About Us
A Community of Faith
We are a church family that believes and preaches the good news of Jesus Christ as revealed to us in Holy Scripture. No matter where you are in your journey of faith, you’re welcome here!
Centered in Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ came to restore our relationship with God, which had been broken by sin. Since He has redeemed us, He has given us new life and purpose, and that makes all the difference in our daily walk.
Called to Serve
This new life in Christ means that we cannot sit still. We are called to share the Gospel, to love one another, and to serve those around us. By feeding, supporting, and loving people, we show them the love God showed us.
Our Story
We are a Christ-centered, Bible-based, growing community of faith, inspired and enabled by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18-20)
We are called to share the Gospel, love one another and serve God, the congregation and beyond, supporting, reaching out and being in community with one another. (Luke 10:27)
Since 1957, we have been celebrating the Good News of our Lord Jesus by sharing the gift of Jesus Christ. We are confident of the presence of God moving powerfully within our congregation each and every day.
It is our vision to grow continually with passion, energy, and excitement about doing God’s Work and wanting to do even more. Spiritual growth will be seen in the maturity levels of believers through effective worship, preaching, Bible study, small group ministry, interactive and interpersonal relationships. Physical growth will be seen in the expanded utilization of church facilities through increased attendance in worship services, increased Sunday School attendance, small group activities and community related programs and events.
LCS is a fully committed church, serving within our congregation and reaching out to our neighbors, local missions and beyond.
LCS Staff
Rev. Nils Niemeier
Pastor
Pastor Nils Niemeier was installed at the Lutheran Church of the Savior on March 2, 2025. Prior to serving at LCS, he was ordained and installed as pastor at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Setauket, New York. He is a 2020 graduate of the Master of Divinity program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.
Pastor Niemeier grew up in Northern Virginia and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies as an Oldham Scholar at the University of Richmond. In August 2015, he completed his Master of Arts degree in Classics at Cornell University with a concentration in Roman Archaeology. Among his likes and interests are (in no particular order) liturgics, ancient, medieval, and American history, ancient languages, model-making, bluegrass and old time music, Sacred Harp singing, woodworking, and dogs.
Donna Wilson
Open Arms Christian Preschool Director
Donna served as a lead teacher at OACP for 14 years until 2015 when she assumed the responsibility of Director. She holds Lead Teacher and Director 1 & 2 certifications as well as an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Middlesex Community College.
Jennifer Gierke
Called Teacher
Jennifer joined the Open Arms family as a parent in 2001. She served as a substitute teacher for many years before she began as Lead Teacher for the 4’s/Pre-K program in 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia University, Nebraska. She holds Lead teacher certification with the MA EEC and has 30 years of experience in early childhood education. She and her husband, Paul, have lived in New England for over 20 years, but still consider themselves Midwesterners at heart. They have five children by birth, one by marriage, and were blessed with a granddaughter in 2019.