Come to worship this Lenten Season

_ Sunday, February 20

Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. on this Second Sunday in Lent using LBW Setting 1, with Holy Baptism at 10:45 a.m. The Cherub Choir will sing in the 8:30 a.m. service, and the Sanctuary Choir will sing at 10:45 a.m. Third graders and parents will be instructed in the New Testament at 9:40 a.m. Donuts & Dialogue will return to its study on Reclaiming the “L” Word.” And, the Boy Scouts are hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast this morning in fellowship hall.

_ Wednesday, February 23

Our Lenten journey continues with worship services at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. with a soup supper at 5:30 p.m. in fellowship hall.

_ Sunday, February 27

Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. on this Third Sunday in Lent, using LBW Setting One. Holy Communion Prep begins for 4 th Graders in the sanctuary at 9:40.

_ Wednesday, March 2

Worship will be held in the chapel at 10:30 a.m. and in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. A Soup Supper will be offered at 5:30 p.m. in fellowship hall.

Let me share with you what I wrote for the 2004 Annual Meeting...

“Time, like an ever rolling stream, soon bears us all away.” This phrase, from the LBW hymn 320, “O God our Help in Ages Past,” reminds us that each day is important and cannot be taken for granted. During this past year I have listened to countless people tell me about what turns their lives have taken. Some have enjoyed immense fun and excitement and others have known devastating illness or the death of loved ones. There have been stories that break your heart as they grieve their losses and hurts and others that warm your heart as they celebrate new found love, restore broken relationships, celebrate birth and new life in their families, their work, and in their faith. The constant in all these many and varied experiences has been their faith in Jesus Christ. The relationship with Jesus has over and over again been the firm foundation that has held them up when they are weak and vulnerable and the Lord to whom they have given thanks as they celebrate their lives. Each of us needs to daily renew our hope in Christ’s promises through prayer, worship and the way we let God guide us in all we do. Time rolls on, but in Christ we carried safely through the waves, storms and travels of life.

This has been a year of gratitude to God for the generosity he has instilled in many of you through this congregation. We received a record amount of income from your generosity for which we thank God. There are so many exciting ministries we carry out in Christ’s name and they are only possible because of you. We have provided wonderfully for the Kamanas, our refugee family from Burundi, Africa. We have given over $20,000 to World Hunger this year. We have exceeded our goals in our giving to the Adopt a Family program and Christmas Treasures. We have supported many benevolence projects resulting in our overall giving being over $110,000 more than last year.

I am most flattered and humbled by the amazing gift of the three bronze bells given in my honor and our ministry together these almost 25 years. Ever since the church was first built in 1960 people have dreamed of ringing the call to worship with real bells. The inscription on the bells reads, “To bath and table, prayer and Word, I call every seeking soul, honoring the ministry of Pastor Karl J. Nelson 1980-2006" Now with it cast in bronze, time marches on and there is no getting around the fact that sometime in 2006, sometime after I turn 65 that year, I will retire or as a friend said, “refire” to new opportunities! It is an amazing journey we have together. I look forward to what we can do for Christ’s Kingdom in what I hope will be the best years yet to come. There is much yet for us to do in mission.

For all the time we have together, I give thanks to you for your partnership in the mission of Christ carried out through this church. As you celebrate or as you hurt, share with me or any of our wonderful and caring staff. We want to help keep you connected in your faith with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Karl

Pancake Breakfast Boy Scout Troop 861

will host their annual Pancake Breakfast here at First United on Sunday, February 20, 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!

Crossways Camping Ministries

Crossways Camping Ministries is an outdoor ministries program of the ELCA with three camps near Clintonville, Waupaca, and Hatley, Wisconsin. Every year First United Lutheran Church has a special offering for Crossways in order to support their year-round ministries at these beautiful locations. Our seventh graders also attend Confirmation Camp at Pine Lake, the Crossways camp near Waupaca, and always report having had a good time!

Last year 3,500 children and hundreds of others were ministered to throughout the whole year. Wayne Harrison, executive director of Crossways, writes, "Our mission is to bring people of all ages together in the name of Christ so that lives are changed as individuals grow in faith and service to our Lord Jesus Christ, and communities of faith are strengthened for service in their home communities."

Your financial support of Crossways allows many kids to attend camp who may not otherwise have been able to afford it, supports college students as summer missionaries, provides support for parish office staff and leaders of youth ministry. Your attendance at one of Crossways' dozens of programs throughout the year for all ages is an extraordinary way to grow in your faith, surrounded by the body of Christ and the beauty of nature. For more information on Crossways’ programs, check out their website: www.CrosswaysCamps.org

During the season of Lent, please give generously as a special offering to Crossways Camping Ministries. This vital ministry changes the lives of hundreds of people every year and your continued support is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about Crossways Camps or would like to find out more about its programs, please contact Pastor Gail or Cathy Daharsh.

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We offer our Christian love to the family of Chester Karstaedt at his death; to the family of Lucile Paukert at the death of her daughter; and to the family of Fred Haaker at his death.

Soup Suppers

Lenten worship services will be preceded by Soup Suppers each Wednesday during the season of Lent. These suppers are 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.

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.

Lenten Worship Continues

The season of Lent continues with two worship services at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel and 6:30 p.m. in the church. Services will be held on the Wednesdays of February 16, 23, March 2, 9 and 16. And please be sure to join us for the Soup Supper offered each Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. in fellowship hall.

VILs Presidents’ Birthday Brunch

On Monday, February 21, at 10:00 a.m., the VILs will enjoy a brunch featuring scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausages, coffee cake and toast. Officer Winters will join us to talk about the police department’s efforts to protect against identity theft. Please call the church office for reservations.

Hey, kids!! Make plans to come to the Easter Egg Hunt

on Saturday, March 26, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the home of Louis and Joyce Milsted.

Meals on Wheels: We Have a Friday Route!

We have THREE Meals on Wheels routes for First United! With your help, we now have routes on Wednesdays, Thursdays AND Fridays! THANK YOU to all who are helping to make this possible by delivering meals!

We still need one more individual or couple who can deliver on the fourth Friday of each month, as well as people who could occasionally “sub” on a Friday for the other drivers. We are blessed to have a number of First United drivers, which makes it easy to “switch days” when you can’t drive on the day you’re assigned. Each delivery takes about 90 minutes, from approximately 11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please sign up on the kiosk or call the church (452-2401) if you can help.

Join Our NewPrayer Shawl Knitting Group!

Do you knit? Do you want to learn? Join our new Prayer Shawl Knitting Group! We’ll meet once a month to knit, chat, listen to music and make beautiful, soft, warm Prayer Shawls. These shawls will be made with the sole purpose of giving them away - to people who are suffering from cancer or other illnesses, to new mothers, or to the elderly. They are called “Prayer Shawls” because we will begin each session with a special prayer to ask God’s blessing for our work. A special “healing” prayer will also be given with the shawl for the recipient to pray, reminding them of God’s eternal love & presence with them.

I’m hoping to find a time that works best for everyone to meet, so please sign up on the kiosk or call me (Deaconess Deb: 452-2401) and let me know when you’d like to get together and knit! Watch the bulletins and the kiosk for the next meeting time!

Kamana Family Update

The job situation for Emmanuel continues to be a challenge. He was hired through a temporary job agency, but the position lasted only two weeks. He is now working a night shift position at the same company, through the same temporary agency. Because these temporary positions do not offer benefits or any kind of job security, we are still looking for permanent, full-time employment for Emmanuel. He will be taking his GED tests soon. He has the skills of a phlebotomist or Medical Technician, but has no proof of his qualifications. If you know how to help him get his foot in the door of a lab, clinic or hospital, or know of any other job possibilities, please talk to Jim Maxon, Deaconess Deb, or Linda Adams.

Emmanuel and Rebecca enjoy meeting people, experiencing new things, and learning more about our culture. Emmanuel speaks fluent English. Rebecca is learning very quickly, and can communicate quite well on her own. Please feel free to give them a call (their telephone number is 452-1149) and invite them to different activities, places and events that you think they would enjoy.

Our next Refugee Meeting will be Thursday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Genszler Room. Please come!

Help Is Needed at Bridgeway

Bridgeway is a transitional housing facility run by the Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization (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 volunteers are needed from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to help wherever needed. This may mean helping the moms prepare, serve and clean up the 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 Ave., in Sheboygan. Please sign up on the kiosk to get involved. Thank you!

Who is that guy preaching in our pulpit?

My name is Pres Hoffman. My wife, Kathleen, and I have four children and six grandchildren. We have been proud members of First United for about twelve years. (We usually attend the 8:30 service.) I am currently a candidate for Word and Sacrament ministry at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. I am what is called a “middler”, which means that I am in my second year of studies. I am following a strong sense of call from God to urban ministry in the ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod. My classes are going well.

I’m at the seminary in what is called a TEEM ministry program. TEEM means Theological Education for Emerging Ministries. It is a program that the church has developed for people over forty years of age. I was advised of this program when I was in the process of discerning my sense of call to the church. I applied through our Greater Milwaukee Synod and was accepted. The synod, the church-wide office, and the seminary outlined a curriculum that would lead to ordination in December of 2006, God willing.

I work part time as a sales trainer for a wholesale food company. My company has been extremely encouraging of my direction.

First United has been wonderfully supportive of my call to ministry. The congregation has assisted me spiritually, emotionally, financial and practically. By practically, I mean, enabling the opportunity for me to “sharpen my sword” so to speak in proclaiming God’s word and perhaps presiding in the assembly.

First United has given me three opportunities to preach this year. As I prepare for internship in the fall, I will be preaching in other congregations as well. My internship will be for a period of one year. I will also do my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) during this next year, on an extended basis.

First United truly is “one great people of God.” I am grateful and privileged to be a part of the body of Christ with you.

Monday Night Books

Monday Night Books will not meet in March but will resume on April 4 with the book The Ladies’ Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis. Order your book now and read it early! We will discuss the book at 6:30 p.m. in the Genszler Room. Look for a sign-up sheet on the kiosk which will include a description of the book.

Our last Monday Night Books for this school year will take place on May 2 with Nora Gallagher’s Practicing Resurrection. Questions? Contact Pastor Gail (452-2401).

Donuts & Dialogue

We will resume our study on Lutheranism this month during Donuts and Dialogue. Using the book, Reclaiming the “L” Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core, we will continue to explore what it means to live out the core teachings of the Lutheran faith. The author, Kelly Fryer, poses the central questions: Who are we? What does it mean to be a Lutheran today? And, why does it matter? Even if you didn’t come to the first few discussions in January, we invite you to just come and join in on the conversation!

Valentine Goodie Boxes

On Sunday, February 6, our 7 th and 8 th graders prepared Valentine goodie boxes to be sent to all the college students of First United. Included in the care packages were homemade baked goods donated by congregation members, Joanne D’Alton’s handcrafted Valentine cards, and a photo of the class. The 7 th and 8 th graders will continue to keep the college students in their prayers as well as staying in contact via email. Thank you all for your work in this heart-warming ministry!

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 will host a Silent Auction and Benefit Event for Michael Gorges. The event will feature an Italian dinner, music, and silent auction items which will be comprised only of items hand-crafted by members of First United. 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.