United Lutheran Church
100 Cooper Road
Bella Vista, AR
- We value Tradition. We affirm the traditions of Lutheran heritage and offer a traditional worship services centered around Word and Sacraments every Sunday morning.
- We value Family. First, we are a large family and we treat everyone with respect and care. Second, we provide ministry to families: wholesome fun, fellowship, Bible learning and loving care for their children.
- We value Community. We provide a variety of outreach programs to support Bella Vista, but we don’t stop there. We recognize we are part of a worldwide community, too. Our service projects are making a difference wherever there is a need around the world.
ULC S.A.M. TEAM
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On Sunday November 2, 2025, five of United Lutheran Church’s members were consecrated during worship as Synodically Authorized Ministers. Beginning in October through December they took a more active role in worship to prepare the transition from our interim pastor, Carl Hoffman to the S.A.M. program. Our first team consists of Jim Johnson, Kathleen Kichline, Ruth McGuffin, Betty Wehner and Wanda Brogren, each of whom will share their unique skills with our congregation. The following is a brief summary of what S.A.M. is all about. Key Aspects of Synodically Authorized Ministry (S.A.M.) Lay Leadership: S.A.M.s are non-ordained, non-rostered individuals identified for their gifts and calling to ministry within their specific congregations. Synodical Authorization: An individual must be authorized by the synod's bishop to serve as a S.A.M.. Specific Ministry Roles: S.A.M.s are equipped and authorized to: Preach, Provide congregational care and visitation, Teach, Preside at Holy Communion, Baptize, Perform weddings and funerals. Training and Preparation: Candidates complete training through programs like the ELCA's Lay Ministry Institute or a synod-specific program, which typically includes coursework in theology, biblical studies, preaching, and worship. Accountability and Supervision: S.A.M.s are accountable to the larger church through the synod bishop. They often serve under the supervision of an ordained pastor or within a mentoring relationship to ensure accountability and ongoing development. Purpose: The program aims to identify, train, and empower lay leaders to serve in challenging ministry settings where rostered leaders may not be available, thus expanding the church's capacity to provide ministry.
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Jim Johnson--
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God sure does have a sense of humor. I completed two years of study at the Parish Lay Ministry Academy in Texas in January, 2012 and God has waited until I reached the decrepit old age of 81 to provide me an opportunity to use it. I am part of the Synodically Authorized Ministry (SAM) Team here at United Lutheran. The SAM team does not seek to replace a full or part-time ordained pastor. These two options are currently financially not possible here. The SAM team does seek to replace an empty pulpit, which will be United’s situation in January, 2026. We have been called to the awesome task of continuing and maintaining the ministries of Word and Sacraments and congregational care during this interim time between ordained pastors. This would be an impossible task if it all depended on us. Fortunately God has provided God’s Holy Word. (“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11) Jesus Christ has promised his holy presence in the Lord’s Supper and (“where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20) We have been promised the Holy Spirit. (“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth….the Holy Spirit…will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I {Jesus} have said to you. John 14:16, 17, 26) We rely on the power and presence of God to continue ministry in this place. As the SAM team, we would ask you to embrace us as your own. (We did not come from the outside.) Encourage us when we succeed and forgive us when we fail. And continually keep the SAM team and United Lutheran in Your prayers. Jim Johnson—Synodically Authorized Minister
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Charlotte Spencer
Parish Nurse
Charlotte moved to Bella Vista in 2005 from Minnesota. Her nursing career has been in Long Term Care, a school nurse in special education, and parish nursing. Nursing gives her the opportunity to look at the heart, soul, mind, and body of the people that she works with.
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Robbie Hubbard
Organist & Choir Director
Robbie is a member to the NWA Guild of Organist;
Jeff Peleaux, Custodian
