“Church Max”

As I drive into the church office on Kohler Memorial Drive, I see the same sign every day that catches my attention. No, it is not the Nino’s sign! It’s the red and yellow Office Max sign.

Office Max loves it when people walk through their doors, and the enticement for that is that they have office products to the max! If there is an office supply you need - sticky notes, paper clips, computer desks - Office Max will have it. They will “max out” on the office products that you may need.

I got to thinking, and yes, that is usually dangerous, what if our sign said, “Church Max?” (Hang with me on this one, people!) What impressions would people get of First United Lutheran?

As a “Church Max” church we would love it when people would walk through our doors, and the greeting, welcome, and service would be very intentional. The enticement for them, to walk through our doors, is that we have products of God’s love “to the max!” If there is an aspect of God’s love that someone would need - care, forgiveness, hope - “Church Max” will have it! People could “max out” on God’s love! It is our job to help make that happen!

On a serious note, we don’t want to change our sign from First United Lutheran to “Church Max.” But, you get the idea.

We are a church that helps people “max out” on God’s love, people who need more of God in their lives. In the days ahead, let’s pray, give thanks and celebrate those who walk through our doors! May we be bold and confident in helping them “max out” on God’s love in their lives.

In God’s grace, Pastor Todd Smith

Interested in joining our church family?

If you are interested in becoming a member at First United Lutheran Church , new member workshops will be offered on October 14, 21 and 28, between worship services at 9:40 a.m. These workshops will introduce you to the ministries of First United and help us to get better acquainted with you and the gifts you bring to this community of faith. We ask that you attend all three workshops if you are able; new members will be received during the 10:45 a.m. worship service on Sunday, October 28. If you have any questions about the workshops, or about becoming a member at First United, please contact Pastor Todd (452-2401).

In Deepest Sympathy

We offer our Christian love to the families of Nate Calkins at the death of his grandmother; of Tim Brown at the death of his mother; of Diane Steiner at the death of her mother-in-law; of Dawn Grabowski at the death of her grandmother; of Fred Boerger at his death; of Dan Roberts at the death of his brother-in-law; and of Doris Haaker at the death of her brother.

Join us for Donuts & Dialogue

As we work together to collect Layettes for Lutheran World Relief, walk for CROP Walk, and commit to be better stewards of our time, talents and treasures, we are reminded of how blessed we are! Join us at 9:40 a.m. on Sunday mornings in the Genszler Room for Donuts & Dialogue, when we will begin to explore how God is calling us to use the gifts that we are given.

On Sunday, October 7, Gary Grindeland will be our guest speaker. Gary served as the Executive Director of New York City’s Seafarer’s International House, which offered support and care for seafarers and sojourners from all over the world. Seafarers is the largest maritime ministry of the ELCA, providing lodging, pastoral care, ship visitation, and prayer to all people, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or creed. Gary has recently accepted a position as Vice President of Church and Community Relations of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin. Please come to welcome Gary and hear his stories and learn more about his exciting ministry on October 7!

Did you know that we live in a world where nearly one billion hungry people are struggling to survive? As Christians, how do we respond to that? What can we do to make a difference? In his book, Give Us This Day, A Lutheran Proposal for Ending World Hunger, Craig Nessan believes that ending world hunger is a real possibility. Nessan, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, gives us an urgent wake-up call, asking us to ponder how we, who are fed with the Bread of Life and who have more daily bread than we need, can blithely walk “on the other side of the road” while so many others are hungry and hurting.

Come to Donuts & Dialogue on October 14, when we will begin a five-week study of the book, Give Us This Day, and look at what we can do to stop world hunger. Contact Deaconess Deb if you would like to order your own copy of the book.

Register NOW! For Building Bridges Anti-Racism Training

Register NOW for the next Building Bridges Anti-Racism Training! The event will be held here at First United, October 19 & 20, and will be led by Lutheran Human Relations facilitators Marilyn Miller, Miguel de’Jesus, and Pastor Mark Thompson.

The event will be held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 19 and from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20. Cost for the training is $75, and includes materials, a light meal on Friday, snacks, and a lunch on Saturday. Scholarship assistance is available upon request. Participation in the entire training is requested. Registration forms are available on the kiosk in the Gathering Area. This event will be limited in the number of participants, so please register now! Contact Deaconess Deb if you have any questions. See you there!

Collecting Layettes for Lutheran World Relief!

Although Lutheran World Relief no longer collects clothing, they continue to collect quilts,Layettes, School Kits, Health Kits, Sewing Kits, Sewing Fabric, and new soap for people living in poverty. Because of this change, our collection at First United will focus on collecting items for Layettes. You may choose to donate one or more items that are needed to make a Layette, or you may choose to put together one or more complete Layettes to donate. If you have already collected items for other kits, and they are complete with all of the supplies needed, please bring them in! You will find more information, including the supplies needed for Layettes and other kits, at the Lutheran World Relief display in the Gathering Area.

Each Layette includes these items:
* Two shirts or Onesies (or similar item)
* Two gowns or sleepers (with or without feet)
* Two receiving blankets
* Four cloth diapers, flat fold preferred
* One sweater or sweatshirt
* Two washcloths
* One bath-size bar (4-5 oz) of gentle soap, in its original wrapping
* Two diaper pins

Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed. Gently used, clean items can be substituted for new ones. Wrap items in one of the receiving blankets and secure with diaper pins. Do not enclose the kit or any of its contents in plastic bags.

Tips:
*Sizes up to 24 months may be used. Consider varying the sizes of the clothing items so the layette will continue to be useful as the baby grows.
* Sweaters may be knitted or crocheted from leftover yarn, or made from heavy double knits or fleece. Preferred styles have buttons or ties down the front.
* A bolt of flannel can furnish a number of receiving blankets, diapers and gowns. A square cut the width of fabric (usually 36" or 45") easily makes a blanket. Diapers can be made by using a pinking shear to cut pieces 25" X 27" (note: this is a change in size from previous guidelines)
* Use care when making blankets and diapers with flannel. It may be necessary to zigzag edges or sew a hem to prevent raveling.

Project Comfort Fund Note:

LWR’s approximate cost to handle and ship one LWR layette overseas: $1.10.

Donations to Project Comfort are always appreciated, and should be sent to: Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061 , Baltimore MD , 21298-9832 .

National Depression Screening Day

Memorial Medical Center of Sheboygan is hosting a National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 11. This event serves as a valuable resource for those who believe they may be affected by the symptoms of major depression and are uncertain as to what to do. Participants complete written assessment and meet privately with a therapist to discuss results. Free, half-hour appointments are currently being made. Call 920-458-3951 to schedule a time convenient for you.

Building Discipleship

Almost everyone has prayed that God would help them to be a worthy disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Serious Christians want to be “like” Jesus. They want to follow his example and be worthy of the name, “Christian.”

On the other hand, not nearly as many people pray that God would help them to be worthy “stewards.” And yet the two, disciples and stewards, are virtually synonymous. You can’t be one without being the other. One could say that the upcoming Stewardship program, to be launched on October 21, could just as well be called a Discipleship program. Both programs ask the question, “How is God calling me to respond to God’s presence in my life?”

We are all surrounded by God’s presence. We are confronted by God’s presence in nature around us - the sky, the water, the trees, the grass, the air we breathe, the marvels of the human body, the gifts of love and marriage and family, medicine and education and music and art, the church, worship - the list could go on and on, signs of God’s presence among us. How do we respond to all that God has set before us?

The answer is, we become disciples. We become stewards. We follow Jesus. We properly manage what God has given us to use, our time, our talents and our possessions. We use them the way God wants us to use them. We use them as Jesus would use them, in service to others and to the glory of God.

In the days ahead, we will be asked to give serious thought and prayer as to how God would have us respond to all that he has given us. How we respond to the Stewardship commitment form will be an indication of what kind of disciple we are and how serious we are about our Christian faith. Please, take the step to grow in response to God’s grace. ~Pastor Bill Truby

Looking for Rally Day pictures

Rally Day was a huge success! It was a day to celebrate the beginning of Sunday School, a day to celebrate our companionship with the Maangashiny Parish of Tanzania , and a day to celebrate the ministry of Pastor Sandy Jacobs, our interim pastor, and his wife, Dru. If you have any pictures of Rally Day: of worship, Pastor Jacobs’ farewell, the dinner, activities (especially the dunk tank!), please bring them to the church office so we can make a copy of them for our files. We also want to send a copy of the pictures to the members of the Maangashiny Parish with the Hand Print Quilt! Thank you!!

From the Quilting Group - It’s empty!!

The Quilter’s closet is nearly empty! They are especially in need of fabric for tops and backs, but anything would be appreciated. Save your old sheets, curtains, drapes, electric blankets, any fabrics from unfinished projects including cotton and polyester knits. All will be used to make serviceable quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Please bring your donations to the church office. Many thanks!

High School Mission Trip
June 14-22, 2008

Next summer the 9 th-12 th graders are invited to participate in a meaningful mission trip from June 14-22, 2008 , through an organization called Appalachia Service Project (ASP). The youth will stay in a center located in the Appalachian Region, usually a school or church, during their work week. The issues of poverty in the Appalachian mountain region are complex and long standing.

The communities in which ASP serves generally have poverty rates up to three times the national average. One in four (25.04%) people live in poverty in these areas.

On Monday, October 8, at 8:00 p.m. , here at church, an informative meeting for parents and youth is planned to explain in detail the specifics of this trip and answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend, please call me at 946-1465, and we can set up another time to go over the details of the trip.

Our group application is due by October 15, 2007 , plus an individual $75 non-refundable deposit. Please give serious thought to sending your youth to participate in this life changing mission project. Or consider coming yourself as an adult leader! ~Thom Nicla

Holy Weeders!
We need your help!

Please take time to check your area as the thistles and fall weeds are beginning to invade our gardens. Thank you!

Lutheran World Relief
Truck

The Lutheran World Relief “truck” will be parked here at First United on Saturday, October 27, from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. for loading. Churches in our area will be sending volunteers to help load the truck, and our church is looking for members to volunteer from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. that day. Please call the church office to volunteer, or contact Mikk Mikkelson or Bob Thiel for more information!

Please note: LWR is NOT accepting clothing this year, nor are the accepting toothpaste! First United will focus on collecting Layettes. (Please see the “layette” article in this issue.)

Enrollment Time at Great Beginnings Preschool

Our wonderful, Christian based preschool here at First United, still has openings for this school year! Please consider enrolling your three or four year old in our program, and let your family and friends know of our program, as well. Great Beginnings preschool has a marvelous reputation for teaching our little ones, and has been in existence for over 30 years! Please feel free to come and visit the classroom, and meet our terrific staff, Sandy Gosse and Erin Mueller. For more information, please contact Mary Gorges at 452-2401.

Let’s keep in touch... with our College Students

College students, or parents, please let the church office know where you are attending college and your address so that we can remain in contact with you throughout the year. This is very important, because in February you’ll want to receive the youth’s “Valentine Goodie Box!” So get your address to us soon!

We’re sorry if it’s late!

Many of you have come to us saying that you are receiving your Good News newsletter weeks after the date. We’ve been in touch with the Post Office and they’ve been trying to work with us to try and get these mailing done in a more timely matter. The majority of the mailings we send out are bulk rate or periodicals. Unfortunately, all these mailings must go to Milwaukee first. So, please bear with us. We’re trying to print articles well in advance so that you don’t miss any activities! Please keep that in mind when submitting articles for the Good News! Thank you for your patience!

Heading South for the Winter?

Please contact the church office with your winter address so that we can keep you in touch with the church!

from
Life Lines
(a publication of ELCA World Hunger)

Food Stamp Challenge

People across the country are taking the Food Stamp Challenge and discovering just how challenging it is to piece together a healthy diet using only the average Food Stamp allowance of $1 per meal. In Oregon , over 1,000 people participated in a week-long challenge, including their Governor and Lutheran state advocacy leaders. Hunger coalitions in Philadelphia , North Carolina , and other areas also took on the challenge, as did several members of Congress and many local politicians. In July, the Food Stamp Challenge was incorporated into ELCA advocacy efforts. The challenge prompts Lutherans to learn first-hand about the importance of sustaining and strengthening the Food Stamp program through 2007 revisions to the Farm Bill. Visit www.elca.org/advocacy for more information on the Farm Bill, and learn how to add your voice to this unprecedented effort by people of faith to help family farmers and reduce hunger.

Fill our Food Barrel

You can help locally by filling our food barrel right here at church. The barrel is located near the kitchen by the triple door entrance. Bring a non-perishable food item with you the next time you come for worship or for a meeting! People come to us during the week looking for food, and, if there is overflow, we donate those extra items to the St. Mark Food Pantry. Please help us feed the hungry!

FAQ’s about the Simply Giving Program:

Q: Do you have to be a member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to participate in the Simply Giving® program?
A: No. This program is available to anyone at First United Lutheran.

Q: How does the Simply Giving® program work?
A: Your offerings are transferred electronically from your bank or credit union checking or savings account. They are deposited directly into the congregation's bank account. As a result, your contributions cannot be lost, stolen or forgotten.

Q: Are there any fees involved with the program?
A: No. There are no fees charged to individuals or churches.

Q: What is the minimum amount a person may have withdrawn for a contribution?
A: $5.

Q: Do I have to have my entire pledged amount withdrawn electronically if I want to use the Simply Giving Program?
A: No. You can specify any amount you would like to have withdrawn.

Q: How often can funds be withdrawn electronically from my account?
A: They can be withdrawn on both the 1 st and 15 th of each month or once a month on either the 1 st or 15 th of each month.

Q: Can contributions be directed to specific funds within the church?
A: Yes. Contributions can be directed to specific funds in the church.

Q: Can participants make a temporary stop payment or change the amount that is being withdrawn from an account?
A: Yes. Participants can suspend, change or stop withdrawals at any time by contacting Kori in the church office. Changes should be requested at least five business days before the transfer is scheduled to take place.

Q: Whom do I call if I have more questions about Simply Giving® or need help filling out the application?
A: Contact Kori in the church office.

Simply Giving® is a reliable, safe way to move your stewardship plan into action. It allows you to share your gifts through planned giving and activates your generosity into ongoing stewardship. Because your gift is given consistently, you won't need to play "catch-up" at year-end or worry about forgotten checkbooks or missed Sunday offerings.

But you're not the only one that benefits. Your congregation benefits from steady, more predictable revenues throughout the year, more efficient bookkeeping and greater confidence in meeting its financial commitments. Please consider The Simply Giving Program as part of your stewardship response on October 21.

Youth Forums

Youth Forums are happening on Sunday mornings here at First United! If you haven’t made it to your forum yet, please check it out!

• 7 th Grade is in Room 11 (Craft Room) with Scott Winkler
• 8 th Grade is in Room 15 with Melissa Dirker
• 9 th-12 th Grades are in the Youth Room with Thom Nicla, Joanne D’Alton, Steve Schneider, Jaclyn Stuart & Rick Seidemann

Youth and Family Ministry

The Youth and Family Ministry Committee is looking to expand and add more people to its list of committee members. This Committee meets on All Committee Night, and its focus is on the Sunday School and Confirmation programs and activities for the children of our congregation, as well as all the events and classes. If you are interested in the future of the children and youth of our congregation, especially the Middle and High School youth, please contact Mary Gorges or Thom Nicla for more information.

YOU!!
Kiddie Keep Helpers

First United is seeking to hire a warm, nurturing person(s) to be in charge of our Kiddie Keep program. The ideal candidate will love caring for children and be our primary caregiver on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon , along with our adult and youth volunteers. Salary and flexibility in scheduling is negotiable. Please contact Mary Gorges to discuss specific details.

Monday Night Books
for Kids
reads “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”

On Monday, October 22, the Children’s Ministry is offering an evening devoted to the last book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. There will be discussion, activities, food and a simple craft. So, please join us for this fun evening by signing up at the Youth & Family kiosk in the Gathering Area. Questions? Call Mary Gorges!

Stewardship Sunday

Stewardship Sunday is coming October 21st! The theme this year is “Grow in Response to God’s Grace!” Check the Good News in the coming weeks for more stewardship info!

4 - STAR Rotation
Sunday School Teachers needed

We are looking for adult and youth leaders to help teach the different classrooms for Four Star Sunday School. The rooms this year include: Food; Arts & Crafts; Games; Movies or Science. If you have a desire to help out our youth on a short-term basis, this program is for you. Sessions last only 2-3 weeks. For more information, see the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Area, or contact Mary Gorges.

Gratitude Opportunity

We’ve heard many of you say that First United is a loving, caring, and supportive community of Christian friends. Over the years the Word of God has been presented to us and preached with great passion and love by our dedicated First United clergy and staff. So many of us have experienced the outpouring of concern during a crisis or seen our children embraced and nurtured by staff and Sunday School/Confirmation volunteers, or discovered creative outlets for our faith. With a new and motivated Senior Pastor now on board, First United will move forward to realign our goals, preserve those things we love about FULC, and become change agents for Christ. Are you willing to give of your time and expertise to be an agent of change?

In the upcoming weeks, you will have an opportunity during worship to place your name or suggested names on a call list for election to the following elected and appointed positions:

• Congregation Council
• Long Range Planning
• Synod Assembly
• Nominations
• Foundation Board

Members of the Nominations Committee will follow up with you by phone and discuss the positions and the responsibilities involved. Think about it! This is an opportunity to be involved at FULC in a meaningful way that will positively impact others. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!

~Lana Roever, Nominations Chair

First United to host 2007
Annual Crop Walk for Hunger

We hope you’ve marked your calendar for the 25 th Annual CROP Walk for Hunger to be held on Sunday, October 21. First United has the honor of serving as host this year, and we want to make it the best ever! The walk begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Deland Center on the Lakefront, with registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. There are two routes to choose from: one approximately 5 miles long, and the other approximately 2.5 miles long. Twenty-five percent of money raised is designated to local hunger agencies.

Please show your support by walking, or by pledging a walker. Stop at the CROP Walk information table in the Gathering Area for information, or contact Joanne D’Alton at 803-0742.

“We Walk Because They Walk!”

Good News Deadline

The deadline for the next issue of the Good News is Monday, October 8. The next issue will be in homes on Wednesday, October 17. Please submit your article/s to the church office by mail, or email us at office@firstuni.org.

Coats for Kids

“Coats for Kids” is a community service campaign sponsored by Novak-Ramm-Ziegler Funeral Home in conjunction with 104.5 The Point Radio and ESPN 950. The program will run from September 17 through October 29. Area residents are asked to donate clean coats in good repair. They accept coats of all sizes for people of all ages, and will be distributed to Sheboygan County residents who would otherwise go without. Coats should be dropped off at Novak-Ramm-Ziegler Funeral Home, 1535 South 12 th Street, Sheboygan, Monday-Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Distribution of these coats to those who need them will be on Monday, November 12, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Thursday, November 15, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., at St. Peter Claver School, 1449 South 12 th Street, Sheboygan, in the lower level of the building. Thank you for your continued support!

All Committee Night

Please make every effort to attend the October 8 All Committee Night as we will meet as a large group (ALL Committees!) with Pastor Todd. Come for the meal at 6:15 p.m. !

Sisters in Christ

Sisters in Christ is a non-denominational women’s ministry wanting to find mentors for our incarcerated sisters in the Sheboygan County Jail. They are seeking mature Christian women, willing to act as positive role models, and help these women to transition back into society as “new creations” in Christ. For more information, please call Diane, 564-3894, or Alice, 627-1319.

VIL Events

On Monday, October 15, plan to attend a “Fall Sampler” in the Genszler Room at 1:30 p.m. to watch the LWR video “Ordinary to Extraordinary.” Join us for apple cider and snacks!

Then, on Monday, November 12, join us for a “Do You Remember...” Potluck Luncheon. We ask that you bring mementos, such as wedding pictures, antiques, childhood toys, etc., to show following lunch. And we ask that you bring a dish to share, if you are able: a main dish, salad or dessert, and bring it to Fellowship Hall by 12:00 noon . Please call the church office to let us know if you’re coming and what you can bring.

The bus trip to the Dells is full, but please consider putting your name on our waiting list! The trip is on December 1, at a cost of $59 per person.