On a quiet stretch of Lincoln Drive in Sun Prairie, Our Savior's Lutheran Church has gathered Lutherans and neighbors since 1957. The congregation belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and sits within the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, a regional body of 133 congregations across 13 counties. For nearly seven decades, Our Savior's has built a reputation in the city for its warm hospitality, deep musical tradition, and the kind of Sunday morning where a first-time guest is likely to be greeted by name at the welcome desk before they reach the narthex.
Sunday Worship, Two Services with Two Characters
Worship is at the center of life at Our Savior's. During the summer months, the congregation meets for a single combined service at 9:00 AM. The rest of the year, the schedule resumes with two Sunday services: an 8:00 AM liturgy and a 10:30 AM service that features the praise band. Recent worship services are recorded and shared on the OSLC YouTube channel, and recordings are also broadcast on KSUN each Sunday at 12 noon for those who prefer to watch from home.
The church holds to Lutheran confessional roots while remaining open about the changing shape of contemporary faith. The 8:00 AM service draws on the church's liturgical heritage, while the 10:30 AM service adds vocalists, drums, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and piano for a blended approach. New member classes are offered periodically throughout the year, typically in two sessions held between services, covering faith and beliefs as well as ministry opportunities.
A Choir for Every Voice
If there is one thing that sets Our Savior's apart from many churches its size, it is the breadth of its music program. Six ensembles, spanning ages four through adult, keep the congregation singing.
- Senior Choir, directed by Rick LaFleur, meets Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 PM and sings in services on the first and third Sundays of each month. The choir is open to high school students and older.
- Chancel Ringers, the handbell choir directed by Josh Morano, rehearses Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and plays in worship at least once a month. Substitutes are always needed.
- Praise Band, led by Bekah Morano, provides contemporary music at the 10:30 AM service and rehearses at 9:30 AM each Sunday. Members include vocalists, drums, guitar, bass, and piano, and participation is flexible.
- Cherub Choir gathers 4K, kindergarten, and first graders on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:00 PM for singing, movement, and instruments, under the direction of Diane Padrutt.
- Youth Choir, for second through fifth graders, rehearses at the same Wednesday time slot and is directed by Breta Saganski.
- Alleluia Singers, a sixth through eighth grade ensemble, meets Wednesdays from 6:00 to 6:30 PM, also under Saganski.
Bekah Morano serves as Director of Music, Organist, and Praise Band Director, coordinating the program across generations. The church's music statement, drawn from Psalm 95, sums up the philosophy: "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation."
Growing in Faith from Preschool Through Confirmation
Faith formation at Our Savior's begins early. Sunday School meets during the program year for preschool through fifth grade, supported by the Education Board and coordinated by Brenda Wilcox, the Youth Education Coordinator. A dedicated Children's ministry line of volunteers and teachers welcomes children each week without requiring teaching experience from its helpers.
For older students, confirmation is a major milestone. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings for students in sixth through ninth grade and are led by caring adults from the congregation. Curriculum and support are provided. The middle school youth group, called C.H.A.O.S., gathers additional energy for games, service projects, and community-building. High school students find a home in Disruptive Disciples, which meets between services for breakfast and plans service projects and outings throughout the year.
Denise West serves as Director of Youth and Family, walking alongside parents and guardians as they nurture faith at home. Vacation Bible School is offered each summer, with registration announced well before the program begins.
Serving Beyond the Walls
Outreach and service are organized through the Church in Society Board, which guides the congregation's work with local charities, food pantries, shelters, and mission organizations. The Evangelism Board focuses on welcoming newcomers and encouraging members to invite others. A separate Stewardship Board plans the annual giving campaign and helps members reflect on the practice of faithful generosity, while the Finance Board keeps the books in order and the Property Board cares for the building and grounds.
Worship & Arts takes care of the visual and seasonal life of the church, from banners and flowers to Hanging of the Greens, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Fellowship events, organized by the Fellowship Board, build relationships over shared meals and celebrations. Public Relations keeps the story straight across newsletters, bulletins, and social media, where the congregation is active on Facebook and Instagram.
An Accessible Building on Lincoln Drive
The church building at 550 Lincoln Drive is set up to welcome visitors of all mobility levels. A carport shelters the entry, accessible entrances and automatic door openers make the doors easy to navigate, and assisted listening devices are available for those who need them. Council minutes are kept in a binder at the welcome desk in the narthex, and the welcome desk attendant serves as a friendly point of contact on Sunday mornings for anyone with questions.
Joining the Congregation
Those curious about making Our Savior's their church home are invited to reach out to the church office, which can connect them with new member classes and a partner to help them find a place to serve. Pastor Erika Breddin, who leads the congregation, is supported by a staff that includes a custodian, an office administrator, a financial secretary, and a deep bench of music and family ministry leaders. Online giving is available through ShelbyNext Giving for those who wish to support the church's work and ministries on a recurring basis. Giving is also available online for one-time contributions.