Our Story
Our History
Over 154 years of faith, community, and welcome in Otter Tail County lake country.
Our Beginnings
Vining Lutheran Church,
1872 to today.
Led by a great spiritual heritage from the homeland, Norwegian pioneers set out to make their home in this new land, America. A part of the personal belongings of each pioneer were three books: the Bible, the hymnbook, and Luther’s Small Catechism. Even before the homes of the pioneers were finished, they felt the need of a place of worship and established a regular pattern of worship, meeting in various homes.
Thankful for their sacrifice and witness, we are privileged to enter into the ongoing story and future of Vining Lutheran!
What We Believe
Grounded in Lutheran faith.
We hold to the Lutheran confessions and read Scripture as the living Word of God. But faith, for us, isn't a checklist — it's a practice, and one we're all still learning.
Scripture & Tradition
We read the Bible, preach the Word, and hold to the Lutheran confessions as a faithful expression of the Christian faith. We are a member congregation of LCMC — Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.
Grace for Everyone
Faith isn't a prerequisite for walking through the door. Bring your doubts, your grief, your questions — there is room here for all of it. You don't need the right answers. You just need to show up.
Community Matters
The best thing about this church isn't the building or the program — it's the people. We show up for each other in the ordinary and in the difficult, and that's where faith becomes real.
Our Roots
154 years
in the making.
Come As You Are
Ready to visit, or just have questions?
Plan Your Visit
Service times, what to expect, where to park, and what we do with kids on Sunday morning — everything you need before you walk through the door.
Learn what to expectGet In TouchContact Us
Questions about the congregation, membership, or anything else? Reach out to Pastor Randy or the church office — we'd genuinely love to hear from you.
Send us a message