June 14 , 2017
WEEKLY WORD

After a pretty soggy beginning, Vacation Bible School is well on its way at First Lutheran. This place is crawling with children. It's a beautiful sight to behold.   
 
VBS is one of our greatest opportunities to share Jesus' love with the children of First Lutheran.  And, it's one of our best opportunities to share Jesus' love with the children of this neighborhood and the entire city of Lincoln - children who may not ever experience the gospel in any other way.
 
So, it's a great opportunity and it's a great responsibility. Consequently, we are grateful for our dedicated VBS staff who give so generously of themselves during this week. They make the gospel come alive for these dozens of children.
 
I would ask you to pray for our VBS staff and to pray for each child in our care this week that we might all experience the love of Christ.
 
See you in worship!
Pastor Dan
 

HERO CENTRAL - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017

Heroic adventures are happening throughout First Lutheran Church and around the community this week as part of Hero Central-VBS! Check out the online photo and video gallery to see for yourself!




THE AFTER PEOPLE

People often ask, "What exactly is a Stephen Minister?" One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People .

Stephen Ministers are there:
...after the phone call you hoped you would never get.
...after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you've held at bay come crashing in on you.
...after the relationship falls apart and the bottom falls out of your life.
...after the doctor says, "I'm sorry, but there's nothing more we can do."
...after the last child honks the horn, waves and drives away and the house suddenly seems empty.
...after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.
...a fter  you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.
...after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.

They are ready to come alongside you or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.
          

A CHEX MIX JOURNEY...SUNNI RETURNS FROM SABBATICAL

Sabbatical has come to a close. Today is the first day back at the office. I am following up on emails written the end of April and promises of "when I get back..." stuff. I am very thankful I did not completely ignore my email and that I wrote a bundle of notes on upcoming projects before I left.

Lots has happened at First Lutheran Church in the six weeks I was away. Staff can bring me up to speed on some things but there are key conversations that I just missed. I can't hit a rewind button and be up to speed. So, I am thankful for my patient colleagues, the array of strong lay leaders and many faith-full pray-ers that provided support.

Everyone keeps asking if I had a good sabbatical. Thank you for asking. Answer = yes. And, people want to know what I learned. So, here's a piece of what I learned on sabbatical. I'm sitting at my desk, with a bag of Chex Mix and WOW - I just realized I have been on a Chex Mix journey!


LOOKING AHEAD


Saltdogs Game and Tailgate - Friday, July 21; Game at 6:45 pm

Celebration of Heidi Widner's Ministry at First - Sunday, July 2



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.