About Us

Lutheran Church of the Foothills was formed in 1979 under the direction
of the American Lutheran Church and Pastor-Developer, Bill Jeffs. The
first home for the worshipping congregation was "Dorsey's Den", a
restaurant and bar in the foothills neighborhood on the north side of
Tucson. That first year, on Easter Sunday the faithful gathered to worship
at Dorsey's, only to discover that the restaurant had been closed
permanently!

Not deterred, the congregation gathered at Pastor Jeff's home where
worship services were held until the next year when a first unit was
constructed. It was an exciting time of growth!

Under the leadership of the congregation's second pastor, the Rev.
Gerald Conrad, a building expansion was undertaken in 1993 which
included a beautiful new worship space and offices. In 1999 a new pipe
organ was dedicated, adding to the richness and meaning of worship.
With Pastor Conrad's retirement in 2002, the congregation's third and
current pastor was called, the Rev. John Lillie.

Worship at Lutheran Church of the Foothills is varied, and utilizes a
number of different liturgical settings. The Adult Choir enhances worship
on a regular basis, along with occasional special music.

The congregation places a great deal of importance on service to the
community. Its recent Twenty-fifth Anniversary celebration was centered
around service, and was aptly named "Servabration." More than 2,500
person hours were donated to 75 community groups during this three
month celebration!

The congregation is an active member of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS
Network (TIHAN), a monthly partner with the Primavera Men's Homeless
Shelter, the Community Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity Tucson, the
Lutheran Thrift Store, and many other expressions of community
partnership.

In 2006 Lutheran Church of the Foothills became a "Reconciling In
Christ" congregation in partnership with Lutheran Concerned, North
America as it seeks to underscore its welcome to all, regardless of
sexual orientation or gender identity.

If you are currently looking for a new church home in the foothills
neighborhood of Tucson, you are welcome to worship at Lutheran
Church of the Foothills, and experience some of the joy and heart of
service of this congregation for yourself.