July 5 , 2017
WEEKLY WORD

I was treated to an extraordinary conversation after worship last Sunday. Three young men who had been invited to worship by two of our members asked for a few minutes of my time to ask some questions.
 
The three young men had varying experiences with "church." One had been rejected by his church early on as a child. Two had worshiped in a variety of places and settings, but could not find one that attended to these three things:
  1.  Solid, honest thinking and preaching about the faith. They are seeking a church home that wrestles with the scripture and is open to conversation and dialogue about the implications of scripture.
  2.  Genuine, authentic, community. These young men are seeking friendship with other believers. Superficial relationships won't cut it.
  3. Ministry in the world. They are seeking a place where they can serve Christ beyond the walls of the building. They are seeking to be disciples who serve the poor and the disenfranchised.
It seems like a pretty reasonable list to me. I was honored to describe how we strive to be such a church. I assured them we can discuss difficult matters of the faith and remain a community even though we don't always agree on all things. I could assure them that people genuinely love one another here. Some folks are closer to one another than others. Some aren't "close" at all. But, we will continue to strive to be an authentic Christian community. And, finally, as disciples of Jesus empowered to be about the transformation of the world, we "leave the building" as much as we can.
 
In any event, I applaud our two members who issued the invitation to these young "seeking" friends. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share our story of ministry. I hope you will be encouraged to invite your friends and neighbors seeking a church community they might call, "home."
 
See you in worship!
Pastor Dan
 

MEET MASAKO, BOYD AND BENNETT

Our Director of Worship and Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Music,  Masako and Boyd Bacon, led us in worship for the first time this past Sunday! Take a moment and listen to Masako masterfully playing the pipe organ in worship! They offered some perspectives about their new ministry roles at First Lutheran:
 
What are you most excited about or looking forward to as you begin your music ministry at First?
We are excited about working in Lutheran Liturgy, especially the way it's done at First Lutheran. We are also looking forward to meeting new people and working with talented staff and gifted musicians.

Do you each have any philosophy that guides you in your ministry?
God has given unique gifts to everyone. Discover, work together and grow to glorify God. 

Is there anything new or "refreshed" we might anticipate in our music ministry in the future?
We need to wait to see where God leads us. Right now, everything is new to us.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
We like to spend time with family (including 2 dogs), travel, eat and cook.  

Tell us about your son!
He goes by his full-name, Bennett. He goes to Maxey Elementary School and will be in 3rd grade this fall. He loves playing the cello, reading books, swimming, playing baseball and tennis.

Welcome to First Lutheran, Boyd, Masako and Bennett!

 
IMMIGRATION: THINKING BIBLICALLY, CONFESSING PUBLICALLY

On Sunday, July 23, and Sunday, July 30, Vicar Jean will coordinate a multi-part conversation that guides participants on various issues surrounding immigration issues. With prayer, song, story-telling, and reading Bible verses, participants will be more equipped to think scripturally about immigration topics. The Bible has a great deal to say about immigrants. The needs of the congregation and the issues in the wider world have emerged and converged, creating a need for conversation and Biblical reflection. The event will start at 12:15 pm in the Activity Center with a working potluck lunch and will last for about two hours. The main dish will be provided. Please bring a side or dessert to share.


LOOKING AHEAD

Fair Trade Sales  - Sunday, July 9; 9:15 am-10:30 am; Commons

Conversation at the Harbor  Coffeehouse - Monday, July 10; 1:30 pm; Conversation topic:  Matthew 11:28-30 - "What does it mean to  take up  the yoke of Jesus?"

Saltdogs Tailgate and Game  - Friday, July 21; Game at 6:45 pm; Tickets on sale Sunday mornings in the Commons and in church office during the week.

Celebration of Pastor Dan's 30th Anniversary for Ordination - Sunday, July 30; 9:30 am; Activity Center

Congregational Picnic  - S unday, August 27; Noon; Holmes Lake


WORSHIP SERVICES

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