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| Newsletters > Good News > 04-04-07 | ||
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This past fall Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America , published a new hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW). After several years of extensive study, research, and “test drives” in local congregations, the ELCA approved the ELW to be the primary worship resource of the church. It includes ten Holy Communion settings, including Settings One and Two from the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW), all 150 Psalms, and 53% of the hymns are from LBW. It also includes expanded prayer resources and Luther’s Small Catechism. The congregation Council of First United has approved the purchase of 600 ELWs by June 1, to replace the LBW. We will continue to use the blue hymnal, With One Voice, and will begin introducing materials from ELW over the course of the summer. The Worship Committee, Council, and staff think you will enjoy this resource for its ease of use, for the new liturgies it has to offer, and for the inclusion of many familiar and beloved hymns. As someone who has had a chance to review extensively the ELW, I particularly appreciate the revision and inclusion of services for marriages, funerals, and Holy Week services. It is also a wonderful resource for families to use at home. Thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of Ashton Wick, we are able to cover the cost of the new cranberry hymnal (red was the color of the hymnal that preceded the LBW!), but we would like to provide the opportunity for members of the congregation to dedicate a hymnal or hymnals to the memory or in living tribute of loved ones. A bookplate will be attached to the front page of the hymnal, indicating that it was given in honor of your loved one. These dedicated hymnals will be used in worship, just as the LBWs with individual dedications are currently being used. The cost to dedicate a hymnal is $20. In the next couple weeks we will make slips available, similar to those for Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias, for you to complete and turn in to the church office with your payment. Watch for these slips in the pews at church, in your bulletin, and a future newsletter. They will also be available in the church office and the Gathering Area. Once we have purchased the hymnals, the personalized bookplates will be attached and placed in the sanctuary this summer. After nearly 30 years of using the Lutheran Book of Worship, we are looking forward to a fresh new resource for worship. If you would like a sneak peek of the hymnal, or if you have any questions about Evangelical Lutheran Worship, please contact Pastor Jacobs, Wayne Wildman, or me. “Sing to the Lord a new song!” (Isaiah 42:10) ~Pastor Gail
Maundy Thursday April 5, 2007 10:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Holy Communion worship services First Communion for 2nd Grade students Stripping of the altar
Good Friday April 6, 2007 1:00 p.m. worship service Chanting of the Passion story
Easter Sunday April 8, 2007 Holy Communion Worship at 7:00, 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. Festive music at all services Easter Breakfast served from 7:30-10:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
FIRST COMMUNION
Blessings to the young people in Grade 2 of our congregation who will receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 5, in the 7:00 p.m. worship service. They are:
Thank you for donating medical supplies to support Cross Lutheran Church ’s “Bread of Healing” Clinic, which offers free primary medical care to people in the inner-city Milwaukee area who can’t afford health insurance. Your donations will help ensure that this vital ministry of Cross Lutheran Church (one of our partner congregations) continues. ~The Social Ministry Committee
Earth Day, April 22 What is Earth Day and how does it affect me? Earth Day is becoming more of a presence in our world as we realize the effects of over-population, pollution, extinction of species, loss of natural habitat, limitation of natural resources, and global warming. The American Heritage Magazine writes, “On April 22, 1970 , (the first) Earth Day was held, one of the most remarkable happenings in the history of democracy.” I had the blessing and pleasure of meeting Wisconsin Senator and Earth Day Founder, Gaylord Nelson, a few years ago when he spoke at a Maywood banquet. What foresight he had! As a result of bringing attention to our Earth on this special day, federal legislation established standards on clean air, clean water, endangered species, and more. Gaylord Nelson passed away July, 2005, at the age of 89. He believed strongly that education is the key to changing people’s attitudes about the environment and he devoted much of his energy to that challenge. The Care for Creation Committee wold like to give you some simple ideas on how you can make a difference on Earth Day or any day:
Everyone can make a difference! Why not continue to make a difference throughout the year as well? Between services on Sunday, April 22, look for the Care for Creation Earth Day table and receive some free gifts and more ideas. ~Margaret Reisenauer
Come to Maywood , 3615 Mueller Road , on Sunday, April 22, and find out what you can do to help our Earth! This year’s theme is: “Going Green” and the event includes indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family. This community event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is $2 per person; ages 3 and under are free. For more information, call Maywood at 459-3906, or visit the website at www.gomaywood.org.
Good News Deadline Articles for the next issue of the Good News should be in the church office by Tuesday, April 10. The next issue will be in the homes on Wednesday, April 18.
Please share your talents! God has given all of his children special gifts. That includes YOU! Not just talents and interests and experiences that are unique to every person - God has also given you spiritual gifts! We use these gifts, guided by the Holy Spirit, to benefit God’s kingdom and God’s people. When we utilize these gifts, we see people’s lives being changed, and we experience great blessing! In worship on Sunday, April 29, we will be filling out Time & Talent forms. The responses will be used to fill immediate needs, and for planning the 2007-2008 program year, starting in September, 2007. Your time and talents are so vital to the ministry of First United! So in the next few weeks, we encourage you to take some time to think about how God has blessed you, and how you may be able to use your many gifts to serve God, your church, and your community.
Congratulations! Our congratulations to Anna (Karstaedt) and Daniel Pittner who were married Saturday, March 24. May God bless them as they establish their new life together!
“Area of Greatest Need” Offerings Currently, the “Area of Greatest Need” offerings (indicated on your offering envelopes) will be directed toward the Outreach for Hope Fund. The mission of Outreach for Hope, Inc. Is to provide financial support to congregation-based Word and Sacrament ministries with the poor in the Greater Milwaukee Synod-ELCA. At the 1995 Synod Assembly, the Greater Milwaukee Synod established the Outreach Fund as an integral part of its strategy in meeting the financial needs of Word and Sacrament ministries with the poor within the synod. In 2006, Outreach of Hope, Inc. allocated $200,000 to Word and Sacrament ministries with the poor in the Greater Milwaukee Synod. Some examples of ministries funded by Outreach of Hope are: All Peoples Church and Cross Lutheran Church in Milwaukee . Each ministry funded is a vital component in bringing spirituality and hope to places where it is needed most. Your gifts make a difference, so please consider giving to this very important ministry to help the poor.
The Church Office will be closed on Monday, April 9 (the day after Easter). The office will reopen on Tuesday, April 10.
What is HOFF? One great ministry to support through your giving at First United is HOFF, which stands for the Household of Faith Fund (HOFF). Your gifts to this fund are used to address financial emer-gencies for families and individuals in need. Thanks to your generosity, last year more than $7000 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.
Come to Praisefest on April 22! Show your support for Cross Lutheran Church , one of our local partner congregations, by attending their annual Praisefest on Sunday, April 22. Once a year Cross celebrates their relationships with each of their partner congregations (Ascension Lutheran in Waukesha, St. Mark in Neenah, Immanuel in Watertown, and First United) with a service of prayer, music and praise to God. The atmosphere is casual, fun, and exhilarating, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to meet and get to know the members of Cross. Praisefest begins at 3:00 p.m. at Cross Lutheran Church , Milwaukee , followed by a delicious potluck dinner. So plan to come! Sign-up on the kiosk if you want to car-pool. Directions are also available on the kiosk.
Donuts & Dialogue What exactly is racism? Do we, as middle class white Americans, enjoy a life of privilege? And if we do, is that necessarily a bad thing? What does the Bible say about how we ought to relate to people who are different from us? Come to Donuts and Dialogue April 15 and 22, when the Anti-Racism Committee will help us sort through some of these interesting, yet very challenging, questions. We will watch a video that will challenge us to think about all of the privileges we have that comes with being a white person in North America . We will discuss what racism is, and how it affects everyone, including us. And we will see what the Bible has to say about it. On April 29, Grace Mathias, from Tanzania , will be our guest and come and talk about what it’s like to live in Tanzania , Africa . Grace was born and raised in Tanzania , and is currently a sophomore at Carthage College , a Lutheran college located in Kenosha , Wisconsin . So don’t miss Donuts & Dialogue in April! Join us at 9:40 a.m. in the Genszler Room!
Scholarships The First United Lutheran Church Foundation Fund is announcing that the deadline for scholarship applications for the upcoming year are due by May 1, 2007 . Please submit your requests in writing to the Foundation Fund for consideration by that date. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Dielentheis, chairperson, or Cindy in the church office.
Kids & Youth: Come join our Cooking Class! The Youth & Children’s Ministry is offering a 4-session cooking class for the children and youth of First United. The sessions begin on Wednesday, April 18, and continue until May 9. Be here and ready to cook at 4:30 p.m. ! Dinner is served at 5:20 p.m. Classes will be split into two age groups: youth in 6 th grade and up will cook the Main Course, taught by Thom Nicla; and Kinder-garten thru 5 th grade are in charge of dessert, taught by Mary Gorges. The cost of these sessions of classes is $10 per student. Registration slips can be found in the church office, or the Youth & Family Bulletin Board. Our first session menu will feature Italian Sausage & Pasta with a side salad, with a Rainbow Ribbon Cake for dessert. Meals will be served to the families who sign up or participate in the Songs & Supper program. Questions? Call Mary Gorges or Thom Nicla at 452-2401.
Game Night Games for 5 th & 6 th Grades On Friday, May 4, the Children & Youth Ministry will offer a Game Night for the 5 th and 6 th graders. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall and continues until 10:00 p.m. There will be games, pizza and a Bible devotion. Please come, and check out the fun! See an example of what Confirmation and Youth Forum is all about. Sign-up at the Youth & Family Bulletin Board, or talk to Thom Nicla or Mary Gorges.
Sunday School News The second grade class will join Four Star Rotational Sunday School on Sunday, May 6. On that Sunday, the Second Graders will meet in Fellowship Hall for our last rotation of the Sunday School year. May 20 will be our last session of Sunday School, and we will end the year with an Ice Cream Social in Fellowship Hall.
VBS Avalanche Ranch Mark your summer calendar! Vacation Bible School will run the week of July 30 through August 3. Registration and volunteer forms will be mailed out during the month of May. If you know someone who is not a member of FULC, but would be interested in registration information, please contact the church office.
Summer Story Hour The Children’s Ministry of our church is offering STORY HOUR on Wednesday mornings for kids ages 3-6 years old, beginning in June. The Story Hour will be held in the Great Beginnings classroom each Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The kids will be read a story, and then participate in finger songs, a craft and free play. Registration forms and a sign-up sheet are located in the church office, and on the Youth & Family Bulletin Board. Please contact Mary Gorges with your questions.
Monday Night Books for Kids read Harry Potter On Monday, April 16, Monday Night Books for Kids will discuss your favorite Harry Potter book! We couldn’t decide which book was our favorite, so a Harry Potter theme night was determined to be our best option. Please come and share in the discussion, as well as fun activities, and maybe even a little cooking! Friends are welcome! Sign-up on the Youth & Family Bulletin Board.
Easter Buffet All are invited to our annual Easter Sunday Breakfast Buffet here at First United on Easter Sunday! This buffet will be served from 7:30-10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. This year’s breakfast includes: *Eggs *Bagels *Sliced ham *Fruit *Sausage *Juice *Pastries *Pancakes A free-will offering will be taken, and all proceeds will go towards the High School Summer Mission Trip. Thrivent will also be supplementing funds for this event.
Easter Breakfast Assistance Calling all Middle and High School youth! Your help is needed! You are invited to help at this year’s Easter Breakfast Buffet in the following areas:
Sign-up sheets are located at the Youth & Family Bulletin Board near the front entrance of the church, or call the church office.
Great Beginnings Preschool Notes Mark your calendars for Great Beginnings Sunday on April 22. The preschool will be singing at the early service, and the Great Beginnings teachers and Board will be on hand to answer any questions, or give you a tour of the classroom. Invite family and friends that might be interested in our wonderful early childhood program. If you know of a family looking for a preschool, Great Beginnings is now offering enrollment for the 2007-2008 school year. If you have or know of a child who will be 3 years of age by September 1, 2007 , please consider enrolling them in our wonderful preschool. Enrollment information is available in the church office. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Gorges or Cindy Wigdahl at 452-2401.
Crossways Camps Work Day During Lent our special offerings have been going to Crossways Camping Ministries, the network which provides our Confirmation students with awesome camping and faith experiences each summer. Now you have an opportunity to help out in a hands-on way on Saturday, May 5 th! On that day, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. , you are invited to lend your helping hands in getting our camps ready for summer. Come and fix up, paint up and clean up any of the Crossways Camps - Pine Lake , Imago Dei Village, or Waypost Camp. Come for part or all of the day and bring your friends! Lunch will be provided.
Common Sense Parenting Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin is offering a free parent support and nurturing class this spring called, “Common Sense Parenting.” This 6-session class begins Monday, April 16, from 6:15-8:00 p.m. , at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1019 North 7 th Street , Sheboygan . Families with younger children from birth through eight years of age will learn strategies that will help to nurture their children. Parenting topics to be discussed include: Communication Childcare is provided free to all participants. Please call Children’s Service Society at 458-5062 to reserve a place.
A Note of Thanks Just a note to thank all the volunteers that helped out at the Lenten Event on Palm Sunday. You did a GREAT JOB!
Grief Support - April 26 Many of us are dealing with grief every day, yet we don’t want to acknowledge it. We want our grief to go away, so we do all kinds of things to pretend that it doesn’t exist. We try to get rid of it, or “box it up,” thinking that we will deal with it later, but it keeps coming back. No matter what we do, no matter how hard we try, it’s still there, eating away at our lives. In times like this, it helps to know that we’re not alone. It helps to know that everything we’re experiencing and feeling is normal. And it helps to have the support of others who will listen. Come to a time of Grief Support on Thursday, April 26, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. , in the Genszler Room. Bring your pictures. Bring your family and friends. And bring your grief. After all, who knows? It just might help!
Tanzania Visions! For a few more days we will have the opportunity to view and purchase original oil paintings that were made by young artists who reside in the northern area of Tanzania , on the hills of Mt. Meru . These young artists are very committed to their church and to lifting themselves from poverty through their artistic talents. The area where they live is one of the poorest and most remote areas in Africa in regard to communication and transportation, so marketing has been a problem. The paintings were brought to the United States by members of our synod who traveled to Tanzania last fall, and are on sale. All proceeds go back to the artists. The paintings range in price from $25 to $55, and will be displayed in the Gathering Area and Genszler Room. Please make checks payable to First United Lutheran Church, memo: Meru Paintings, when purchasing a painting. Thank you for your support in this important ministry!
Just for Laughs!! These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins across the country: 1. Weight Watchers will meet at 7 pm at St. Martin ’s Church. Please use the large double door at the side entrance. 2. The 8 th graders will be presenting Shake-speare’s Hamlet in the church basement at 7 pm . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. 3. Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. 4. Don’t let the worry kill you off - let the church help. 5. For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. 6. Special Music - “O Holy Nighty” (which Debbie actually printed in her church bulletin a number of years back and no one noticed!)
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