, especially on our day of service or when helping the community. We have been wearing ours since 2013 trying to do God's work with our hands in the Maple Valley area.
We share a living, daring confidence in God's grace.
Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person — questions, complexities and all.
About Us
Who we are
We are a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. For us, this faith comes through the good news of Jesus Christ and gives us the freedom and the courage to wonder, discover and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world.
We are a church that is always being made new, and at the same time, is deeply rooted in Scripture, Lutheran theology and Lutheran confessions. We are also rooted in our vibrant, diverse community and the rich history of this congregation. It's through these roots that the Holy Spirit guides and nourishes us so that we can be a church that is both resilient and always new.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
SVLC is a congregation of the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can learn more about our shared ministry together from their websites.
Visit NWWA Synod WebsiteVisit ELCA Website
Our History
In August 1972, Pastor Wesley Tollefson was called to help establish a Lutheran Church in Maple Valley. Initially the congregation met in a school. As the congregation grew, a 4.7-acre piece of land was purchased. In May 1975, ground was broken for a church building, and in 1978 the first services were held in the new facility.
Through the years our congregation began to grow, and it soon became evident that a larger church building was required. On May 1, 2005, services were first held in our new, larger sanctuary. The new structure added 12,000 square feet to the old facility. The old sanctuary now serves as the main space for Blossoming Hill Montessori School, and has been renamed Tollefson Hall in honor of Pastor Wes.
Community Partners
SVLC works closely with the partners we
share our building with:
Blossoming
Hill Montessori, Tahoma
Cooperative Preschool, and Maple
Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are you that church with the yellow t-shirts?
-
What is the typical dress for services at SVLC?
Come as you are! You will find people wearing everything from suits and ties to t-shirts and jeans.
-
What does baptism mean to Lutherans?
Baptism is at the very heart of Lutheran theology; that we are loved, welcomed, and called to serve, even before we can do anything for ourselves. This is why Lutherans will baptize anyone, including infants; we are reminded that God's deep love is a free gift, and the source of life.
Baptism also welcomes us into the community of faith. As part of that community, we are surrounded by people who will lift us up, challenge our ideas, comfort us when we grieve, and help us find a place to serve. -
Am I allowed to take communion during worship if I am not a member of the congregation?
Yes. Christ is the host of the meal, we are all guests. We also provide options such as allergen-free wafers and grape juice to accommodate any personal needs, and would be willing to work with anyone's needs to make sure they can participate.
-
How do I schedule a baptism, wedding, or funeral at SVLC?
Contact our church office at 425.432.1373 or office@SVLCcommunity.org.
Our Team
Andy Arnold
Pastorpastor@SVLCcommunity.org
Pastor Andy was called to serve SVLC in 2013 after serving at congregations in Kalispell, Montana and Wasilla, Alaska. He brings with him a passion for helping all people know that they are loved by God and called to serve others in Christ's name. Andy is married to Laura, a music teacher and music therapist, and they have an elementary-aged daughter.
Kathy Fix
Office Administratoroffice@SVLCcommunity.org
Kathy had barely finished blessing her three grown up girls on their way out of the house when she decided she needed something more to take care of. So Sophia, a Maltese/Poodle mix, joined the Fixes in their Auburn home. Kathy has been a Lutheran all of her life and a member of SVLC since 1986 when she and Dale moved west from North Dakota. She has worked as a member of the office staff for the past 16 years. In her time at home, Kathy enjoys reading and is immersed in sewing/craft projects as well as flower gardening.
KEN RIGGS
Music Directormusic@SVLCcommunity.org
Ken has been composing choral music for over 25
years. His works have been performed and recorded by
choirs throughout the U.S.A. as well as
internationally. As a choral music educator, he has
taught in the public schools at all grade levels, as
well as teaching private voice and piano. Along with
being SVLC's Music Director, Ken has been the choir
director at Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, WA
since 1996. Riggs serves as Music Coordinator for the
Tahoma School District. He holds both his B.M. in
Music Education and his M.M. in Choral Conducting from
Central Washington University where he also studied
composition. He is a member of both ACDA and NAfME,
and is active as both a clinician and a performer.
Leadership
Choir Director: Ken Riggs •
Praise Band Director: Lisa Sutter
Janitor: Seth Burwell •
Maintenance: Dale Fix •
Nursery Attendant: Brittany DeRohan
Council President: Kirk Johnson •
Council Vice President: Kirstin Sellers
Council Treasurer: Stephanie Eskesen •
Council Secretary: DeAnn Dige
Council Members:
Glenda Battey, Vicki Chinchar, Kel Duluoz, Kevin Farlee,
Kurt Paulson, Jim Skjelstad