St. Thomas Lutheran Church
A Christ centered Church dedicated to spreading the word of God through traditional worship, Bible based education, and service to the community.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
The Rev. Wynemah K. Hinlicky has served as an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America since 1989. After pastoring several congregations in the Metropolitan New
York Synod, she most recently served College Lutheran Church in Salem, VA. Pastor Hinlicky is the Pastor at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Palmetto Bay, and is certified as a Spiritual Director.
She is the mother of three adult children, and lives in Cutler Bay with her Husband, the Rev. Col. William Wiecher, who is serving as pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Pinecrest, FL.
Our History
St. Thomas was incorporated in 1968. As a mission church, St. Thomas was commissioned by the Florida Synod to ascertain whether or not the area of our present parish boundaries would support the presence of another ELCA congregation. Following many hundreds of family and neighborhood contacts, St. Thomas was given the blessings of the FL Synod, and a charter was granted. The name, St. Thomas Lutheran Church,was decided upon because in the minds of the Synod body there was “doubt” that a new Lutheran Church would succeed.
In the past 54 years since her founding, St. Thomas has been served by seven Pastors; her current shepherd, the Rev. Wynemah Hinlicky became our leader in November 2019. St Thomas membership peaked in 1992. Then Hurricane Andrew caused measurable demographic changes in South Florida, and St. Thomas was not spared. The closing of Homestead AFB, and subsequent relocation of many of her members, saw a resulting downsizing of St. Thomas’ flock. We have made a measurable recovery, and are serving our Lord and community with a confident and positive attitude. Come worship with us and enjoy the spiritual growth our congregation offers.