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| Newsletters > Good News > 06-20-07 | ||
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I Have Called You by Name “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” -Isaiah 43:1 On my ordination day, December 15, 2001 , Bishop Peter Rogness did not preach on any of the texts I had selected for that day but, rather, he preached on a passage from 1 Chronicles. For what felt like a solid five minutes, he read a list of strange-sounding names, names that made no sense to me, names that would soon be forgotten: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. On and on the names were read and I became quite concerned as to where the bishop was going with this reading of Asher’s family tree and what it had to do with me becoming a pastor. Knowing that I would be the pastor of an 1800 member congregation in Sheboygan , Bishop Rogness said that I would be bombarded with people’s names, some which I would remember and some I would forget, perhaps as quickly as I would forget the names from 1 Chronicles. This past week I offered to put the address labels on the 600+ envelopes that contained the news of my new call at Village Church in Milwaukee and my July 31 resignation from First United. I first offered to do it as a form of penance to Debbie Frick for giving her such a large project, but as the task went on, it became a form of prayer. Branden, Erin , Grace, Mike, Margaret, Andy, Rod, Patricia, Katy, Mark, and Keri. Names that were familiar and names that were unfamiliar flashed in front of me with each address label. I remembered good times shared with the people behind those names, funerals and weddings conducted, inside jokes that were formed, and I wondered about some names, “What ever happened to...?” My “penance” became a gift as I recalled so many moments with so many people in the last five and a half years, and I gave thanks to God for each one of you and the ministry we have shared. Bishop Rogness said that in the course of my ministry, I would remember many of the names of the people whom I have served but there would be some that I would forget. God, however, will not forget any of those names, just as God has not forgotten even the names printed in the book of 1 Chronicles. God has called each of us by name and declared us to be God’s. No matter where we go in this world, no matter how many people remember or forget our names, God will always remember because we are precious in God’s sight and we are loved. With profound thanks to God for all of you, +Pastor Gail
Marina Café Worship When you know you’ll be away for the weekend, you have the option to attend worship on Thursday evenings throughout the summer months. Services are conducted by our Sheboygan area ELCA churches each Thursday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. , in the Deland Center on the lakefront. Refreshments are served!
In Deepest Sympathy We offer our Christian love to the family of Lana Roever at the death of her aunt; and to the family of Dennis Cain at the death of his father. Good News Deadline The next deadline for Good News articles is Thursday, June 21. (Debbie is going on vacation, so the earlier the better, thank you!) This issue will be in homes on Thursday, July 5.
A Message from the “And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry ground ‘land’ and the gathered waters he called ‘seas.’ And God saw that it was good.” ~Genesis 1:9-10 Fact: In the lower 48 United States , 53 percent of wetlands have been lost in the last 200 years. Wetlands serve important ecological functions. They filter harmful chemicals, prevent flooding by storing water, and provide wildlife habitat. Commitment: Though drinking bottled water is popular, the amount of waste generated from the disposal of plastic water bottles is astronomical! Purchase a reusable water bottle and commit yourself to using reusable bottles as much as possible. Prayer: Holy God, we, born of water and the womb, have long forgotten from where we have come. Help us to see you and ourselves in the crashing of waves, in the coolness of rain, in the sparkling blueness of our world. Amen.
From the Call Committee... The Call Committee is prayerfully moving forward in the selection of our new senior pastor. Please continue to pray for each of us as we seek a new spiritual leader for First United. Committee members are: Jon Bemis (Chairperson), Steve Hammond, Laura Jacobson, Sue Kieffer, Lisa Knitt, Louis Milsted, Dean Pratt (Vice-Chairman), Lana Roever, Nicole Thomas (Secretary), Pat Wetzel and Emily Wodach. Where are we in the process? We met on May 27 to create an Interview Guide based on the Mission Exploration Team’s report. We also assembled a sizeable information packet for each candidate, including information about our congregation, as well as the Sheboygan County community. We met again on June 4, at which time the Reverend Sue Ruehle from the Bishop’s office of the Greater Milwaukee Synod presented us with three candidates’ names. She also reminded us that the process is completely confidential to protect the Pastors involved. After meeting with Rev. Ruehle, Call Committee members immediately contacted the candidates who are expected to interview in the next few weeks. Submitted by, Nicole Thomas, Secretary of the Call Committee
Christmas in July What?! Did I read that right?!?! Yes, you did, believe it or not! We will be celebrating Christmas in July here at First United! There will be a decorated Christmas tree displayed in the Gathering Area during the entire month of July. Each of the ornaments on the tree will have a school supply item printed on it. You are invited to take one or more of the ornaments from the tree, purchase the item/s listed, and place them under the tree. All of the school supplies will be sorted, put into backpacks, and given to needy children in the Sheboygan area, and to our partner congregations: Cross and All Peoples’ Lutheran churches in Milwaukee . Thank you for helping to make a difference in a child’s life! ~The Social Ministry Committee
Spiritual Formation Program offered I had the opportunity to attend a two-year Spiritual Formation Program six years ago, called, “Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation.” It was a life-changing experience for me, and I recommend it to anyone that is seeking to deepen their faith and their relationship to God! Applications for the program are being accepted now, and because enrollment is limited to 54 persons, early enrollment is recommended. I will be serving on staff for the next program, which begins in August of this year, and would love for some of our members to participate with me! Grace Institute is held at the beautiful Sinsinawa Mound Center near Dubuque , Iowa . It is an ecumenical, in-depth spiritual formation program for Lutherans that meets four times a year for two years. Each session includes worship, presentations, silent reflection, and discussion. Small groups that stay together for the whole program are also formed. This program fosters personal spiritual growth and leadership. The eight session themes are:
Presenters include Marty Haugen, Susan Briehl, Fr. Simeon (Orthodox monk), Ginger Anderson-Larson, Mary Preus, Tom Witt, Laura Gentry, E. Louise Williams, and Brad Hanson. Application forms (with more information) are available on the kiosk, or you can access them online at http://ministry.luther.edu/grace. Please contact me (452-2401) if you have any questions. ~Deaconess Deb Thank you! Our sincere thanks to Joyce and Louis Milsted for the donation of two large frying pans for our kitchen!
Holy Knitters Once a month a small group of dedicated women gather together to knit and crochet prayer shawls and lap blankets. Many other equally dedicated women who are unable to join our meetings join us in spirit by knitting and crocheting prayer shawls and lap blankets at home. More than 150 prayer shawls and lap blankets have been made and gifted to people, bringing comfort, warmth, and peace at times when they need it most. Each shawl and blanket is made with three skeins of a special kind of yarn that is chosen because it’s soft, lightweight, warm, and washable. At times the yarn is purchased by our knitters, but we are asking for your financial support to purchase this yarn so that our knitters can continue to make shawls and blankets without experiencing a personal financial burden. At this time, we have spent more money than we have received! Please help keep this ministry going by giving a financial gift! Gifts of any amount will be deeply appreciated! Please write your checks out to: First United Lutheran Church , attention: Holy Knitters. Thank you!
Letter from Tanzania Gail Showerman, chairperson of our Tanzanian Committee, has just recently received this letter from Pastor Charles Mbise, pastor of the Maangashiny Parish, which is our new companion parish in the Meru Diocese of Tanzania . (Note: the cameras Pastor Mbise is referring to are the two cameras that we sent to him so that he could take pictures of their church building, their members, and of the countryside. We asked him to mail the cameras back to us. We also sent him pictures of our church and a copy of our picture directory.) Here is Pastor Mbise’s letter: Thank you very much for your letter. (I received) it today. I have received your two cameras today from the post office. It reached on 25 of April at Usa River . I have already taken some pictures by using another camera and I will send some next week. But I am going to use your camera too, then I will send the picture of our buildings, church elders, agape students, including my picture. I can take some of our daily activities. We are going to pray for those who are sick as you mentioned them in your letter. I have already introduced you and Pastor Jacobs to our diocese. What (other things) do you want me to take pictures of? Would you like to know about our special food? I do like to hear from you. Peace be with you, Rev. Charles F. Mbise
Come to the opening of The Youth & Children’s Ministry offers a night at the movies in July. We will attend the showing of Harry Potter: The Order of the Phoenix on Friday, July 13. Thom and Mary will be taking a group to a showing of this movie - exact time yet to be determined. More information to come in July! But, if you know you would like to go with us, please see the sign-up sheet at the Youth & Family Board, or contact the church office. Cost of movie tickets: $6 for kids under 12; $8 for kids over 12 and for adults. Questions? Contact Mary Gorges in the church office.
Children & Youth Ministry We are looking for a couple of adult-sized desks to use in the classrooms. We are also looking for a ping pong table and foosball table that are in good condition. For more information, or if you can help, contact Thom or Mary in the church office.
Summer Story Hour It’s off to a GREAT start! Our Children’s Ministry is offering a Story Hour for 3-6 year olds each Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Great Beginnings classroom. The kids read a story, and then participate in a craft, finger songs and free play. Registration is required! A sign-up sheet and registration forms can be found at the Youth & Family Board as well as in the church office. Questions? Contact Mary Gorges.
Great Beginnings Preschool Notes Great Beginnings continues to accept enrollments for the 2007-08 school year. Appointments to see the classroom and meet our teaching staff can be made by contacting the church office. Please take time to stop in and see our wonderful room and meet Sandy Gosse and Erin Mueller, our excellent teaching staff. If you would like more information on our preschool, please contact Mary Gorges at 452-2401.
Hello, First United Lutheran Church , may we help you? The phone is imperative to the ministry of First United! We take hundreds of calls a week - from members, and more importantly, non-members looking for a church home. However, we unexpectedly lost the computer panel that operates the incoming and outgoing calls for our church, which left us without phone service for several hours. We were fortunate to get a refurbished unit to keep us operational, but need to look toward a new permanent system, as this one is already showing signs of strain. The estimated cost of the new phone system would not exceed $7,500. This amount is not included in our operating budget for 2007. If you are able to make a contribution toward a new phone system, please make your check payable to First United, marked for “phone.” Thank you!
Grief Support Meeting, June 26 Our next Grief Support meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 26, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. , in the Genszler Room. We will talk about memories; about how we remember and what we remember, and how we can use our memories to help in the healing process. Please come!
Health Care and Wellness Ministry Do you work in a health care related field? Are you interested in participating in a Health Care & Wellness Ministry committee that would take the lead in presenting health-related topics to our congregation? Our synod has passed a Health Care & Wellness Ministry Resolution at our last synod assembly. This resolution asks that each congregation identify all health care related individuals, identify a contact person, and develop a common email/phone list of all willing participants that would be willing to work together to offer to the congregation such things as: There will also be a synod-wide health Care & Wellness Event on Tuesday, June 26, at 7:00 p.m. , at Luther Manor, for more information. If you work in (or are retired from) a health care related job, please fill out the information on the form on the kiosk. There is also more information posted on the kiosk in the Gathering Area. Offering Envelopes for Confirmands If you have a student that was recently Confirmed, and would like them to receive offering envelopes, please contact Kori in the church office.
Howdy, Buckaroos! Get ready for this summer’s Vacation Bible School experience - Avalanche Ranch: A Wild Ride Through God’s World! Put it on your summer calendar now! You will learn about God’s love, enjoy hands-on Bible adventures and daily video visits from Chadder Chipmunk. Avalanche Ranch is great fun for children of all ages - even middle and high schoolers will enjoy signing on as Crew Leaders who will help the young children. VBS will run the week of July 30 through August 3 here at First United. The cost is $15 per child with a limit of $35 per family. You may also purchase a CD ($8) with all of the wonderful music and songs for this week of fun. Registration and volunteer forms have already been mailed out to the congregation, but additional forms can be picked up at the church. A sign-up sheet for adult and youth volunteers is located on the Youth & Family Board by the Gathering Area. If you know of any families who are not members of FULC but would be interested in registration information, please contact the church office of Mary Gorges.
Dates to remember for VBS leaders: Adult & Group Leader Meeting - Monday, July 9, at 6:00 p.m. Youth & Crew Leader Training - Wednesday, July 25, at 6:00 p.m.
A Message from Rainbow Kids Dear Member Congregation, Thank you for your continuing support of Rainbow Kids. Your support enabled us to provide a much needed source of support and learning for those experiencing loss, grieving and change in their lives due to death, divorce or deployment. Details of 2006-07 Program Year Service Host Sites Bethany Reformed Thank you again for your support and our participants thank you as well! Sincerely, Rainbow Kids Board of Directors
Rainbow Kids will be offering Silver Linings support groups for children ages 5 and up, and adults dealing with a chronic illness of a loved one. There is NO fee. Groups will meet Saturdays from 2:00-3:00 at Bethany Reformed. Call Rainbow Kids at 920-452-2838.
Attention Members Last summer, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 was signed into law by President George W. Bush. This act allows donors to consider tax-free gifts from IRA’s directly to First United Lutheran Church. Tax-free IRA rollover gifts must be made from Traditional or Roth IRA’s not from pension plans, stock option plans, etc., and these gifts can only be made in 2006 and 2007. Contact your IRA Plan Administrator for additional qualification details, for any other questions, please call Kori in the church office.
Fall Family Camping Plan to join First United campers for a fun-filled weekend at Kohler Andrae’s group camp on Friday, September 28, through Sunday, September 30. Enjoy walks along the beach and dunes, campfires, great food and friends! Children must be accompanied by adults. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early! Sign up by August 15. State park sticker required. More details to follow. Questions? See Thom Nicla.
Boy Scout Troop 861 need your help! Our Scout Troop is looking for parents who can spare a few hours of time and energy to assist in the following areas: *Pancake Breakfast Co-Chairperson: *Troop Picnic Coordinator: *Summer Camp Coordinator: *Court of Honor Co-Chairperson: *Cookies for Christmas: *Monthly Paper Collection: *Person willing to coordinate transportation *Someone to organize the annual Sunburst tubing outing *Adults willing to go along on weekend campouts *Committee members and a Chairperson
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