Come to worship this Lenten Season

_Sunday, February 6 - Boy Scout Sunday

We will celebrate Holy Communion on this Transfiguration of Our Lord Sunday using the liturgy from With One Voice. The Bell Choir will ring the anthem at both services. Donuts & Dialogue will respond to the report and recommendations issued by the ELCA Task Force for Studies on Sexuality this Sunday and next Sunday. Sub sandwiches for the Super Bowl can be picked up today.

_Ash Wednesday, February 9

Our Lenten journey begins with worship services at 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

_Sunday, February 13

Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. on this First Sunday in Lent, with Holy Baptisms at 10:45 a.m. using LBW Setting One. Donuts & Dialogue will continue its look at the ELCA Task Force study.

_Wednesday, February 16

The Church and Homosexuality:

Report and Recommendations

Last year our congregation engaged in a 12- week study on the Church and Homosexuality, in response to requests that the ELCA allow the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of homosexual individuals. We submitted our responses from the study to the ELCA Task Force for Studies on Sexualitywhich reviewed a total of 28,000 responsesfrom congregations across the United States. On January 13, the task force issued its report and recommen-dations, the 36 pages of which can be viewed at:

www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/tfreport.html

These recommendations are now being reviewed by congregations, synod councils, the ELCA Church Council, and synod assemblies for action at the Churchwide Assembly in August.

In a nutshell, the task force’s recommen-dations are as follows:

1. That the ELCA concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of our disagreements.

2. That the ELCA continue to respect the pastoral guidance of the 1993 statement of the Conference of Bishops (i.e., “there is basis neither in Scripture nor tradition for the establishment of an official ceremony by this church for the blessing of a homosexual relationship. We, therefore, do not approve such a ceremony as an official action of this church’s ministry. Nevertheless, we express trust in those pastors who are in ministry with gay and lesbian persons, and affirm their desire to explore the best ways to provide pastoral care for all to whom they minister”)

3. That the ELCA continue under the standards regarding sexual conduct for rostered leaders as set forth in Vision and Expectations, but that, as a pastoral response to the deep divisions among us, this church may choose to refrain from disciplining those who in good conscience, and for the sake of outreach, ministry, and the commitment to continuing dialogue, call or approve partnered gay or lesbian candidates whom they believe to be otherwise in compliance with Vision and Expectations and to refrain from disciplining those rostered people so approved and called. We as a church have much about which to dialogue regarding these recommendations before the Churchwide Assembly in August. Please join us during Donuts and Dialogue on February 6 & 13 as we discuss this report and respond to the recommendations. All are welcome to attend between worship services in the Genszler Room. Your participation is vital as we seek to live together faithfully as a church and as a congregation.
Pastor Karl

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We offer our Christian love to the family of Becky Reinke at the death of her father; to the family of Terri Koch at the death of her brother; and to the family of Dave Adams at the death of his father.

Help Needed at Bridgeway

Bridgeway is a transitional housing facility run by the Sheboygan County Interfaith Organi-zation (SCIO), for single women with children who are struggling financially or in other ways. First United is a member of SCIO, and has agreed to help with their evening meal program once a month. On the seventh of every month, two of our members are needed from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to help wherever needed. This may mean helping the moms prepare, serve and clean up an evening meal, or it might mean playing with the children so the mom can make dinner. The hosts are invited to stay for dinner and eat with the family. Bridgeway is located at 1251 Geele Avenue, in Sheboygan. Please sign up on the kiosk to get involved. Thank you!

Donuts and Dialogue

On February 6 and 13 we will take a break from studying the book, Reclaiming the “L” Word, in order to respond to the report and recommendations issued by the ELCA Task Force for Studies on Sexuality (see the pastor’s column on page 2 of this newsletter). All are welcome to join in this important conversation in the life of our church as we seek to live together faithfully in the midst of deep divisions over this issue. We will meet in the Genszler Room at 9:40 a.m.

Singles Potluck

The Singles Group at First United will gather for a potluck on Sunday, February 13, following the 10:45 a.m. worship service. People who have always lived alone, who are divorced, and widowed have been gathering on a monthly basis since October for fellowship, food, and support, and we continue to grow! Please join us in the Genszler Room and bring a dish to pass. Table service will be provided. Bring a friend! If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Gail (452-2401).

Remember to Pick up your Subs!

Super Bowl subs will be available for pick up on Sunday, February 6! Don’t forget to pick yours up and enjoy it during the big game!

Monday Night Books

Monday Night Books will meet on Monday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the Genszler Room. We will discuss Why Jesus Died by Gerard Sloyan, so please read the book before we meet. This book is available through Amazon.com or augsburgfortress.org. A sign-up sheet is in the gathering area.

Future Monday Night Book dates (order your books early!):

*March: Lent, no session

*April 4: The Ladies’ Auxiliary, Tova Mirvis

*May 2: Practicing Resurrection, Nora Gallagher

Meals on Wheels

Can YOU help by being a driver for Meals on Wheels? We are looking for a few more drivers who could drive one Friday a month, or someone who could occasionally “sub” on a Friday for other drivers. Each delivery takes about 90 minutes, from approximately 11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We are blessed to have both a Wednesday and a Thursday route. With your help, we could also have a Friday route! Please sign up on the kiosk or call the church (452-2401). Thank you!

Great Beginnings Preschool registration is now open to the public

Enrollment is now open to the public, as of February 1, as well as all members who have not yet enrolled.

Great Beginnings is an excellent preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. Their language, pre-reading, math, social, and large and fine motor skills are strengthened through a variety of activities. The format is designed to allow parents to choose options that best fit their families schedule. For more information or if you are interested in seeing the preschool, call the church office or stop by Great Beginnings.

Valentine Boxes

The 7 th and 9 th graders of our church will be assembling V alentine G oodie B oxes for all First United college students. They need your help by baking at least two dozen cookies or a pan of bars. These are needed by Sunday, February 6!! If you can help, please be sure to have your cookies or bars to the small kitchen by 9:30 a.m. on that day. Thank you!!

Kamana Family Update

Emmanuel stated, “The people in this church are very, very nice.” We (the Refugee Committee) would like you to keep in mind that they probably will not say ‘no’ to things they are given. The Refugee Committee, aided by some generous members, has provided the Kamana family with everything they need, and more, so ‘things’ are no longer a priority. The committee would like others to experience the joy of being a part of the Kamana’s lives. What experiences do you think they might find interesting and helpful? Can you find ways to include them in your lives? Prepared food items might be good, especially with a newborn baby at home. Families with children or youth could have fun showing the Kamana children how to play in the snow! Please call before you visit. Their telephone number is 452-1149. Their weekends are relatively free, although each day is challenging with a baby in the house.

Emmanuel is now working first shift at Rockline, and needs transportation to work. He works from 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and may have to work Saturdays. Our main concern is transportation to work in the morning. If you can help, please call the church office (452-2401), or Linda Adams (467-1368). Thank you!

Emmanuel is also very busy studying rules of the road for driving, and preparing for the GED. He has the skills of a phlebotomist or Medical Technician, but has no proof of his qualifications. Do any members working in medical fields have ideas how he could get his foot in the door of a lab, clinic or hospital (preferably near the church)? If so, please talk to Jim Maxon, Deaconess Deb, or Linda Adams.

Rebecca will be home full-time for several weeks yet. She has an English tutoring session nearly every day, and is progressing cheerfully.

The Kamanas are extremely grateful for everything that is being done for them. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers, and find ways to know them! The next Refugee Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Genszler Room. Come and join us!

All Committee Night

Plan to attend All Committee Night on Monday, February 14. Dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. in the gathering area, after which all committees will hold individual meetings. Anyone interested in getting involved in any of the church committees is encouraged to attend.

What have you lost?

Our Lost & Found box is getting full! Please take a moment to check it out! The box is located in the coat area on the east side of the gathering area, across from the Men’s Room.

Soup Suppers

Lenten worship services will be preceded by Soup Suppers each Wednesday during the season of Lent, beginning on Wednesday, February16. These suppers will be served in fellowship hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. Pam and Bill Gottsacker of City Streets Restaurant prepare two delicious soups for us each week. Rolls and beverages are also provided, as well as peanut butter and jelly for the kids. And, if you’d be willing to bring a dessert to share everyone there would be grateful! Please join us for supper during Lent - it’s a marvelous time to share food and fellowship together. Assistance is also needed in service and cleaning up. If you can help, please contact Lee Anne Gilson at 452-2401.

Worship Opportunities

Work has begun on the new Worship Responsibilities booklet. If you know of certain dates you will not be available to help in the areas you have volunteered for, please contact the church office (452-2401) as soon as possible, and we will make every effort not to schedule you on those dates! Thank you!

Lenten Worship Begins

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 9, with two worship services in the worship area at 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Lenten worship continues on the Wednesdays of February 16, 23, March 9 and 16, with two worship services at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel and 6:30 p.m. in the worship space. And please be sure to join us for the Soup Supper offered each Wednesday evening (except Ash Wednesday) at 5:30 p.m.

Looking for a few good...VAN DRIVERS!

Can we interest anyone in joining our Van Ministry Team? If you have a valid driver’s license, we can use you! Each Sunday morning, for the late service, we offer rides to those who have no vehicle or cannot drive. It would only require about one Sunday a month, or less, to join the team. Contact Lee Anne Gilson at 452-2401 if you are willing to help.

VILs Presidents’ Birthday Brunch

On Monday, February 21, at 10:00 a.m., a brunch featuring scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausages, coffee cake and toast will be served. Please call the church office for reservations.

Benefit Event

Gifts of Love

Cancer Celebration for

Michael Gorges

Do you quilt? ... Do you knit? ... Do you make jewelry?

How about items made out of wood?

Maybe you make a fabulous cheesecake or bake bread?

What talents do you have to share?

On Sunday, April 17, First United Lutheran Church will host a

Silent Auction and Benefit Event called,

“Gifts of Love, Cancer Survivor Celebration for Michael Gorges.”

Michael is an 11-year old fifth grader at Howards Grove Middle School who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in June of 2004, which is a form of cancer that deals with the lymphatic system. Michael’s cancer was an advanced case that involved a large tumor in his chest as well as many small ones throughout his entire chest. He is the son of Tom and Mary Gorges and the brother of 4-year old Jack. Bob and Marian Gorges are his grandparents. Mike was treated for his cancer for 6 months. He went through surgery twice, 4 cycles of chemotherapy that lasted 12 weeks and then 30 days of radiation treatments (given 5 days a week) for another 6 weeks. He is currently in remission of his cancer and the doctors are very pleased with his response.

Although Mike has gone through an enormous struggle with cancer, he is just basically a normal 11-year old boy, who has a great love of history and is especially interested in the military. He plays the trumpet and enjoys his Play Station 2 game. While Mike is not the most athletic guy, he still enjoys a game of “hoops” with his friends. He also enjoys spending time with his grandparents and playing board games at home with his family and friends.

The event will feature an Italian dinner, music, and silent auction items. These items will be comprised only of items hand-crafted by members of First United and bidding on those items will occur only during the hours of the benefit. Funds raised are to be supplemented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. If you are willing to donate items for the auction, please pick up a donation submission form in the church office and return the form by March 13 th. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Van Akkeren at 458-3761, or Cathy Britton at 451-4711.