Group reading books together

Welcome to Amazing Grace Lutheran Church

At Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, we believe in sharing God’s love and living out our faith through worship, service, and community. Our mission is to be a welcoming place for everyone, where you can experience the grace of God and find support in your spiritual journey. Rooted in the teachings of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we are dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel and serving our neighbors with compassion and integrity.

Whether you are new to the area, seeking a church home, or simply curious about our faith, we invite you to join us for worship, Bible studies, and fellowship. Together, we grow in faith, learn from God’s Word, and support each other as a community of believers.

About Us

Our Story

Amazing Grace Lutheran Church is a vibrant congregation established by the Florida-Georgia District LCMS. We started as a mission church in 2005. Pastor James Rockey was called in 2007, and our first worship service was held in November of that year. For seven years, we worshiped in the Educational Annex of the First Baptist Church of Oxford, Florida.

In 2012 we purchased 10 acres of land on the north side of CR 472 (Rainey Trail) for the future ministries of Amazing Grace. The location provides easy access for The Villages residents as well as the surrounding communities in and around Oxford, Summerfield, Ocala, and Wildwood.

Ground-breaking for the new Worship Center was held in September, 2013, and construction was completed in August, 2014. Our first worship service in our new Ministry Center was held on September 7 and the Formal Dedication Service was held on November 9. The Memorial Garden completed construction in late spring/early summer of 2017.

The first pastor of Amazing Grace, James Rockey, was elected as FL-GA District President in June, 2022. Since November of 2022 we have been blessed to have Pastor Jack Mackowiak as our Interim Pastor guiding us through the Call process. We are now excited to welcome the Rev. Dr. Paul Burtzlaff as our new Pastor and will install him on July 28 at a single service at 10:15.

In 2018, the congregation stepped out in faith again and built an Early Learning Center! In just three years the Center grew to serve 90 children. In 2022 the church said “Yes!” to God one more time and raised the funds to build an addition to the center to provide more useable space and additional classrooms. There are now two classrooms for each age-group of 1-4 year-olds, with the capacity to serve 119 children with high-quality full-time Christian Education.

Family smiling together in a living room.
Woman in costume teaching children in a classroom
Four senior women smiling indoors
Modern church with large cross and green lawn
Children's church session with singing and storytelling
People socializing in church lobby with cross decorations

Our Mission Statement

As followers of Jesus Christ, Amazing Grace Lutheran Church seeks to reach our community and the world by “Experience Christ’s Love…Live It… Share It”

We are a church committed to impacting lives through Christ for today and eternity. The people of Amazing Grace experience God’s amazing and underserved grace! Together we seek to share this with the world around us.

To Grow in Grace…..

For it is by GRACE that you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves – it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)

To Share God’s Grace…..

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Plan Your Visit to Amazing Grace Lutheran Church

We’re excited to welcome you to Amazing Grace Lutheran Church! We understand that visiting a new church can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together answers to some frequently asked questions to help make your first visit as comfortable as possible. Whether you’re wondering about our worship service times, what to expect during your visit, or where to park, we’re here to help.

Take a look at our FAQ’s, and if you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. We can’t wait to meet you and share in the joy of worship together!

Amazing Grace Lutheran Church is conveniently located at 4886 County Road 472, Oxford, FL 34484, right off County Road 472. Our church is just a short drive from The Villages, making it easily accessible for those in the surrounding areas.

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

There is parking in the grass all around the church building but you will see an area reserved for Visitors directly across the driveway from the front doors. You will also see dedicated handicapped spaces near the doors.

We don’t have a dress code at Amazing Grace. Come in what is comfortable for you. Women, you will see everything from dresses to capris and tops. Men typically attend in slacks or cargo shorts and a golf or other style shirt.

Enter through the double set of glass doors under the portico. You’ll be welcomed by many loving Christians who can answer any questions you may have.

Stop at the Welcome Center (desk just inside the door) and get a temporary name badge so we can greet you by name!

Also fill out a Connection Card so we can reach out and answer any questions you might have.

We invite you to grab a cup of coffee or tea and a snack and visit with others before and after services.

The Pastor guides us through the service, which will include announcements, prayer, singing, and a message. Although you will see us collect an offering, we want you just to worship when you visit for the first time.

Everything is also on the screens, and the Worship Order is also outlined in the bulletin you receive when you enter.

Your children are welcome in worship! We want them to hear about Jesus and that there is a God who loves them!

The Welcome Center will provide you with a packet for your child.

There will be a special children’s message during the service for preschool and lower elementary age.

There is also a Library/Family room with rocking chairs available just outside the Worship Center where you can see and hear the service.

Ushers will be standing at the Worship Center doors and will greet you and share the Sunday bulletin with you.

Sit wherever is comfortable for you!

While you wait for worship to begin, take notice of the announcement slides that are playing and the bulletin which have great information on coming events!

Yes! It’s a great way to grow deeper in the knowledge of the Lord and to get to know others. Check our Bible Studies page to find the current Sunday morning topics.

Meet Our Dedicated Staff

At Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, our staff is committed to serving God and our community with faith, compassion, and integrity. Each member of our team brings unique gifts and a deep passion for ministry, working together to provide spiritual guidance, support, and leadership. Our staff is here to help you feel welcomed and supported on your faith journey.

Pastor Paul Burtzlaff

Rev. Dr. Pastor Burtzlaff earned his B.A. from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, a Master’s in Divinity from Concordia St. Louis, a Master of Science from Stetson University in Florida, and a Doctorate from the University of Florida.

He served at Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg from 2006 to 2024, previously at St. Paul Lutheran in Ohio (2001-2006) and St. John Lutheran Church and School in Ocala (1993-2001).

Pastor Paul and his wife, Suzanne, a retired Senior Executive Housing Director, have been married 31 years and have two grown daughters, Sydnee (28) and Reagan (26). Pastor Burtzlaff enjoys cycling, exercise and family activities. He has a great passion for outreach, a mission heart, and finds joy in seeing God at work in people and through people.

Pray for Pastor Burtzlaff and Amazing Grace as we begin this new journey, that God will use us to have an impact for the Gospel in The Villages and surrounding communities.

352-350-6449PaulBurtzlaff@amazinggracelc.org
Man presenting at church event with musicians behind