Come to worship this Lenten Season

_ Sunday, March 6

Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. on this Fourth Sunday in Lent using LBW Setting 1. The Bell Choir will ring the anthem in both services. Fourth graders will begin Holy Communion Preparation at 9:40 a.m. in the sanctuary. Donuts & Dialogue will continue its study on Reclaiming the “L” Word.”

_ Wednesday, March 9

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, March 13

Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. on this Fifth Sunday in Lent, using LBW Setting One, with Holy Baptisms at 10:45 a.m. The Christus Choir will sing at 8:30 a.m. and the Sanctuary Choir at 10:45 a.m.. Holy Communion Prep continues for 4 th Graders in the sanctuary at 9:40 a.m.

_ Wednesday, March 16

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.

Missionaries of the ELCA

During our mid-week Lenten services we are lifting up the voices of missionaries serving the ELCA around the world. You may be surprised to know that only 30% of ELCA missionaries are pastors! The rest are lay people who serve as teachers, university professors, medical workers, librarians, or financial administrators. Because of the ELCA’s evangelistic efforts of the past, churches in other countries now have competent pastors of their own who can share the good news of Jesus Christ among their own people. The ELCA now calls missionaries to assist in developing leadership skills for pastors, medical workers, and educators, to affirm the role of women, and to respond to international disasters.

ELCA mission personnel live and work in a model called accompaniment – a mutual relationship between companion churches. In accompaniment, churches walk together in service in God’s mission, with each church having primary responsibility for its area. ELCA mission personnel know that accompaniment takes two hands. They serve at the invitation of and under the supervision of the local church, and they focus their efforts on equipping and supporting local Christians in their tasks.

People as young as 19 can serve as a missionary through the Young Adults in Global Mission program. This is a one year service opportunity in leadership development, service, spiritual growth, global awareness and understanding. Up to 52 positions are available for 2005-06 with service beginning in mid-August. There are hundreds of other ways that adults of all ages can serve as missionaries. For more information, talk to Pastor Gail or check out this website:

www.elca.org/globalserve

Imagine the World!

Some information taken from the Division for Global Mission’s brochure, “The Changing Role of the Missionary.”

Pastor Gail

+ + + + + + +

We offer our Christian love to the family of Bernard Baumann at his death.

Crossways Camping Ministries

Our special offering during the season of Lentis designated for Crossways Camping Ministries, an outdoor ministries program of the ELCA with camps near Clintonville, Waupaca, and Hatley, WI. In addition to financial contributions, Pine Lake Camp, the camp our 7 th grade Confirmation students attend, need the following items. Please bring new or gently used items to the church office. You may also contribute a financial gift designated towards any of these items:

Office/Program Supplies

*Reams of color copy paper

*HP 15, 17, 23, & 45 printer ink

*Water soluble markers

*Permanent markers

*Rechargeable batteries (AA, AAA)

*Large Rubbermaid bins with covers

*Tents (Eureka Timberline, 4 & 6 person),

$175 each

*Set of Walkie-Talkies, 5 mile range,

$80/pair

*Plain paper fax machine, $150

*Adobe Pagemaker software

*Video Projection system, $1000

*Sound system, $400

*CD Boombox

Ktichen/Dining

*Bread pans

*Nesco roaster (18 quart), $50

*Commercial ice maker, $2000

*Tablecloths (84" round, 78"+ rectangular)

Miscellaneous

*Household size carpet Wet-Vac

*New bagless vacuum cleaner, $150

Volunteers Needed

*Deep clean and paint dining hall

bathrooms, 2-4 people, 2-8 hours

*Power wash stone on Redwood Lodge, 1-

2 people, 2-4 hours

*Paint interior of Ponderosa, White, and Spruce

Help! The Altar Guild Needs You!

Responsible individuals of any age! No experience necessary - will train!

Sound too good to be true?? It’s not! We are in great need of Altar Guild members. You would only need to serve once or twice a month about every 4-5 months. We provide written instructions and individual training. Responsibilities include setting up for Communion and Baptisms and cleaning up after services.

Please contact the church office at 452-2401, or Marianne Comstock at 946-3289.

Soup Suppers

Soup Suppers continue 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 WorshipContinues

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 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.

Hey, kids!! Make plans to come to the 6th annual Easter Egg Hunt

on Saturday, March 26, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the home of Louis and Joyce Milsted, W725 Garton Road, Sheboygan. All children and families are invited! Sign up sheets and maps are available at the Youth & Family area.

Before you leave on Spring Break...

Please check your Worship Responsibility Book to be sure that you are not scheduled while you’re gone! And, if you are, please find a replacement and call the church office. Thank you!

Join Our New Prayer Shawl Knitting Group!

Do you knit? Do you want to learn? Join our new Prayer Shawl Knitting Group on Monday, March 7, from 5:00-6:00 p.m., in room 8! We’ll knit, chat, listen to music and make beautiful, soft, warm Prayer Shawls. (Bring your favorite CD!) These shawls will be made with the sole purpose of giving them away - to people who are suffering from cancer or other illnesses, or to the elderly. They are “Prayer Shawls” because we will begin each session with a special prayer asking God to bless our work. A special “healing” prayer will also be given with the shawl for the recipient to pray, reminding them of God’s love and presence with them.

There will be practice yarn and needles for anyone coming to learn how to knit. If you want to begin a prayer shawl, please bring three skeins of Lion brand Homespun yarn and needles size 13, 15 or 17. You can purchase Homespun in most stores that sell yarn, or you can order three skeins from Marilyn Froh for only $11.00 (which includes tax!) She has many samples to choose from and can usually get it in a few days. You can call her at 458-1892 from 5:00p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Please let me know if you are interested in knitting prayer shawls but are unable to come to our group gatherings. There is a sign up sheet on the kiosk, or you can call me at 452-2401.

~ Deaconess Deb

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!

VIL March Movie

On Monday, March 21, at 2:00 p.m., all retirees are invited to an afternoon movie here at First United, complete with fresh popped popcorn! Call the church office for reservations!

New children’s books!

Tomorrow Begins at Bedtime , written by Scott Tunseth, a pastor and writer, and Kathy Donlan Tunseth, a music teacher and choir director. This book is a collection of bedtime songs, lullaby prayers and stories illuminating the timeless themes of sharing forgiveness, thankfulness and reassurance. Full color illustrations bring the stories to life for children and their parents. An audio CD of soothing songs and stories accompanies the book.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures , written by Anne Fadiman, a journalist, reporter, and recently named editor of THE AMERICAN SCHOLAR. She has written articles and essays for THE NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST and other publications. This is her first book.

Donuts & Dialogue

We will continue 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, we invite you to just come and join in on the conversation!

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 can you 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.

Missing a hat, a watch, or a jacket?

These are just a few of the items located in the Lost & Found box which can be found in the coat hallway on the east side of the gathering area. Please check it out and claim your lost items.

Do you love Easter lilies?

Would you like to brighten someone’s day? Some of our members who aren’t able to regularly attend worship may appreciate your visit. If you are able to share your gift of time, please consider bringing an Easter Lily from the sanctuary with you on your visit. The plants can be picked up after the 10:45 a.m. worship service on Easter Sunday and delivered anytime during the week. There is a Lily Delivery sign-up sheet on the kiosk or simply call the church office at 452-2401 to volunteer. Blessings guaranteed!

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 PM in the Genszler Room. A description of the book and a sign-up sheet can be found on the kiosk.

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).

Singles Outing

All singles of First United and their friends, whether never married, divorced, or widowed, are invited to lunch on Sunday, March 13, after the 10:45 AM worship. We will meet in the Genszler Room and then car pool to the New China Buffet near Wal-Mart on Taylor Drive, so bring your appetite and bring a friend! This is a purely social event, so join us for good food and conversation!

We have a Friday route!

We have THREE Meals on Wheels 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 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. Thank you!

Youth Bulletin Designers (3-years old- 18 year olds)

We are in need of youth to hand-draw bulletin covers for weekly services. If you enjoy drawing and would like to design a bulletin cover for worship, sign up at the Youth & Family Area or call the church office (452-2401).

Easter Breakfast

Sunday, March 27

7:30 - 10:30 am

Fellowship Hall

You are welcome to join us for breakfast on Easter morning, March 27, from 7:30-10:30 a.m. in fellowship hall. There will be a free-will offering to cover the cost of the breakfast. Proceeds will go to support the South Dakota Mission Trip. You can help with the Easter Breakfast by donating food items. A sign-up sheet for specific food items can be found at the Youth & Family Area.

Family First Weekend

Crossways Pine Lake Camp, Waupaca

March 18-20

Escape to camp for a weekend of relaxation and family fun! All ages are welcome! Experience a “living drama” celebration! Travel from drama to drama with your family as the camp staff creatively portrays stories from the Old and New Testament. The evening will conclude with a festive Easter celebration full of delicious appetizers, songs and prayer. Sign up at the Youth & Family Area.

Container of Hope Collection

Please help us collect much-needed items for the people of El Salvador, one of our “sister synods”, through Sunday, March 20. This “Container of Hope” sister-parish project is being coordinated by the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod and St. John Lutheran Church, Brookfield, and all congregations within our synod are asked to help.

Items needed most are:

* Woodworking tools (hand and electric), sandpaper, wood glue, screws and small finishing nails

* Baby clothes size newborn to 12 months (t-shirts, sleepers, cloth diapers (with velcro or pins)

* Toothbrushes (they need 5,000 to achieve their goal!)

* Reading glasses (+1.5 & 2)

Other items also needed are:

* Sewing tools (scissors, pins, etc.)

* Sewing machines

* Fabric (large bolts of fabric are welcomed)

* Rhythm instruments and recorders

* Sunday School materials (posters, puppets, flannel board items, story pictures that do not have English words on them)

* Bedding (twin sheets, twin or double quilts and blankets)

* Multi-vitamins with iron for children (NOT gummies or gum balls)

* Copy paper boxes (8 1/2 X 11 X 17")

Please bring all donated items to the designated area in the Gathering area by Sunday, March 20. Many of the items may be used as long as they are in very good, useable condition (not rusted or stained!). Thank you for helping to provide our brothers and sisters in El Salvador with hope through your generosity of giving!

Great Beginnings: WE CARE

Please help support Great Beginnings preschool by en-rolling in the WE CARE Program sponsored by Pick and Save. By simply shopping, you help support Great Beginnings. You need to sign up for a WE CARE card and ask to have Great Beginnings designated as your organization. If you already have a card, just stop by the Customer Service Desk and have Great Beginnings added. We appreciate your support!! The Great Beginnings number is: 292900.

Enrollment opens for Great Beginnings Preschool

It’s enrollment time already for the 2005-2006 school year for Great Beginnings!

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.