Pastor
JJ Dygert
pastorjjdygert@gmailcom
Pastor JJ Dygert has been at Kennewick First Lutheran Church since 2018 and loves living in the Tri-Cities! Prior to coming to KFLC he was a pastor in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, as well as in Cavalier, Neche, and Pembina, North Dakota. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Lutheran Bible Institute (aka Trinity Lutheran College) and with a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary.
 
Pastor JJ and his wife Heather are parents to Colin (daughter-in-law Reagan and grandson Jude), and Kai.  They are also parents of two dogs--Gabby (chihuahua and dachshund mix), as well as Koda (dachshund mix).  Pastor JJ enjoys reading, working in his yard, and sports of all kinds (with soccer, golf, and watching baseball and football being his favorites). He still feels grounded in his childhood with his love for all things Lego and Star Wars.
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In ministry, Pastor JJ feels he is called to "live a life grounded in God's love, to pronounce forgiveness and reconciliation, and to help parishioners gain a better understanding of what God has in store for them." In a society that finds it hard to ask and answer tough questions about faith, Pastor JJ is willing to say, “I am not sure about that, but let’s take a deeper look and see what we can find out together!”
 
Pastor JJ invites you to come to find the love that God has for you, as shone through those who are gathered here at Kennewick First Lutheran Church.
Administrative Assistant
Melissa
[email protected]
Melissa joined the staff at First Lutheran in 2004. She enjoys meeting and getting to know the wonderful members of the congregation.
Melissa is married and has 4 daughters. In her time away from work, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Leadership
Church Council
[email protected]
In an ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) church, the church council acts as the governing body.  As such, the council oversees the congregation's overall operations, mission, and vision, essentially functioning as a board of directors by making key decisions, managing finances, and ensuring alignment with the church's wider goals and policies.  The council also collaborates with the pastor and staff to implement initiatives and address congregational needs.

2024 Council Members:
President- Jan Olsen
Vice President- Karen Suhr
Secretary- Patrick Yecha
Treasurer (non voting member)- Eileen Pedersen
Property and Maintenance- Allen Anderson
Finance- Lindy Von Dohlen
Technology- Tom Berg
Evangelism- Dave Klein
Fellowship- Renae Killmer
Education- Jan Olsen
Music- Jan Olsen
Care
Stephen Ministries
Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members- called Stephen Ministers- to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and community experiencing life difficulties.

To be paired with a Stephen Minister as a Care Receiver, contact the church office.
Kennewick First Lutheran
Sunday Worship @ 9:30 AM