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| Newsletters > Good News > 03-15-06 | ||
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Please join us for Lenten worship... Our Lenten journey continues with worship services at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 19 - 3rd Sunday in Lent This Great Beginnings Sunday, we will celebrate Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. using the Feast & Celebration liturgy. The Cherub Choir will sing at 8:30 a.m. ; the Sanctuary Choir will sing at 10:45 a.m. Jennifer Jin will be our guest at Donuts & Dialogue. Lenten worship will be held at 10:30 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. using the liturgy from LBW Setting 1, featuring the Bell Choir. Donuts & Dialogue will continue with Jennifer Jin. Lenten worship will be held at 10:30 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. using With One Voice. The Sanctuary Choir will sing at 8:30 a.m. , and special music will be offered at 10:45 a.m.
Pastor Nelson’s Notes “What Shall we Render to the Lord” The verse we sing during Lent, “What shall I render to the Lord, for all his benefits to me?” is a pointed reminder to us of the great sacrifice and gift Jesus gave to us through his death and resurrection. For the giving of his life and his promise of salvation we can do nothing but respond with great generosity and thanksgiving. I know these Lenten “songs” are not all our favorites. Many are in minor keys, slow moving and reflective. Most of us like praise, glory, joy and quick syncopated rhythms. However, during Lent we sacrifice those favorites in order to learn more and understand better God’s incredible sacrifice for us. Worship attendance, Wednesdays and Sundays, are key components to making the Lenten journey a meaningful time of growth in our faith. It’s easy to just coast along believing that we have enough understanding of God’s love for us to get by. But there are such great and wondrous possibilities for our daily lives and its challenges as we immerse ourselves in worship and the weekly reception of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. I invite you to “update” and “freshen” your priorities by deciding to regularly attend both Wednesday night and Sunday morning worship during Lent and Easter. We have received a great gift, our eternal salvation through Christ our Lord. As it says in the verse, “I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all his people.” I look forward to seeing you in church on Wednesday and Sunday. Pastor Karl
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 March 15, 22, 29, and April 5. And please be sure to join us for the Soup Supper offered each Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. in fellowship hall.
What’s With the Pews?! If you have been to church in the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed that the front rows of pews and the chairs in the altar area are now placed at an angle. During the season of Lent, when our hearts and minds are focused more intently on our Christian walk and our need for a Savior, we have physically altered the worship space so that our eyes are more intently focused on the altar and the cross, reminders of Christ’s presence in our lives and of his sacrifice for us. Those who have led worship have commented that this angle makes them feel more “worshipful,” as their eyes are focused inward, on the altar, rather than outward, to the congregation and the gathering area. We hope you will find this new arrangement to be “worshipful” for you as well, as you seek to grow in your faith during this season of Lent.
9 th Grade Confirmation Students & Mentors! The ninth grade Confirmation students and their mentors will meet in the chapel immediately following the March 15 worship service for a 45 minute session. We will begin at approximately 7:15 p.m. and be finished by 8 p.m. All students and mentors should plan on attending. The final mentor/mentee session will take place on April 5 at 7:15 p.m., also after the Lenten service that evening. This information is incorrect in the handbook. Please make a note of these final two class sessions. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Gail (452-2401).
Good News Deadline The next deadline for Good News articles is Monday, March 27. This issue will be in homes on Wednesday, April 5. Thank you!
Sheboygan Area Lutheran Singles The March calendar for the Sheboygan Area Lutheran Singles is available on the kiosk in the gathering area. This group exists to support Christian singles of all denominations. This includes all who are widowed or divorced. Questions? Call 457-6336 or 458-6605.
“Greatest Need” Offerings for March This month’s “Greatest Need” offerings (indicated on your church envelope) will be directed toward the Household of Faith Fund (HOFF). Your gifts to this fund are used to address financial emergencies for families and individuals in need. Thanks to your generosity, last year more than $6,100 was given to help and support many people in their time of need. Your kind gifts make it possible for the ministry and mission of First United to continue to provide support and service to many. Watch the church bulletins and Good News for further information throughout the year for special giving opportunities.
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 before you leave. Thank you!
Lenten Soup Suppers All of our Lenten worship services are preceded by a Soup Supper. Soup, prepared by Bill and Pam Gottsacker of City Streets Restaurant, will be served along with rolls and beverages in fellowship hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. Peanut butter and jelly is also available for the kids. (Assistance is also needed in serving and cleaning up. If you can help, please contact Lee Anne Gilson at 452-2401.) And if you’d like to share a dessert with those attending, we’d be so grateful! So, please join us for soup during Lent. It’s a marvelous time to share food and fellowship together.
at Waypost Camp Looking for a fantastic weekend planned just for Grandparents and your Grandkids? Come to Waypost Camp, a part of Crossways Camping Ministries in Wisconsin, for a couple of days of fun, great food, worship, and awesome Bible studies. This weekend, called GrandparentKIDS weekend, takes place March 31-April 2 and is set up so that grandparents can experience some quality time with their grandchildren and to share their heritage of faith and life experiences. Sign up by calling 920-882-0023 or visiting the website at www.CrosswaysCamps.org Donuts and Dialogue: Chinese Culture We will finish our study on Renewing Worship on March 12, and then we will be blessed to have a special guest for the next three weeks. Jennifer Jin joined our congregation this past fall and is originally from China. She has graciously agreed to share with us aspects of Chinese culture, including the Chinese New Year, dining customs, and Chinese dress. Please join us at 9:40 a.m. every Sunday morning in the Genszler Room for this cross-cultural dialogue as we learn more about the traditions of our brothers and sisters in China! March 19: Chinese New Year March 26: Chinese Dining Customs April 2: The Chinese Dress - QiPao
7th & 8th Grade Confirmation Students - Attendance Required! The 7 th and 8 th grade confirmation students are not meeting in large or small groups during the season of Lent (to April 12), but theyare required to attend Wednesday night worship. Attendance will be taken - check-in at the Welcome Center. Worship begins at 6:30 p.m. Please make it a Lenten practice for the whole family to attend worship together on Wednesdays during this season. If your student is unable to attend worship on any of the evenings, please contact the church office so they may be excused. Questions? Contact Pastor Gail (452-2401). *Remember to bring your New Missions donation for Maria during the weeks of Lent!
Sunday, March 19, is the final day for Holy Communion preparation for all youth in grades 2-4, and is required for all students in these grades who wish to receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 13. Students should report to the following areas:
2nd grade - in the Sanctuary with Pastor Gail 3rd grade - in Fellowship Hall with Pastor Karl 4th grade - in the Chapel with Kori Novicki If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Gail at 452-2401.
“Personalized” Flamingos! Yes, those pink flamingos are still nesting on First United lawns throughout the county, and are looking for new lawns to decorate! In fact, they can now be “personalized” to wish someone a happy birthday or anniversary, or a good luck or congratulations! Whatever you can think of! Our Senior High Youth Group continues to raise money for San Antonio, and need your help! To send a flock of flamingos, or to have them removed, please contact Barb Kleine at 467-8616.
5th & 6th Grade Lock-in Friday, April 28, the Fifth and Sixth grade classes are invited to an overnight lock-in here at First United. Kids can be dropped off at 7:00 p.m. and need to be picked up by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. A sign-up sheet is located by the 6 th grade classroom and the Youth & Family Station. Parent volunteers are needed for this event! Please contact Mary Gorges at 452-2401 for more information.
Lenten Event - Sunday, April 9 Join us here on Sunday, April 9, for our annual Lenten Event. The theme this year is “He Lives” and will take place in the gathering area during the education hour. We are busy working on four activities for the whole congregation to participate in, so please come and join in as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter Sunday!
Easter Breakfast Sunday, April 16 7:30-10:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall You are welcome to join us for breakfast on Easter morning, April 16, from 7:30-10:30 a.m. There will be a free-will offering to cover the cost of the breakfast with proceeds going to support the youth attending the National Youth Gathering Event this summer. You can help with the Easter breakfast by donating food items - see the sign-up sheet located on the kiosk in the gathering area.
Medical Supplies Are Needed “Bread of Healing” is a medical clinic that is organized and run by Cross Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, one of our Partner congregations. This clinic offers free primary medical care to people in the Milwaukee area who can’t afford health insurance. This care includes medical exams, lab tests, and follow-up care. The Bread of Healing Clinic is about 5 years old, and is open 4 half-days a week. It is non-profit; everyone, including the doctors and nurses, volunteer their time and services. The Bread of Healing Clinic is in need of medical supplies. Please help by donating the following items: + Accu-Chek Active Strips (for use with Accu- Chek diabetic glucose meters) Please check expiration dates, and donate only new items that are in sealed packages. Please bring items during the month of March to the Bread of Healing Display in the Gathering Area. Thank you! - The Social Ministry Committee
7th & 8th Grade Confirmation News Wayne Wildman has graciously offered to work with our 7 th and 8 th grade youth as we prepare to sing several songs during the Confirmation service on Sunday, April 23. All of the students are expected to attend the following choir practice sessions being held on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.: March 22, April 5, and April 19.
Spend Time in Prayer this Lent! Prayer begins in the heart of God, who longs to have a relationship with us. That longing of God speaks to our hearts, and creates a restlessness, a yearning within us, to reach out to God through prayer. Regular, open communication is key to having a healthy relationship. This is true for human relationships as well as with our relationship with God. Keeping our relationship with God alive and well by committing to a regular time of prayer is especially important during Lent, as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Of course you can pray wherever you are, but sometimes it helps to have a special, quiet place where you can be alone with God. The Prayer Corner may be that place for you! The Prayer Corner has everything you need: a Bible, prayer and devotional books, candles, and a journal with tear-out pages, where you can write your thoughts. There’s even a “palm cross” that you can hold comfortably while you pray. The Prayer Corner is located in the far northwest corner of the worship space, and is available any time the church building is open. Please feel free to use it! You are also always invited to join the Grounded in Prayer group every Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Genszler room. Renew your faith. Spend time in prayer this Lent!
Daylight Savings Time Sunday, April 2, we begin Daylight Saving Time, so be sure to set your clocks AHEAD 1 hour before you go to bed Saturday, April 1 st.
Easter Breakfast Assistance Calling all high school youth - your help is needed! You are invited to help at this year’s Easter Breakfast in the following areas:
Sign-up sheets are located at the Youth & Family Station near the front entrance of the church.
San Antonio News Next meeting date: Wednesday, March 22, Mandatory Meeting and Bible study, 7:30-9:00 p.m. in fellowship hall. All San Antonio attendees, both youth and adults, don’t forget to turn in $10 for your t-shirt to the church office. Also, start thinking of ideas on how we can “customize” our shirts and bring those ideas to our next planning meeting. Call or email Joanne D’Alton (803-0742, jrd22@charter.net).
Lenten Soup Supper Clean-up The remaining Soup Suppers clean-up schedule is listed below. 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 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
Grief Support Meeting April 3 Losing a loved one is very painful. Although nothing can take that pain away, God is with us in our pain, offering comfort, peace, and hope. Supporting one another in our grief can be a powerful way of experiencing God’s loving presence first-hand, through the body of Christ. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, please come for a time of support and remembrance on Monday, April 3, from 6:30- 8:00 p.m., in the Genszler Room. Please bring a picture, or another item that reminds you of your loved one. There will be time for prayer, sharing our stories, and learning some useful “tools” to help us deal with the many aspects of grief. So please come, bring family members and friends, and join me as we share our thoughts and support one another in word and prayer. Please sign up on the kiosk if you are interested in attending. Call the church office if you need childcare (452-2401). Refreshments will be served. ~Deaconess Deb
Great Beginnings Sunday - Special Offering Special offerings on Preschool Sunday, March 19, will be dedicated to our Great Beginnings Preschool. The preschool has been serving the Early Educational needs of children in the Sheboygan area, in a Christian environment, for over 30 years. Your generous donations help support the educational programs and activities for the preschoolers.
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