OUR STORY

A young man and his wife left their home in Pennsylvania in 1830 to seek fertile farmland in Ohio.  They traveled the rough terrain by covered wagon in hopes of finding the ideal location to build their home.  This move west was not because they were seeking adventure but because of their marriage.  The young man, who was raised in a strict Lutheran family and the young woman who was the daughter of a Reform minister decided to marry despite their religious differences and the fact that their marriage was not acceptable to their families.  The couple decided it best to make a life of their own, totally detached from their immediate families.

As they came through central Ohio they found a small stream, surrounded by fertile farmland with elevations suitable for a home.  The land could be purchased, so a small log cabin was built on a knoll overlooking Walnut Creek.

The young man, John Henry Dietz and his wife Elizabeth (Geistweit) worshipped together each Sunday and invited everyone they met to join them.  The number grew rapidly and strong friendships developed.  This group of people from mainly German descent, were a great influence in the development of the village of Canal Winchester.

The United Brethren, Reform, and Lutheran Churches were eventually founded from worshippers in this group.

The log cabin stood for six generations on the Dietz farm until the summer of 1982, when John Dietz (great-great-grandson of the builder) decided to tear it down.  He offered some of the logs to Mr. Don Miller who readily accepted them.  Mr. James Castro constructed a cross from the logs for David Lutheran Church.  We now have this meaningful cross dedicated in the glory of God and to those who came before us.

May it always remind us of our duty to lead others to know our Lord Jesus Christ.

April 1984

Frances S. Steube

Mission. Vision. Goals.

OUR MISSION

To Share the Love of Jesus with others.

OUR VISION

To become a people who know and feel God’s love so fully that we are excited to share it in our world, church community, and personal lives through every thought, word, and action.

OUR GOALS

Develop a better understanding of His word and share it lovingly with others.

• Online and in-person worship

• Music ministries

• Bible Studies

• Interactions with members of ALL ages.

Extend God’s love generously, so others may come to know Him.

• Cross generational faith formation

• Have 2-3 fun events per year for members and friends

• Continue sign-ups for roles, music ministry, and giving

Learn to love, welcome, and accept all people despite their differences.

• Communication in several channels for service times and special services (signage, Facebook, email, and bulletin)

• Provide a warm, welcoming place of worship for new and current community members, where they can be fully themselves without judgement.

Commit to lovingly address the needs of our church members, community, and world.

• Every DELC member is invited to participate in bi-monthly (6 per year) works coordinated through DELC ministries.

• Those who are able are encouraged to volunteer 3 days this year for yard work and others are encouraged to pray for those in need and contribute as they can to World Relief.

• Participate in 3-4 community events each year

VISIT

What to Expect

 Our 8:00 service features a traditional style of the Lutheran liturgy using a hymnbook and the pipe organ. But don’t worry about following along, our service order is also printed in a handout. 

Our 10:30 service features a blended style of traditional and contemporary elements. The service order is more informal but follows the Lutheran pattern of worship. The service is printed in a handout and projected on a large screen up front. Holy Communion takes place during both of our worship services.

Speaking of Holy Communion, we celebrate the Sacrament at both services every Sunday. We practice “open communion” which means that, if you commune in the church you come from, you are welcome to commune with us. We serve communion wafers and regular grape wine but have gluten-free wafers and grape juice available at both services. Just ask.

Finally, during both services, we have a time we call “Sharing the Peace”. Jesus said to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” When we share the peace during the service, we are continuing the custom Jesus taught. This means that while everyone is standing after the prayers, folks shake hands or otherwise greet one another with the words, “The peace of the Lord be with you.” It is both a greeting and a blessing. You will find that many folks will wish to share the peace with you. (Should you be concerned about germs, there are bottles of antibacterial hand sanitizer in each row.)

Dress

Most folks come to the services in casual dress clothing. You will see some ties and jackets on the men but mostly polo shirts, Dockers, jeans and, in the summer, shorts. Some women wear dresses every Sunday while others dress in casual blouses, slacks and capris, jeans and, yes, in the summer, shorts. Overall, we are not concerned about what folks wear but that they come and be comfortable.

Children

Having a preschool as part of the church, we are used to children being with us during the worship service. For those who just want to “step out” for a moment, there is ample space and comfortable chairs in the Entry area along with glass doors to enable you to see the service. We also have activity bags for children that includes coloring supplies, games and books. Just ask one of the ushers and they will be glad to get one for each child.

Arriving

The church has two main points of entry on Sunday morning – the front entry facing the main street (Groveport Road) and a side entry (from the parking lot on the east side of the building, facing the picnic shelter.) Both are used on Sunday mornings but mainly folks come in from the parking lot on the east side. If you enter from the front, you will come immediately into our Entry and Fellowship area. If you enter from the east side parking lot, you will come into a hallway that leads straight ahead to the Entry and Fellowship area. Either way, you’ll find yourself in the hub of Sunday morning activity.

In our Entry area, you will find warm and friendly folks who will greet you and make you feel welcome. You will find our information station with loads of handouts and printed material but, more importantly, you will see our large video display of activities, events, and information. You may want to take a moment and check this out. If you come just prior to our 10:30 service or stay after our 8:00 service, you will find coffee, drinks and other goodies at our Refreshment Station. Please, help yourself.

Accessibility

All one level, except for the Education wing, the church is generally accessible for those with mobility issues. The restrooms are a bit small but do have accommodations such as hand rails and larger stalls. A regular wheelchair and a power chair are available for use as needed. Ushers and others are always available to help.

Giving

At both services each Sunday we take up a “collection”. We believe that giving is part of our practice of faith and we encourage our members and regular visitors to contribute to the work and ministry of Jesus in this place. Therefore, you will see people putting money or offering envelops in the offering plates. You, however, are our guest. We do not expect anything from you except that you worship with us, praise God, hear the Word and join us for Holy Communion. The Spirit will do the rest.