First Lutheran Church

“GUIDE ME EVER, GREAT REDEEMER” Welcome to First Lutheran Church. We ask everyone to complete the “Footprints” and list if you are communing or have a prayer request. All baptized Christians who understand that Christ is truly present in the bread and wine are welcome to join us for Holy Communion. Wheat-free/gluten-free communion wafers are available on the Pulpit (left) side of the aisle during communion. Grape juice is available on both sides. We ask that you “think green” and place blank “Footprints” forms in the basket in the narthex to be reused.

PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED for Katelyn, Jack, James, Jennifer, Shane, Tiffany, Wendy, Lori Anast, Sam Bish, Sandi Carlisle, Bob Lee, Jim McClellan, Hanna Powell, Clark Roberts, Loni Seemann, Brandon Shanahan, Phyllis Schmidt, Ken Stukey, Cam and Cal Thatcher, and Riad Yammine. Prayers are also requested for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the unemployed, those serving in the Armed Forces (Adam, Anthony, John, Josh, Julie, Nicholas, Phil, and Russell), and all those who mourn the loss of loved ones.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Marc and Erika Bishop in honor of their children, Ali, Jake and Cole.

OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHIES are extended to our organist, Dwane Grace, on the death of his mother, Myrna, last Sunday afternoon.

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Pastors Bob and Paul have called a Special Congregational Meeting at which we will first introduce and then vote on the following question: “Are you opposed to people in publically accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships serving as rostered leaders in the ELCA?” This will be a “yes or no” vote, done by private paper ballot. For those who do not wish to take a side, there will also be a neutral option. Those who wish to do so can stay for a discussion of actions that other churches have taken in response to the resolutions of the ELCA National Assembly. No other actions or discussions may occur at this meeting. The meeting will be this evening at 7:00 p.m. here at the church.

WE ARE SEEKING A NEW CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR. A search committee has been established and job descriptions are available in the church office for this 10 hour-a-week position. The committee hopes to complete interviews in the next two weeks.

YOUTH: On March 7th the high school and middle school students will be helping with the Community Dinner. They should be in the kitchen ready to help at 9 a.m. Sunday morning.

THE NOOMA STUDY RETURNS! For the first two Sundays of March, the high school students will continue the Nooma Study from 6-7:30 p.m. March 7th and 14th. We need an adult volunteer to co-lead this study. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Adam Bower at FLCYouth@hotmail.com.

ON MARCH 21ST THE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS are invited to enjoy an indoor swimming pool at the Youth for Christ complex from 1-4. For directions to the Youth for Christ complex, see the youth board.

YOUTH E-NEWS: If you would like to receive the youth ministry’s new monthly E-News, please fill out a “Footprint” and mark it saying you would like the monthly E-News. You can also sign up on the youth bulletin board by Pastor Bob’s office. The E-news will have details on upcoming events and the progress of the youth committee. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR PARENTS!!!

THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH BOOK CLUB is reading While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky for its March 2nd discussion. Join us in the church lounge at 7:00. SOUP SUPPERS are Wednesday evenings thru Lent at 5:45 with worship following at 7:00.

THE GOOD NEWS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS has begun a study of what Lutherans believe, that will include an examination of Luther's Catechism. Among other things, we will learn that the catechism is actually adult-rated material. Come and join us.

WISH TO SERVE FIRST LUTHERAN? We are in need of one or two people to schedule lectors and greeters If you are willing to share your time by organizing lectors and greeters for the 8:00 or 10:45 services (or both services), please contact Sally Rice, one of the pastors, or the church office.

THE BISHOP’S WINTER CONFERENCE MEETING with lay members (originally scheduled for February 10th and canceled due to the weather) has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 25th. This is an excellent time for us to gather in order to renew and celebrate our call to be in mission together in our congregations, in our conferences, as a synod, and through the ELCA. The meal will begin at 6:00, and a free-will offering will be taken. Time with Bishop Lohrmann begins at 7:00. RSVPs need to be to the church by Sunday, March 21st.

THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S SYNOD ASSEMBLY IS “GOD’S WORK…OUR HANDS” The keynote speaker & Bible study leader will be presiding Bishop Mark Hanson. Music will be led by Ken Medema. Three voting members will be chosen from our congregation to attend as voting delegates. If you would like to serve as a delegate, please contact one of the pastors or the church office. All congregational members are invited to attend as guests. Registration (for non-delegates) is $100 if paid before April 7th. Meals are also available onsite for an additional cost. Registration forms and additional information is available in the church office.

THE HOPE HOUSE “BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY" seminar will be held on March 2nd at the Family Center. Participants will review key lessons for dealing with individuals trapped in poverty. The registration fee is $20 (includes lunch), and Social Ministry will assist with the cost. See the poster on the bulletin board in the main hall for more information.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS from First Lutheran’s Endowment Fund are available. Information and applications are posted on the bulletin board outside the narthex. Applications are due by March 31st.