Please join us for worship...

Sunday, February 5 - Boy Scout Sunday

On this Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany we will celebrate Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. using the liturgy from Lutheran Book of Worship, Setting 2. The Sanctuary Choir will sing at the 8:30 a.m. service, and special music will be offered at 10:45 . Judy Meise from “Rainbow Kids” will speak to us at Donuts & Dialogue. A New Member Workshop will be offered at 9:40 a.m. in the Genszler Room this morning. The sub sandwiches you may have ordered for today’s Super Bowl can be picked up today.

Sunday, February 12

Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. on this Sixth Sunday after Epiphany using the liturgy from With One Voice, featuring the Bell Choir in both services. The second New Member Workshop will be offered today. Donuts & Dialogue will continue its study on Renewing Worship.

A Word from our Pastor:
A Meeting With the Bishop

On January 19, council president Cathy Britton and I met with Bishop Paul Stumme-Diers to find out more about the interim period, beginning after Pastor Karl retires on July 31. We wanted to know what to expect as far as receiving an interim senior pastor, when that individual would begin his/her ministry with First United, and what we could be doing in the meantime.

Our conversation was helpful and informative. Bishop Paul has been aware of Pastor Karl’s retirement for quite some time so he is already in the process of identifying potential interim pastors to serve with us. The interim pastor will serve not only as a temporary senior pastor but will also lead us through a process of mission exploration. This process will help us to identify who we are as a congregation, what our gifts and growing edges are, and how we envision our life together in the future. Interim pastors are skilled in helping congregations through this process and Bishop Paul is seeking an interim pastor who has had experience working with large congregations, multiple staff members, and congregations who have had a long-term senior pastor leave or retire, as is the case with Pastor Karl. Bishop Paul feels we could have someone on board as early as the first week of August, providing a seamless transition in the office of the senior pastor.

I will continue to serve as your associate pastor into the interim period. It is neither advisable for me to serve as your senior pastor nor is it something I wish to do. I have been blessed in the associate position to focus on my areas of strength, without the administrative work that the senior pastor oversees.

We will not begin the mission exploration process until after the interim pastor arrives and gets settled, nor will we begin to put together a call committee for at least another year. In the meantime, Bishop Paul urges us to continue to strengthen the ministries of this congregation, to continue to welcome new members, attend worship, and be generous in our giving. The stronger we are as a congre-gation now and in the next several months, the stronger we will be during the interim period and beyond.

I am confident in our partnership with Bishop Paul and the rest of the synod staff during this time of transition, but mostly I am confident in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are not alone in this process and we will certainly be blessed by the work we will be doing together in the coming years. If you have any questions or concerns about the interim period, please do not hesitate to give me a call or stop by my office. Pastor Gail



We offer our Christian love to the family of Audrey Aardappel at the loss of her aunt.

Donuts & Dialogue  

Rainbow Kids

On February 5, between worship services, Judy Meise will come and speak with us about Rainbow Kids and the work they do in our community. Rainbow Kids provides a peer support program to help families deal with grief due to death, divorce, separation or abandonment. Please help us welcome our guest as she shares with us Rainbow Kids’ important ministry in Sheboygan ! We will meet in the Genszler Room at 9:40 AM .

On the Sundays from February 12-March 12, we will continue our study on Renewing Worship. As the ELCA prepares to publish a new hymnal for use in worship, this study is deepening our understanding of the biblical basis of worship, helping us discover how worship forms us in faith, and explores the relationship between worship and God’s mission in the world. Even if you missed the first two sessions, please join us for this important church-wide conversation!

Sheboygan Area Lutheran Singles

The February calendar for the Sheboygan Area Lutheran Singles is on the kiosk in the gathering area. This group exists to support Christian singles of all denominations, and includes those who are divorced or widowed. Questions? Call 457-6336.

Lenten Soup Supper clean-up

The 7th and 8th grade Confirmation classes have been asked to help with clean-up after each of the Lenten Soup Suppers during Lent. Guides and students need to report to the Fellowship Hall kitchen no later than 6:00 p.m. on the night your group is scheduled.

March 8 ...Groups 1 & 3... .8th Grade Boys & Girls

March 15...Groups 2 & 4 ....8th Grade Boys & Girls

March 22 ...Groups 5 & 7.... 7th Grade Boys & Girls

March 29...(Open Date - Spring Break)

April 5 ...Groups 6 & 8 ....7th Grade Boys & Girls

Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast

Boy Scout Troop 861 will host their annual Pancake Breakfast here at First United on Sunday, February 19, in fellowship hall, serving from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. A free-will offering will be accepted. The troop will use the funds to assist in the continuation of their awesome program! All are invited for a great breakfast and good fellowship with both the scouts and fellow church members!

All Committee Night...

Will take place on Monday, February 13, at 6:15 p.m. beginning with a meal in the gathering area. All are invited to come!

Mt. Meru Valentine Gift Packs Available!

Mt. Meru Valentine Gift Packs are now available in a limited supply! Help the coffee farmers of Tanzania AND the cocoa bean farmers of Ghana by purchasing one of these gift packs. They include a 12 oz. bag of Mt Meru Select Coffee and a 12 oz. tin of Omanhene Hot Cocoa Mx. They are wrapped in cellophane and ready for giving. A brochure and gift card are included. The coffee is drip grind and available in regular or decaffeinated. The price is only $15.00!

The Mt Meru Coffee Project continues to bring economic and social justice to the small family coffee farmers of the Meru Diocese in Tanzania . The fair price paid by the Project for the select coffee grown by these farmers helps to increase their income. Purchase fresh Mt. Meru Select Coffee at the Mt. Meru display area, located at the northwest entrance to the Gathering Area.

Good News Deadline

The next deadline for Good News articles is Monday, February 6. This issue will be in homes on Wednesday, February 15. Thank you!

Souper Bowl Subs

Remember to pick up your sub sandwich on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5!

New Member Workshops

Looking for a new church home? New in the area? Are you interested in joining First United Lutheran Church ? Come to the new member workshops on three consecutive Sundays, February 5, 12, and 19, at 9:40 a.m. in the chapel (next door to the Genszler Room, just off the gathering area). We will talk about what it means to be a member of a congregation and how you might grow in your faith life at First United. New members will be received into membership at the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, February 19. Questions? Contact Pastor Gail (452-2401).

Valentine Goodie Boxes

The 7th and 8th grade youth will be preparing Valentine goodies boxes for First United’s college students. Homemade “shipper friendly” baked goods, along with other treats, are needed to fill these boxes. If you would be willing to provide goodies, please see the sign-up sheet on the kiosk and bring the precut items (items that won’t crumble when shipped) to the Youth Room by 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 12. Please call the church office with the name and address of your student!

Monday Night Books:

"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"

Monday Night Books will meet on February 6 at 6:30 p.m. in order to discuss C.S. Lewis’ classic, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” We will focus on the Christian themes in the book and perhaps make some comparisons to the movie during our conversation. All ages are welcome to attend this special session. A sign-up sheet is on the kiosk in the gathering area.

Help needed at Bridgeway

on February 7

Two people are needed to help moms prepare, serve, and clean up dinner at Bridgeway from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7! Bridgeway is a transitional housing facility for women with children that is run by the Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization (SCIO). Bridgeway is located on the north side of Sheboygan , at 1251 Geele Avenue .

First United is a member of SCIO, and has agreed to help with their evening meal program on the seventh of every month. This may include helping the moms prepare, serve and clean up the evening meal, or it might be playing with the children so the moms can make dinner. All of the food is provided by Bridgeway, and the volunteers are invited and encouraged to stay for dinner to eat with the families.Bridgeway staff are always on site and available if needed. Can you help? Please sign up on the kiosk or call the office (452-2401). Thank you!

Join the Holy Knitters

This is the perfect time of year to unwind at the end of the day by knitting or crocheting a soft, warm prayer shawl or lap blanket!

If you knit or crochet (or would like to learn how), and enjoy doing things for others, join the Holy Knitters! We meet on the second Monday of every month, and will meet again on Monday, February 13, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. , in room 8. We would love to have you join us! Because of generous donations from some of our members, we do have yarn available, if you need it. Yarn is always needed so that we can continue this important ministry. Each shawl and lap blanket uses three skeins of Lion Brand Homespun yarn, so financial donations given to the Holy Knitters are very much appreciated.

Please contact Deaconess Deb if you know someone who would benefit from receiving a prayer shawl or lap blanket. Thank you for your support!

Thank You!

My family and I just wanted to say thanks to all the participants at the January All Committee Night. The money raised is going to a great cause. LeRoy Nennig Jr. was an excellent police officer and family man. He would have been honored to see such support! Thank you - Lance Nennig

Holy Communion Preparation Dates

2nd, 3rd, & 4th Graders and Parents

Sunday, March 5th at 9:40 a.m.

Wednesday, March 8, at 7:15 p.m.

(Chalice making for 2nd & 3rd Grades)

Sunday, March 12th at 9:40 a.m.

Wednesday, March 15, at 7:15 p.m.

(Chalice making for 4th Grade)

Holy Communion instruction will be offered to the 2nd and 3rd graders this year, along with the 4th grade students. Parents are encouraged to attend all classes. Students that complete the classes will receive Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 13, at the 7 p.m. worship service. If you have questions, contact Pastor Gail at 452-2401.

Monday Night Books for Kids!

Kids! You can join in the discussion for C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Monday Night Books on February 6, at 6:30 p.m. If you have read the book or seen the movie, join us for a discussion about Lucy, Susan, Peter and Edmund and their adventures in Narnia. Please sign up at one of the bulletin boards at church, or contact Pastor Gail or Mary Gorges for more information.

Thank you for your help!

This is a very late “thank you” for keeping our grounds so beautiful during the growing season. We hope you are looking forward to spring garden care!

~Marian & Bob Gorges

Crossways Camping Ministries

Summer brochures for Crossways Camps are now available in the Youth & Family kiosk off the gathering area. Summer Camp at Crossways is a wonderful blend of fun activities and positive relationships experienced in a Christian environment. At Crossways, you will find high quality programs for every age group, and families as well. Whether this is your first summer camp adventure or your tenth, the people at Crossways promise to provide you the very best experience of your life...for sure, the best week of your summer! Check out the kiosk, or www.CrosswaysCamps.org for more information about registering for a camping session.

The President’s Purview

Dear First United Members,

I am humbled to be serving as President of the Congregation Council for 2006. This year of transition will be one of opportunity for all of us. I can assure you that your Council is committed to leading this congregation through this transition as smoothly as possible.

Many of you have already asked questions concerning the retirement of Pastor Karl, the length of Pastor Gail’s time with us, and the interim period that will result in FULC calling a new senior pastor. I will do my best to share information with you as we travel this journey together. Pastor Gail and I recently met with Bishop Paul Stumme-Diers to ask questions about when we can expect to receive an interim pastor, and the process of calling a new pastor. I will share more information with you in the next issue of the Good News.

Pastor Karl has led us fearlessly for 26 years, and will continue to do so until July 31. Please note May 21 on your calendar so that you can celebrate his years of ministry with us. I’m sure this party will be full of music and dessert, two of Karl’s favorite things.

Feel free to contact me, or any other Council member, with your questions and concerns. Email is the best way to contact me (cathy.britton@sbcglobal.net), or leave a phone message (451-4711).

God’s blessings to all of you,

Cathy Britton

Thank You from the St. Mark Food Pantry

Following is a thank you from St. Mark Lutheran Church:

“The continuing, generous, faithful support of so many congregations ... has allowed the St. Mark Food Pantry to complete another successful year working in the service of our Lord to aid the needy families of our community. The food pantry is supported by donations alone, so the help we receive is a tremendous blessing.

When the food pantry opened in 1999, we served an average of 50.6 families each time. In 2005, we served an average of 106.3 families, or 7022 individuals.

There are currently 31 members on the food pantry committee, who work in various capacities. Anyone desiring to help would be a welcome addition to our crew.

When we say we can’t do it without you, we really mean it. The food pantry exists solely because people of faith continue to support it. One or two extra items purchased on grocery day or a few spare dollars donated to the pantry make all the difference. We thank God and we thank you for staying with us.”

You are encouraged to continue to support the St. Mark Food Pantry by donating non-perishable food in the food barrel that is located in the gathering area by the worship entrance. Thank you!