May 17, 2017
WEEKLY WORD

Children in worship are such a gift to all of us!  This little boy felt so safe and comfortable during the Children's Sermon that he could rub my beard and gently pull on my ear lobes as he listened to the story... 
 
I remember a time when "children were to be heard and not seen" in worship.  If  they were a little disruptive they were severely punished.

I prefer children feel as welcome as anyone else in our worship space. I prefer to hear the sounds of children talking, laughing, and even crying, over complete silence. I prefer to have children with us in the sanctuary, in the singing, in the sharing of the peace, and at the table of our Lord. Children remind us of how we all truly come to God as children.
 
So, thank you for bringing your children to worship. Our life as a Christian community is incomplete without them.

See you in worship!
Pastor Dan

 
A MESSAGE FROM HEIDI

I have some exciting news to share with the congregation! I have been accepted at Wartburg Theological Seminary and have been offered the Presidential Scholarship for their Masters of Divinity program!
Violet and I will be moving to Dubuque, IA, this summer. We are sad to leave so many friends and family behind, but excited for this new adventure that awaits us. 
We would be grateful for prayers for a successful house selling and a smooth transition as we relocate sometime in July! This is a major leap of faith but something that I have felt God leading us to for a while now. With the scholarship, I can't help but trust and say, "yes!"
Know I am grateful for these past eight years and I will continue to hold you all in my prayers. I have so much joy and anticipation for the future of First Lutheran's youth and family ministries! I know God is going to remain at work and will ensure the world continues to be transformed through you all!


HERO CENTRAL: VBS PREVIEW

On Sunday we end the school year with our annual Vacation Bible School preview. Students, K-5th grade, and parents are invited to come and preview the VBS themes, music, stories and activities that are planned for the week of June 12-16. You can still register online for VBS!

Come! See what all the excitement for this year's VBS is all about!




LOOKING AHEAD



RESOURCES

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturday 5:30 pm / Sunday Worship 8:15 & 10:45 am 


 
Each person is a unique creation of God and, through grace, is a child of God. The people of First Lutheran Church welcome all because God welcomes all, without regard for race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status, physical or mental challenges, imprisonment, addictions, socio-economic circumstances, or anything else that too often divides us. First Lutheran Church is a spiritual community that celebrates the gifts of God that can empower us to engage in the struggles of life, to care for each other, and to serve Christ where we work and live. Our unity is in Christ.