Ministries

In cooperation with other congregations we strive to alleviate suffering within our downtown community. Our partnership with The Helping Hand ministry provides support to transients, the homeless, the hungry, and the displaced. Our doors are open to several organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous. Our partnerships with Meals-on-Wheels, the Catholic Neighborhood Center, and Laughlin Memorial Chapel enrich our ministry and build our community. Our financial gifts through direct support of the ministries of the West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, work to reach the unchurched and provide for basic human needs, both locally and worldwide.

The best way to learn about our ministries is to come and visit us! We look forward to welcoming you home to First English. As we get to know one another, you will discover numerous ways to live out your discipleship.

First English is a founding member of "The Hopeful City Project." The Hopeful City Project is a coalition of Wheeling churches who possess a desire to effect positive change in our city. We believe that Wheeling's residents are very concerned about the health and well being of our city. We believe that Wheeling's residents currently have no way of voicing their concerns, fears, hopes and dreams for our city. Hopeful City is an organization of faith-based communities dedicated to empowering people to fight for positive, systemic change in the Wheeling Metropolitan area.

Hopeful City believes that our destinies are intertwined, and our faith calls us to actively participate in the rebuilding of our community. People have the right and responsibility to determine what happens in their community. By organizing people and money, Hopeful City is building a faith-based, power organization that can influence decisions that are made in our community. Hopeful City encourages leaders to volunteer to work on an issue because it is in their self-interest.

Hopeful City began its efforts during the Spring of 2001 by having more than 3,700 conversations with members of our congregations, neighborhoods, and workplaces. The conversations focused on the hopes, dreams, and fears people have for their congregations and the community. Through our various conversations, we have identified that the three strongest areas of concern for Wheeling residents are: Community Renaissance - Jobs, Business and Downtown; Housing and Neighborhood Deterioration; and the trafficking of illegal drugs in our neighborhoods.

Hopeful City is an outreach of the congregations of Wheeling to empower people of the area to improve their community and to build bridges among the community, churches and available resources. Hopeful City chooses to have high visibility in the community and is willing to be held accountable for its commitments. Hopeful City is built on the strength of its volunteers.

First English Lutheran Church is privileged to have significant endowment income available to support the mission and ministry of the church in Wheeling and beyond. Yearly, the congregation actively seeks worthy ministry partners from around the world to extend the ministry of Jesus Christ. We invite other faith communities to make inquiry regarding any potential partnership between their ministry and First English Lutheran Church. Please initiate such inquiries by contacting the pastor.