Christ Lutheran Church

Has anyone ever told you about the church that started in a laundromat? Here at Christ Lutheran Church in Santa Fe, that’s exactly how the story begins. In 1962, the first congregation met in a repurposed metal Quonset hut, a former laundromat on Early Street. Imagine, from soapy water to holy water! This year marks Christ Lutheran Church’s 50th anniversary. The church officially joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1963. Just a few years later, in 1966, this unique sanctuary on Arroyo Chamiso Road was built in just six months. Look up at the solid wood cross above the altar. One of the long-time members, Doug Peterson, remembers it being hoisted into place. The sanctuary is a beautiful blend of simple design and New Mexican influence. Notice the vigas and latillas crisscrossing the ceiling. Many items within the sanctuary are donations from the community, from the carved altar to an oil painting by a congregant and even a pair of Nambé candlesticks. Christ Lutheran Church welcomes everyone. Interim Pastor Kate Schlechter, the church’s first female pastor, emphasizes the Lutheran belief of salvation by grace alone. The church supports inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and orientations. Christ Lutheran Church even has a close relationship with Temple Beth Shalom. They share in each other’s traditions, from breaking the fast after Yom Kippur to exchanging holiday wreaths. Rickey Faehl, a member since the 1970s, notes the church’s diverse community, which includes a Buddhist priest attending Sunday services. This inclusivity extends beyond just sexual orientation, emphasizing social justice and civil rights. Community engagement is a core value of Christ Lutheran Church. In the 1970s, they helped establish the Santa Fe Farmers Market. The church hosts various community events, like Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and Zumba classes. Every Thursday, members distribute groceries to families in need. Christ Lutheran Church has always been a place of refuge, even serving as a shelter during the Cerro Grande Fire evacuations in 2000. While the congregation’s size remains similar to its early days, the world around it has changed. The church continues to seek ways to connect with younger generations. Despite differing opinions on some issues, the members are united in their faith and commitment to community. They gather as equals before the altar.