Our History

LCMS mission work in Star Valley dates back to the early 1990's when at the request of LCMS people living in the valley the pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson, WY, began conducting worship services in Afton, WY. Services were held sporadically at various locations in Afton.

In early 2001, again at the request of LCMS residents in Star Valley, the Wyoming District of the LCMS sent Rev. Duane Simonson to help organize a mission start. In June of 2001, Sunday afternoon services began on a regular basis at the Civic Center in Alpine, WY. It was not possible to have Sunday morning services because another group was using the center on Sunday mornings.

Rev. Simonson served as part time mission developer until the Wyoming District called Rev. Lowell Kayser as full time mission developer in June, 2002. From November, 2002, through June, 2003, Rev. Kayser was also vacancy pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson, WY. For health reasons Rev. Kayser retired at the end of August, 2005. He continued to serve the mission until Rev. Gerald Paul was installed as mission developer in August, 2006.

For two years worship services were held at the Alpine Civic Center on Sunday afternoons. Then another facility on Highway 89 at the north edge of Thayne was found that was available for use on Sunday mornings. A Sunday morning schedule was initiated in December, 2003, and continued at this location until December 2007 at which time the new church building in Nordic Ranches was completed. Worship services are now held at Christ Our Savior's own church building at 1011 Lariat Drive in Nordic Ranches.

On June 29, 2008, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Mission dedicated the new building to the Lord. Many pastors, members and friends of congregations in the Wyoming District came to celebrate this special day with us. (See "Photo Album of Dedication.")

Two years later on June 27, 2010, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church celebrated its charter, becoming an official congregation of the Wyoming District LC-MS. Charter members cooked up a storm and fed the many guests and pastors that came to share in our joy. With joy and thanksgiving in our hearts we look to the Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ, to continue to lead Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church according to His Will.