For starters, the historical background between the First Presbyterian Church and the Lutheran Church in America is similar in that both are of German origin. The idea of the different Lutheran denominations as “open systems” is certainly comparable from what I’ve seen at First Presbyterian, as they both try as much as possible to interact with their surrounding environments. In fact, Pastor Achtemeier at First Presbyterian chose to keep the church located where it is rather than move to a new location, even though most people that attend the church are not part of the surrounding community; she did this to continue to try to make connections with the community. Also, (obviously) the ordination of women is practiced at First Presbyterian, as it is in certain Lutheran denominations. In general, the Lutheran propensity for doing service parallels the efforts that I’ve seen from First Presbyterian.
One difference between the two is the emphasis that some Lutheran denominations put on the "terrors of the Law." I’ve seen that Pastor Achtemeier is certainly much more concerned with mercy than with justice. For example, she gives people money for food or gas when they come to her door asking for help, and she expressed discontent when a DJ at one of the Church events played “Beer for my horses,” a song emphasizing justice and punishment.