Annual WoRSHIP and EVENTS
We have four key events that we hold annually each year at Ryssby Church. We invite you to learn more below and join us for these events. We’d love to host you as a participant or have you as a volunteer.
Each year the Ryssby Committee schedules a Spring Cleanup Day and asks for volunteers to assist with the cleanup. In the event of inclement weather, the Spring Cleanup Day will normally be postponed to the following Saturday.
The Ryssby Committee provides lunch to all of the volunteers who devote their time to helping beautify the Ryssby Church and Cemetery.
Each year First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont hosts the annual Ryssby Midsummer Festival at the Ryssby Church. This event will be held on the 4th Sunday of June, which is close to the summer solstice or “Midsummer Celebration” traditionally celebrated in the Scandinavian countries each year. The event includes a traditional worship service using the old liturgy from the Lutheran Church, Augustana Synod Hymnal, a catered picnic lunch and many fun activities for the kids.
June 25th, 2023: Worship is at 11:00 in the beautiful Ryssby Church, with lunch to follow worship. You will be able to enjoy fellowship and games after lunch. Ryssby Church is on 63rd, one mile south of Nelson Road. Midsummer at Ryssby is First Lutheran’s annual church picnic, and it is a great chance to get to know your church community and other supporters of Ryssby who are not members.
There is a small charge for the BBQ lunch. We ask that you let us know how many in your family/group will be buying lunch so that we can be sure to plan enough food using this link. The cost is $10 for ages 10 and above, $5 for ages 5-10, and under 5 are free.
If you are attending and plan to enjoy the BBQ Lunch, please RSVP here, and indicate the number of Adults and children so we can plan accordingly for food and drinks.
We need volunteers to help setup tables and chairs at 9:30 before worship, and take them down around 2:30pm. Please let us know in your response if you plan to help.
We will have a Slide/Jumping castle for children, and please bring your “Corn Hole” boards to set up. and enjoy playing with others.
Lunch Reservations Appreciated
For questions, please call or text Herb Hergott @ 303-588-2856
The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce and the Denver Chapter of Swedish Women’s Educational Association(SWEA) annually hosts a special Swedish Candlelight Service and Santa Lucia Festival at the Ryssby Church. This service is held on the first or second Sunday of December each year. Special music for the service is provided by the SWEA Choir. Sermons are given in both the Swedish(Rev. Pether Ström–Broman, Swedish Church, NY, read by Karin Strook)and English(Rev. Ron Swenson) languages. The service concludes with a traditional Santa Lucia procession.
The Ryssby Committee of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church is grateful for the offering given to the committee from this service to help with the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the church.
For more information please contact: Karin Strook (303) 960-7309 or by email
Each year, First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado, USA, hosts the Ryssby Christmas Candlelight Services at the historic Ryssby Church, Southwest of Longmont, Colorado, a church started by Swedish Settlers in 1878. The Christmas Candlelight Services are a tradition started in 1938.
Seven Christmas Candlelight Services are held each year on the second full weekend of December.
The services feature music from the First Lutheran Chancel Choir and other musicians, traditional Christmas carols and the Christmas Story, as told in the Gospel of Luke, is read in Swedish.
First Lutheran Church welcomes the Reverend Kent Mueller (Retired) as preacher on Saturday evening and Pastor Garrett Struessel on Sunday evening.
Saturday Services – December 9, 2023
4:00, 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.
Sunday Services – December 10, 2023
4:00, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m.
HOW TO MAKE RESERVATIONS
Starting November 13, reservations can be obtained online at Eventbrite by clicking HERE! If you prefer, you may also submit the Reservation Request Form included in the Weekend Reminder and return to the church office or email Peggy Shupe, [email protected] or call Peggy at 303-638-0036.
Reservations are required for entry and will be checked at the door!! Tickets will not be issued this year!!!
Reservations are FIRST COME FIRST SERVED and will be limited to 175 reservations per service. Last day for reservations will be December 8th. Please get your reservations in early!
