Come to worship

Sunday, September 25

We celebrate Holy Communion at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on this Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost using the liturgy from Feast and Celebration with special music provided by the Handbell Choir. This morning at Donuts and Dialogue, Deaconess Deb and several members of the congregation will share their South Dakota mission trip experience with us.

Sunday, October 2

This Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost we will celebrate Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. using liturgy from LBW, Second Setting. Special music will be provided by the Sanctuary Choir at 8:30, and special music at 10:45 a.m. Seminary Professor Craig Satterlee will be our guest preacher, and will also hold a “press conference” during Donuts and Dialogue between services.

Reconnecting those important links

Many of us have enjoyed a good time away from our regular routines during the summer. Kathy and I love to travel and this summer enjoyed Europe, Florida (the ELCA churchwide assembly) and northern Wisconsin. However, reconnecting after a time away is always really important and something I look forward to. I miss the people I know and love in worship, I miss work with our staff. For 38 years I have always looked forward to planning programs and beginning the new fall season, knowing that together our community of faith will thrive and be blessed by everyone’s participation.

I know the weather is still wonderful. It’s still warmer with more sunny days than we are used to this time of year. However, our need is to reconnect with our church community through worship. The children need to be back in Sunday School and confirmation. There is so much to praise God for and so much for our children to learn about forgiveness and grace, and Christ’s eternal presence in our daily lives. We need to be together again each week.

While I look forward to being together with you again, it is a special year for me. We have about one more year together as pastor and people until the end of my tenure in this wonderful place. I want to make it the best year ever. I pray it will be filled with energy, activity and ceaseless gratitude to God for his blessings to us as a congregation. Kathy and I are some-times challenged by our questions about the future. We are often excited as we ponder what comes next. But we are always, always, grateful – for our partnership together and God’s grace to us.

I look forward to seeing you at worship each week. Let’s celebrate this whole year, giving it our best.

Pastor Karl

Seminary Professor at First United!

On Saturday evening, October 1, at 7:00 p.m., we have the unique opportunity to hear from a preaching professor from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Craig Satterlee is also Dean of the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program, the program in which Pastor Gail is currently enrolled, and happens to serve as her advisor. He is the author of three books on preaching and is the editor of “Preaching Helps” for the seminary’s journal.

On October 1 he will speak in the chapel at First United on “Preaching and the Baptized.” Baptized into Christ, we are all called to preach. While pastors preach from pulpits, Christians preach in family rooms, classrooms, offices, airports, and countless other places. Christians may not speak uninterrupted for twenty minutes, but they do have opportunities to speak to people pastors will never reach. Dr. Satterlee will reflect on the call of the baptized to preach, how the preaching of the baptized relates to the preaching that occurs on Sunday mornings, and how all God's people can contribute to Sunday preaching by becoming better listeners.

Dr. Satterlee will also preach on Sunday morning, October 2, and hold a “press conference” during Donuts and Dialogue between worship services. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to hear from one of our seminary professors. It promises to be an interesting weekend!

Become Grounded in Prayer!

While life constantly pulls us in many different directions, God continues to draw us to himself by calling us to a life of prayer. Come and pray with us on Thursday mornings! The Grounded in Prayer group meets every Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Genszler Room.

Each week we review and update our prayer list, which includes prayers of thanks, as well as prayers for the sick, those grieving, men and women serving in the military, for the members of First United, and for all other prayer concerns. We read the scripture passages and prayers that will be used the following Sunday, and then pray for all the prayer requests we’ve received. We are always happy to receive prayer requests, and keep all requests confidential. Simply indicate on the green prayer card that you would like the Prayer Group to pray for your request. Our prayer group is very casual, but very committed. We would love to have you join us - for one session, or every week, if you can! So stop in sometime, and become grounded in prayer!

The Many Benefits of Maintaining Hope

Having something to hang on to, something to believe in, or something to hope for, is an important factor in helping people endure adversity. It can also be a vital component of coping, healing, recovering, and grieving. This program will examine the quality of hope from many different perspectives, especially as it relates to illness.

On Thursday, September 22, at the Sheboygan Yacht Club, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Bishop Richard Sklba of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will lead a panel discussion about The Many Benefits of Maintaining Hope. For the discussion, Bishop Sklba and Rev. Gail Hermodson of First United Lutheran Church will examine hope from the faith perspective. Other speakers include Family Practice physician Patrick Marsho, Lorraine Pashley, RN, and Tim Renzelmann.

A question-and-answer session will follow the panel discussion. Madison Church Supply will hold a book sale of resources related to the evening’s program beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call 920-459-4662.

Donuts & Dialogue

What goes on behind those glass doors of the Genszler Room on Sunday mornings between worship services? We invite you to move beyond the “comfort zone” of the Gathering Area this year and find out! Each week adults gather for Donuts and Dialogue to study the Bible, learn about what is happening in the Lutheran church today, and hear what our members are doing to serve Christ in their lives. Try something new this year and join us at 9:40 AM. Everyone is welcome!

September 18: Pastor Gail and Pastor Karl will report on their experiences at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly this past August.

September 25: Deaconess Deb and several members of the congregation will talk about their mission trip to South Dakota this past summer.

October 2: Dr. Craig Satterlee will be hear from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (see full article in this newsletter).

Join the New Spirit Circle!

The New Spirit Circle is a Bible Study for women that meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday evening of each month in members’ homes. We begin with a Bible study and lively conversation, and then enjoy refreshments and more lively conversation!

The Bible Study this fall will be “No Experience Necessary: Help Wanted.” This study is for women who want to answer God’s call to get to work doing something that really matters. It doesn’t matter if this is your first or one hundred and first Bible study, because no experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome!

If you would like to join the New Spirit Circle, please sign up on the kiosk or call Lee Anne Gilson or Deaconess Deb at 452-2401.

Wanted: Clothes for the Needy

Thank you for your donations of clothing! We continue to collect new and gently used clothing for Wellington Park Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, where Pastor Howard Fintzen is currently serving as their interim pastor. Wellington Park serves needy people throughout the city of Milwaukee through their monthly clothing distribution. Their greatest need is children’s clothing, but they also have a need for adult clothes that can be worn to work or for job interviews. Coats and shoes are also appreciated. Please bring all items which are clean, unstained, and in great condition to the gathering area.

“Youth Helping Seniors Saturday”

SENIORS: The youth of First United want to help you get ready for winter! On Saturday, October 8, we will be available to wash windows, change screens, remove A/C units and help with other miscellaneous projects around your yard and house. This is free to you but if you would like, you can make a donation toward their trip to San Antonio. Please call Rod and Mary Eissens, 457-4007, to sign up.

Workshop for Mentors & Guides

Just a reminder to all mentors for our 9 th grade confirmation students and all the guides for our 7 th and 8 th graders: Lori Dielentheis will be providing a seminar on Saturday, September 24, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Genszler Room. Entitled “Helping the Christian Adolescent to Find Christ and Helping to Find Christ in the Christian Adolescent”, this workshop will cover normal adolescent development, communication, and research on the adolescent brain and why they think the way they do. It promises to be a fun and informative morning! Questions? Contact Pastor Gail (452-2401).

Help Is Needed at Bridgeway

We are in need of two volunteers to help young moms at Bridgeway on Friday, October 7. Bridgeway is a transitional housing facility located at 1251 Geele Avenue, that is run by the Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization (SCIO). Bridgeway helps 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 with this meal program, 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 food is provided by Bridgeway, and the volunteers are invited and asked to stay for dinner and eat with the family. We need volunteers for the next few months! Please sign up on the kiosk to get involved. Thank you!

Do you know anyone who “needs” a Prayer Shawl, or Lap Blanket?

Do you know anyone who is confined to their home, struggling with a long-term illness or disease, or going through a difficult transition in their life? If you know of someone in the congregation or in your family that is in need of prayerful support, and would appreciate a prayer shawl or lap blanket, please contact Deaconess Deb (452-2401).

Monday Night Books

Clean off your reading glasses, it’s time for Monday Night Books again! We will read four books this year, three of which are novels, all of which have some kind of “religious” theme. Our first discussion will take place on September 26 at 6:30 PM in the Genszler Room. Please read the first book, The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse by Louise Erdrich, prior to the meeting date. We will talk about the book on that date, so bring your insights!

Future Monday Night Books and dates (order your books now!):

December 5: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

February 6: TBA. Please note: the book listed in the last newsletter for this date is out-of-print. We will decide in December as a group what book to read (hint: it will be related to Dietrich Bonhoeffer!).

May 1: Souls Raised From the Dead by Doris Betts

If you have any questions about Monday Night Books, please contact Pastor Gail (452-2401).

We offer our Christian love to the family of Ruby Schultz at her death; and to the family of Pokey Morgenroth at the death of her grandson.

New Member Workshops

If you are interested in joining the community of faith at First United Lutheran Church, you are invited to come to the New Member Workshops scheduled as follows:

Sunday, October 9: 9:40-10:30 a.m.

Thursday, October 13: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 16: 9:40-10:30 a.m.

All workshops will take place in the Genszler Room. Child care will be provided for all workshops if required. Please come and meet one another, hear more about our Lutheran heritage, and learn what it means to be a member of a church and the special ministry opportunities at First United. Reception of new members will be held on Sunday, October 16, in the 10:45 a.m. worship service.

Shrug the Bug

Flu shots will be available here at First United this year! Participants must be 18 years and older to receive a vaccination. On Sunday, November 6, from 9:15-10:45 a.m., you can get your flu shot for $20, or your pneumonia shot for $27. Medicare Part B an Medicaid (T-19) are accepted for both flu and pneumonia shots. So get your shot and Shrug the Bug!

Foundation Fund gives because of you!

The First United Foundation Fund has been in existence for over 15 years. Its purpose is to receive small and large gifts from members and friends and use the income from those gifts to help others in many different ways. The balance of the fund is nearing $250,000. All of you are invited to consider sharing your resources with the Foundation Fund by donating appreciated stock, making the fund a beneficiary of your life insurance, remembering the church in your will or trust, or giving cash gifts either large or small on the occasion of a baptism, anniversary or just because you wish to help.

In the coming months this column will share with you the various ways you can participate in strengthening the Foundation Fund ministry as well as telling you all the people and programs that have been helped by your generosity. According to the bylaws of the Fund, only the income from the Fund is distributed. The principal you give is kept to provide the basis for more income.

Great Beginnings Preschool

Parents! We are inviting your two year old child to join our Great Beginnings Preschool family as soon as he/ she turns age three! Great Beginnings Preschool, sponsored by our church, is changing our format! We will, for the first time, be enrolling children in our program as they turn three years old. You do not have to wait until next September to find the perfect learning environment for your child! Please contact Cindy in the church office for more details!

Director of Middle and High School Education Needed

The personnel committee is looking for applicants for the Director of Middle and High School Education. This is a part-time position, averaging 20 hours per week, without personnel benefits. We are seeking people with an education or teaching background. If you are interested in applying, please send your resume and a list of references to the church office, attention Pastor Karl.

The Lutheran World Relief (LWR) boxcar arrives October 29!

The Lutheran World Relief boxcar comes to Sheboygan on Saturday, October 29, to collect clothing, quilts, various kits and other items for people in need. Please help by bringing donated items to church bySunday, October 23! Clothing items can be new or used, but mustbeclean, unstained, and in excellent condition. Please place items in the labeled boxes in the Gathering area by the LWR display. Some of the items needed are: light and medium weight clothing for men, children and infants, and sweaters and sweatshirts for men, women and children. Health, sewing, school and layette kits, quilts and blankets are also needed. Because there are specific items LWR will accept, take-home lists of items needed are available on the kiosk and on the display table. Cash donations are also needed, and can be sent directly to: Lutheran World Relief, 390 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10016.

Crop Walk: Walk to Make a Difference!

The Sheboygan/Plymouth area CROP Walk for Hunger will be held on Sunday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Two routes, one approximately 5 miles long and the other approximately 2.5 miles long, will begin and end at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 623 Ontario Avenue. If you are unable to join us for the walk, please consider pledging a walker, or simply making a contribution to the CROP Walk. Confirmation students in grades 7 and 8 and high school youth will be walking again this year, and will be accepting pledges from now until the day of the walk. Your tax-deductible donation can be made payable to Church World Service, or CWS/CROP. Together we can make a difference!

**Songs & Supper parents take note!

Help our youth by eating at the Golden Arches!

On Wednesday, September 28, between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m., our youth group will receive a portion of the profits from all meals sold at the McDonald’s located on Kohler Memorial Drive (near Marc Cinemas) on that day! So please stop and eat at McDonald’s (there will be ** NO pizza served at church!) and support the 30+ youth planning to attend the National Youth Gathering next summer!