May 24, 2017
WEEKLY WORD

Our congregation is experiencing a sea of transitions - good transitions.

Bonita Johnsen is retiring after 30+ years with us. We will celebrate her incredible ministry on Sunday, June 4. 

Heidi Widner  is on her way to Wartburg Seminary in the fall to pursue a call to ordained ministry. We will celebrate her 8+ years of ministry with our kids on Sunday, July 2. We are excited she will one day serve our ELCA! 

Boyd and  Masako Bacon join our music ministry on July 1. They will lead our music ministry well into the future. We are very blessed! 

New folks  will come to serve our ministry with youth and their families. We trust God will lead us to call the right persons.  We already look forward to the gifts they will bring.
 
Allow me to offer a few thoughts about any transition in ministry.
  • First, we remain calm. We trust these transitions are good for everyone involved. 
  • We discern what we need as a congregation. We pause to consider the ministry God is calling us to do in these areas. We engage in conversation. We listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
  • We pray. We pray for guidance. We pray our minds and wills will be shaped and changed to see what God intends for us.
  • We continue with the work. We do our best to carry on the ministry God has entrusted to us.
  • We celebrate God's gifts to us every day; in times of transition and in times of stability.

So, be with us in these times of transition. Celebrate retirements and new beginnings with us. Trust God will guide and lead us into each day.

 
See you in worship!
Pastor Dan

 
DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Help is needed for Vacation Bible School during the week of June 12-16 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Help decorate, gather supplies, take pictures, provide food, make snacks, provide transportation, help with service projects, be a small group helper and more. Sign up online.    
 
Serve as a prayer partner to one of nine youth and four adults traveling to Rehoboth, NM, June 24-30, for a week of service learning among the Navajo and Zuni tribes. You will pray for your assigned youth or adult before, during and after the trip. A potluck dinner on June 21 at 6:00 pm will give you both an opportunity to get to know each other. Contact Heidi to sign up. 
 
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

Join us for a Service of Remembrance at 10:00 am on Memorial Day, May 30, in our Memorial Garden. This service is hosted by our Columbarium Committee to honor all who have died. The church will be open that morning from 9:30-11:30 am for anyone wanting to visit the Columbarium.
 

LOOKING AHEAD


RESOURCES

The Voice,  June 2017 
 

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.