First Lutheran Church Family Newsletter

July Family Newsletter

You are receiving this email because you have a child at home. This newsletter contains activities and events that are happening for both families and students, as well as articles for parents on various topics. Included each month is a list of upcoming events. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Stephanie Karolus

352-376-2062

dce@flcgainesville.org

Freedom Rings

July is here. And you know what that means. Fireworks, parades, and celebrating with family the freedom that we have in here in the United States. This month as we think about and celebrate the freedoms that we have because of those who have fought for them, I am reminded of the Freedom that we have in Jesus! The song "Glorious Freedom" by Larry Ford is a wonderful picture of the freedom that we have because of Jesus' death on the cross. Take a moment, listen to this song and reflect on the Bible verses below.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:32

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

Psalm 118:5

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2

Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to other parents you feel would benefit from the information.

God's Peace,

Stephanie Karolus

Director of Christian Education

First Lutheran Church

Articles for Parents

July 2021 Everyday Faith Calendar

There are Three Kinds of Kids in the World

What Teens Need from Parents

Why Parents Need Funny Parenting Memes

10 Good Life Lessons That My Parents Taught Me

Is Olivia Rodrigo's Influence "Good 4 U"?

Three God-Given Ways to Support Your Mental Health this Summer

Upcoming Events for July & August

July 2021

July 4 - Sunday Worship - 10am

July 11 - Sunday Worship - 10am

July 18 - Sunday Worship - 10am

July 24 - Youth Water Day - TBA

July 25 - Sunday Worship - 10am

July 25 - Family VBS - 5:30pm

July 27 - Family VBS - 5:30pm

July 28 - Family VBS - 5:30pm

July 29 - Family VBS - 5:30pm

July 30 - Family VBS - 5:30p

August 2021

August 1 - Sunday Worship - 10am

August 1 - Youth Pool Party - TBA

August 8 - Sunday Worship - 10am

August 15 - Sunday Worship - 10am

August 15 - Youth Meeting

August 22 - Sunday Worship - 10am

August 29 - Sunday Worship - 10am

August 29 - Welcome Back BBQ

Join us on Sunday, August 29, for our annual Welcome Back BBQ Celebration! Church begins at 10:00am with a Blessing of the Backpacks and Presentation of the Bibles to our Third Grade Students.

Food, Fun, and Games will be after church in the fellowship hall and church courtyard.

If you plan on attending please email Leeann in the church office at office@flcgainesville.org

Family Devotions

Join DCE Stephanie Karolus for weekly devotions on our Facebook Page! Join us this July as we continue to work our way through the New Testament! We will be learning about some of Jesus’ Miracles & Teachings. Devotions will be posted on Wednesdays Mornings at 10am. Check out our Facebook page to view all the Family Devotions.

Skit Guys - Bedtime Bible Stories

Sunday nights this summer Christian comedy duo, Eddie and Tommy, bring Bible Stories alive for all ages! Catch their previous videos HERE. Tune in on their Facebook page at 8:30 EST to watch LIVE or watch them later when it best works in your schedule.

Family Vacation Bible School registration is here! We are so excited to announce that Family Vacation Bible School will be in person at First Lutheran this summer! Here is everything that you need to know about VBS this year.

* Family Vacation Bible School will run July 26-30, 2021, from 5:30pm - 8:00pm

* Masks will be required while students are inside. (We will be utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces).

* Family Vacation Bible School is geared for families with students entering VPK through entering 5th Grade.

* What is Family Vacation Bible School? This year, parents are invited and encouraged to join us for Vacation Bible School and participate in activities alongside their children. We want this to be a family event where families can grow and learn together how God guides and provides.

*An individually packaged meal will be provided each night. (Uncrustables, Chips, Dessert, Fruit, Juice Boxes, and Water)

*We have a limit of 20 children this year

To register your family please click here: https://forms.gle/82zUSAnw3ohkL7sz7

If you have any questions, please let talk to DCE Stephanie Karolus. 352-376-2062 or dce@flcgainesville.org

Family Home Visits

DCE Stephanie is wanting to do a home visit with your family this summer! You will learn about Faith Growth opportunities at First Lutheran for your youth, children, and family. You will also have the chance to share with DCE Stephanie how First Lutheran can help you as parents teach your kids about God and His love, what resources you'd like to see continue from our time in COVID, and if there are other Faith growth opportunities you would like to see. This is a visit for the whole family, so please make sure parents, youth, and children are present!

If there is a time that does not work for you, please choose the closest time slot and write your desired time to meet in the comment section. DCE Stephanie will confirm with via email or phone if that time will work. Home visits will be about 30 minutes.

Please click here to view Sign-up for your family's home visit:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a44afaf22a0f94-first

The Focus on the Family Minute shares a brief tip each day taken from the Focus on the Family Broadcast to help strengthen marriages, raise kids on the right path and build a thriving family – in one meaningful minute.

Click HERE to Listen

The Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU) have made available a one minute tip shared by Walt Mueller, the founder and president of CPYU.

Click HERE to Listen

Family TableTalks are here for you! Access over 80 TableTalks that you can use with your family at home! Each TableTalk includes a scripture reading, a reflection, application questions, and a prayer. This is a great resource for faith discussions at home! This resources is provided by the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding. New Family TableTalks are released weekly.

Click HERE to Download

First Lutheran Youth

July Youth Activities

On July 24, FLC youth will be teaming up with Abiding Savior Youth for a water day! Details are still TBD, but set aside July 24 for a day of fun, water, and hanging out with new people!

July 25, begins our VBS week at First Lutheran! On July 25, we will be having a VBS Training and set-up for all VBS Volunteers, including FLC Youth! Training and set-up will take place after church, and lunch will be provided. Further details on this meeting will be emailed to Youth Families who are Volunteering. If your student is interested in helping with VBS, please let DCE Stephanie know. VBS will be held July 26-30 from 5:30pm - 8:00pm.

Volunteer for Family Vacation Bible School

Youth Volunteers are needed for Family Vacation Bible School! Youth are needed to help lead children and families from station to station, help with technology, or assist an adult in other areas of Family VBS. Students in 6th grade and up can help! Let Stephanie know if your student is interested in helping.

Youth Summer Activities

This summer, First Lutheran Youth are teaming up with Abiding Savior Youth to do some summer events! Below are the list of events & dates they are happening. Further information regarding each event will be released as we get closer to the event.

July 24, 2021 - Water Day

August 1 - Pool Party

LCMS Youth Gathering - July 2022

The LCMS Youth Gathering is just around the corner! It’s hard to believe that in just one short year we will be gathering together with thousands of teens to celebrate our GREAT God! The LCMS Youth Gathering will take place July 9-13, 2022. Students who will be entering High School in the Fall of 2022 are eligible to attend! Below is some basic information about the Youth Gathering next July. There will be an informational & registration meeting in August. If you have any questions, please contact DCE Stephanie dce@flcgainesville.org or 352-376-2062.

Gathering Theme: In All Things

Gathering Verse: Colossians 1:15-20

Dates: July 9 – 13

Location: Houston, TX

Transportation: Flying

Participant Cost: $200

LCMS Gathering Website: www.lcmsgathering.com