HACKED!

Roger's email has been hacked. Please do not respond to any strange requests from him, especially if you are being asked to sign a document. If you are unsure if an email is from flcbothell.org, please call the office for clarification.

Pastor Berg's Blog

From Palms to the Cross

In all four Gospels the story of Jesus covers many chapters, but his death seems to happen so quickly. His life, ministry, and journey takes us all over Palestine. We go with him from Israel territory to Roman territory, to alien landscapes and to mountain tops. Then, all of a sudden, we have arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Jesus was just right here, the disciples might say, and now he is not. The followers who were walking back to Emmaus shares with us the amazing story of his death. Everyone seems to know about it.

Death looms out there for Jesus all the way from his first moment of announcing "the kingdom of God has come near." Jesus knows that to announce that God is near is not something those in power like to hear. In fact the people in power do everything they can to deny it. It must be hard for those who have fought their way to the top to be told that in God's Kingdom the first will be last and the last will be first.

The IT/Communications Committee would like to thank Andrew Phelps and Roger Wolter for keeping FLC’s technology up to date. Andrew and Roger research and trouble shoot everything from internet wi-fi set up to security cameras, the worship sound board, worship camera, server function and website issues. As a liaison to the Library Committee, Andrew has been working to record church history interviews. 

We thank them for their expertise and service!

IT/Communications Committee – Pastor Berg, Andrew Phelps (chair), Jacky Schnarre (council liaison), Kristin Smith (staff) and Roger Wolter.

Andrew Phelps Roger Wolter

Please note new date due to vacation schedules!

Register Now for First Lutheran Church Preschool!

There is still time to register preschoolers for the fall!  First Lutheran Church Preschool is now accepting applications for current families and church members. Open registration begins February 5th. Church members receive a 10% discount on tuition. Our preschool has classes for children ages 3-5 years old. If you have children, grandchildren, neighbors, or friends preschool age, please send them our way. We are happy to give tours and answer any questions that you may have. You may go to our website for registration packets and more information. Or email Beth Bowers at [email protected] to schedule a tour.

DO YOU EVER WONDER …

What is a communion card? Is it only for visitors? Who sees them?

Next to the hymnal and bible holders in each pew is a small holder for communion cards, offering envelopes and blank paper for children to draw on and/or for taking notes. Communion cards are for everyone; members and visitors alike should fill out a communion card each time you attend a service. Why? Because attendance and partaking in Holy Communion are noted in our church records. (Per our constitution, one requirement to retain active membership is to partake in communion at least once per year). 

Communion cards are also a way for you to request a visit or a call from the pastor, to have someone placed on the prayer list, to change your address, to request a newsletter and more. The cards go to the church office, and the pastor, as appropriate and attendance is updated. So, please complete a communion card each time you attend service and place it in the offering plate or hand it to an usher. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Chester or Dave Shogren of the Membership Committee.

Widows Support Group

March 11, 10 am

(formerly known as Friends Supporting Friends)

We are not a therapy group, but we are a place for widows to find friendship, support, and fun.

We meet the 2nd Monday of the month at 10:00 am in the library. Please join us!

Call Paula Glandon for more info. 425-483-1783

Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study!

Saturday, March 16, 9 – 10:15 am. 

Join other congregation and community members for breakfast and conversation! There will be “food for the body, food for the soul and food for thought!” A group of 17 men typically attend. Please join us for discussion and enrichment. Questions to Roger Steinke

Elementary Retreat at Camp Lutherwood in Bellingham

Conversations with God!

Friday, March 8 – Saturday, March 9, 2023

3:30 PM Friday to 8:00 PM Saturday

Young people in Grades 2 – 6 are invited to attend the Camp Lutherwood Elementary Retreat on Friday, March 8 to Saturday, March 9. This “Over Nighter” includes Bible Study, Campfire, Games, Music, Outdoor Experiences and much more!  Youth from other church groups will help fill the camp! Be prepared for some ultimate camp fun! Cost is $30 per person (includes Friday dinner & lodging and Saturday meals).  Please meet at the church at 3:30 PM on Friday. We will leave at 3:45 PM on Friday and return to the church on Saturday night at 8:00 PM.  Roger Steinke and another adult (TBA) are attending as Adult Leaders. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, February 18.  Please Sign Up on the Youth Board!  Questions? Ask Roger. More information is coming soon! 

Easter Breakfast

Sunday, March 31st 

(Breakfast Served from 9 to 11 AM)

The Youth of First Lutheran Church invite you to join your Church Family and Friends at the 2024 Easter Breakfast!  

The Easter Breakfast will be served from 9 to 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall. A freewill offering will be received with proceeds supporting the Youth Fund.  The Breakfast Menu features fresh baked coffee cake with streusel, fresh fruit salad, coffee, tea, juice and milk. Youth and adults are needed to help with serving the breakfast and with clean up afterwards. Please sign up to help on the Youth Board.  

Easter Breakfast Prep and Set Up is on Saturday, March 30th, from 9 to 11 AM

Youth and adults are needed to help prepare food for the Easter Breakfast, decorate, set-up tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall. Please sign up to help on the Youth Board.  

The 2024 Youth Auction held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, was A HUGE SUCCESS!!!  THANK YOU!!!

The Annual Youth Auction supports the Youth Ministries of First Lutheran Church. This year’s auction featured a “Mardi Gras” theme. The Youth Auction helps raise the funds that allow our youth to participate in major youth activities and events. In July 2024, a group of 17 youth and adults will attend the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana and visit Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The 2024 Youth Auction raised over $28,000 and was enjoyed by over 118 participants!!! Many Thanks to the over 30 youth and adult volunteers who helped with this FANTASTIC EVENT! Special Thanks to the Generous Members and Friends of First Lutheran Church Bothell for all their wonderful Help and Support! 

Youth - Looking Ahead!

New Orleans Youth Gathering & Disneyworld - July 14 -July 24 Grades 9 - 12.

Vacation Bible School - July 29 - August 1

 Movie Review on Monday, March 18, 2024  (Starts at 5 PM)

“The Way!”   In Person Viewing in the Youth Room

“In this poignant drama, a grieving father (Martin Sheen) walks a pilgrimage in Europe called the Way of St. James in honor of his late son, who died making the same journey. Along the way, he befriends people from around the world and experiences a profound epiphany. The Way is a 2010 drama film directed, produced and written by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen, Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt, and Yorick van Wageningen. In it, Martin Sheen's character walks the Camino de Santiago, a traditional pilgrimage route in France and Spain.” (Summary by TV Guide)

The Way will be shown at First Lutheran Church in the Youth Room. Light snacks (popcorn) and refreshments will be provided. The movie starts at 5 PM and ends at 7 PM. Discussion will follow until around 7:30 – 7:45 PM.

First Lutheran Church Book Club on Zoom      

Snow Blind by Ragnar Jonasson

Tuesday, March 26, 7 PM

Discussion Leader: Karen Thomas

Siglufjörður: an idyllically quiet fishing village in Northern Iceland, where no one locks their doors – accessible only via a small mountain tunnel. Ari Thór Arason: a rookie policeman on his first posting, far from his girlfriend in Reykjavik – with a past that he’s unable to leave behind. When a young woman is found lying half-naked in the snow, bleeding and unconscious, and a highly esteemed, elderly writer falls to his death in the local theatre, Ari is dragged straight into the heart of a community where he can trust no one, and secrets and lies are a way of life. An avalanche and unremitting snowstorms close the mountain pass, and the 24-hour darkness threatens to push Ari over the edge, as curtains begin to twitch, and his investigation becomes increasingly complex, chilling and personal. Past plays tag with the present and the claustrophobic tension mounts, while Ari is thrust ever deeper into his own darkness – blinded by snow, and with a killer on the loose.

All are welcome to join the discussion group. Please contact Roger Steinke or Clint Bastin for more information.

Photo at right is the FLC Book Club!

The library-sponsored annual “Share Your Favorite Photo” contest included over 40 entries. These delightful photos, featuring our congregation’s interesting 2023 experiences will be on display in our library March 10 and 17 at 10:30 am. immediately following the worship service. This event celebrates our 138th birthday celebration (March 14, 1886).

Visit our church library. “CHECK IT OUT”  

Monthly Outreach

CHANGE FOR CHANGE All money received in the Change for Change jar will be used to support HOPELINK food bank.

FLC Faith Partner Opportunities:

Poor Peoples Campaign Rally Olympia, WA March 2, Noon

March with the Social Ministries Committee – Pastor Berg, Robert, Kendahl, Alain and Ray. To carpool please call Ray Thomas. For more information about the rally click the link in the title.

To volunteer and participate in this first time ever 30-State Rally to End Poverty click here.

Thank you for your generous donations to our February 2024 Food Drive!  First Lutheran Church Bothell’s Social Ministries Committee, partnered with the Northshore Nourishing Network with this Community Food Drive. Donations of non-perishable food items were shared with local Northshore Community Food Banks and Food Pantries.

Monthly Financial Outreach

January Outreach: TBA

February Outreach: TBA

March Outreach: TBA

April Outreach:

May Outreach:

June Outreach:

July Outreach:

August Outreach:

September Outreach:

October Outreach:

November Outreach:

December Outreach:

Council Corner

At the February 20th council meeting, the Council elected Jordan Chester to the Audit Committee. This position is for a 3-year term. Many thanks to David Osborne, outgoing committee member, for serving on the committee for the last year and helping the committee re-established its work and its goals.  

In addition, Emily Curcio volunteered to assume the remaining council 2-year term of service for Kathy Konieczka. This term, ending in January, 2026, will be Emily’s first full term on Council so she will be eligible for a second 3-year term. Thank you, Emily, for volunteering, which then provides a balance to the number of members ending their terms of service on the council in any given year. 

The Council also elected Beth Phelps to the 2024 Nominating Committee. This position is a 1-year term, with the option for 1 additional year. The committee still needs 1 additional member. We also have an opportunity to send a youth (defined as not yet 18 at the time of the assembly) to the NW Washington Synod Assembly on Saturday, May 18th, at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, WA. If you’re interested in either of these opportunities, please contact any council member or Pastor Berg. 

Kendahl Adjorlolo and Emily Curcio will be hosting Coffee with Council on Sunday, March 3rd. Please join them in The Landing following our worship service. 

Yours in His service,

Ho Brown

Council President

[email protected]

First Lutheran Church has purchased the Northwest Washington Synod's LiVE bundle for 2023-24, so any LiVE events are free to our congregation! See the complete LIVE Project Catalog and register using FLC's Confirmation Code to register for free!

Upcoming events:

• FREE - "Abide" Weekly Synod-Wide Bible Study (join anytime!)
• Lent with Baldwin & Bonhoeffer Course - Thursdays during Lent starting February 15, 6:30-8:30pm
• Becoming an Anti-Racist Cohort - Thursdays on Zoom 7:00 -8:30 pm

The Concordia College Choir (an ELCA school) from Moorhead, MN will perform at University Presbyterian Church on March 8, 7:30 pm. More information and tickets available at Concordia College.

• ELCA News
• Northwest Washington Synod
• January NW Washington Synod Bishop's Message
• Living Lutheran
• Lutheran Counseling Network
• Faith Action Network
• Gay Church
• Poor People Campaign Washington
• Reconciling Works