Masha Koyama, Council Chair
Message from Pastor Emily Graff
From Pastor Emily Graff
Beloved,
Welcome. I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church is a community rooted in the grace of Jesus, a grace
that meets us exactly where we are and refuses to leave us unchanged. In the heart of
downtown Toronto, in a neighborhood full of movement and diversity, we are learning
what it means to be a church that is both deeply grounded and courageously open.
The church is not a building or a program, it is people. It is a community shaped by
Word and Sacrament, by prayer and song, by honest questions and shared meals. It is
a place where we bring our whole selves: our doubts and convictions, our grief and joy,
our longing for justice, our hope for healing.
At First, we worship with reverence and warmth. We serve our neighbors because
Christ first served us. We strive to be a reconciling community where all are welcomed,
valued, and invited into the life of faith. We are not perfect, but we are committed to
walking together, trusting that the Spirit is always at work among us.
Whether you are searching for a church home, returning to faith after some time away,
new to Christianity, or simply curious, you are welcome here. Truly. There is space for
you in this story.
I would love to meet you, in worship, over coffee, or in conversation. My prayer is that in
this community you would experience the abiding presence of God and discover again
(or perhaps for the first time) that you are deeply, unconditionally loved.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Emily
Message from the Church Council
We believe
…that everyone has a place here, regardless of who you are: we are committed to welcoming all people and hearing all voices.
…that God has called us to serve our neighbourhood.
…that the Spirit is leading us to transform our lives and the world around us.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and we live in relationship with Christians all over the world. We believe in Jesus Christ who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, calls us to serve our fellow people and to love all of our neighbours as ourselves.
All are welcome at our services whether you are a long-time resident, a newcomer, or a visitor to our city, seeking your spiritual home or just passing by. We are proud to offer hybrid in-person and online, and strive to embrace those attending our services from home just as warmly as those we meet in-person.
First is a great destination for those seeking to worship or explore faith in the midst of a safe, warm and welcoming community.
Blessings,
Masha Koyama,
Council Chair, First Ev. Lutheran Church