Rooted in faith since 1853, Westby‑Coon Prairie Lutheran Church (ELCA) serves Westby, Wisconsin and the surrounding area with open hearts and a steadfast commitment to loving and welcoming all. We believe in being authentically who God created us to be, and in serving God by sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
Our worship reflects both tradition and vibrancy—some Sundays are led by organ and hymns; others are lifted in song with our local band, Imposition of Ashes. At WCP, you’ll find many paths to grow: in worship, in prayer, in fellowship, in service, and in mission. We care deeply about faith formation for all generations, supporting one another through life’s joys and challenges.
At our core are values that guide everything we do: that Jesus is Lord, that everyone is welcome, and that God calls us to work for justice and serve with compassion. As stewards of God’s gifts, we strive to be generous, grateful, and gracious in all things.
We are what God has made us – people whom God has created by grace to live in union with Jesus Christ and has prepared to live faithful, fruitful lives by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8-10). In Jesus Christ, God has reconciled us to God and to each other. As we gather around word and sacraments, this life in Christ is what defines, shapes and guides us as a community of faith, the church.
By God’s grace we can and do live confidently and generously in this community of faith and in service of others, amid the mysteries and paradoxes of this life in Christ – including our human limitations and failings, and the ambiguities, uncertainties and suffering that we experience.
We are a church that walks by faith, trusting God's promise in the gospel and knowing that we exist by and for the proclamation of this gospel word. We proclaim Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead for the life of the world. As the apostle Paul wrote (Romans 1:16-17), and we echo in our Constitution (2.02), we are not ashamed of this gospel ministry because it is God’s power for saving all people who trust the God who makes these promises. “We are to fear and love God, so, that we do not despise preaching or God’s word, but instead keep that word holy and gladly hear it and learn it” (Small Catechism). God’s word, specifically God’s promise in Jesus Christ, creates this liberated, confident and generous faith. God gives the Holy Spirit who uses gospel proclamation – in preaching and sacraments, in forgiveness and in healing conversations – to create and sustain this faith. As a Lutheran church, we give central place to this gospel message in our ministry.
We understand to be Lutheran is to be ecumenical – committed to the oneness to which God calls the world in the saving gift of Jesus Christ, recognizing the brokenness of the church in history and the call of God to heal this disunity.
Westby‑Coon Prairie Lutheran Church is more than just a church building in town — we’re deeply connected to our local history, heritage, and neighboring congregations in meaningful ways.
We maintain two historic church sites:
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Our primary worship home in Westby (built in 1909) has been the center of worship, fellowship, and ministry for generations.
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We also oversee Country Coon Prairie Church, located on the original site of this congregation. This building is historic — added to the National Register of Historic Places — and continues to be used during summer months for worship and special events.
Additionally, Westby‑Coon Prairie is yoked with Vang Lutheran Church. Through this partnership, Pastor Alyssa Weaver leads worship there each Sunday. Worship at Vang takes place at 10:30 a.m., welcoming the faithful from both congregations and the broader community.
These connections reflect who we are: rooted in history, enriched by shared tradition, and open in mission. Whether at Country Coon Prairie, Westby‑Coon Prairie, or Vang, we strive to worship, serve, and grow together — bringing the love of Jesus into our homes, towns, and beyond.
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We are reconciled to God by God’s forgiving mercy. Forgiveness and reconciliation flow from what God has made us to be in Jesus Christ and what God is doing with us in the world. As a people of God, we embody forgiveness in speech, action and relationships, and our ministry in reconciliation is foundational.
Each person is created in God’s image. We respect this God-given right to dignity and, inspired by the life of Jesus, show love and compassion for all people. Through proclamation of the gospel, through worship and as servants of God working for healing and justice in the world, we uphold and seek to protect the dignity and human rights of all people.
As Christ’s church, we value the richness of God’s creation and offer a radical welcome to all people, appreciating our common humanity and our differences. We are a church that does not view diversity as a barrier to unity. We recognize and will challenge dynamics of power and privilege that create barriers to participation and equity in this church and society – for women, people of color, minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities, people who are marginalized or living in poverty, and the LGBTQ community.
I (lizzy) do not know how to get rid of this design element so instead its going to be a 4th wall break thats just a little awkward. If you mention this design flaw to Lizzy in person she will let you have a treat from the treat bin. (but dont share this knowledge with others...its a test ;) )
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Westby Coon-Prairie Lutheran Church
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