Come to worship

Sunday, October 9

We celebrate Holy Communion at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on this Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost using the liturgy from Feast and Celebration with special music provided by the Cherub Choir at 8:30 a.m., and the Sanctuary Choir at 10:45 a.m. A New Member Workshop will be offered today at 9:40 a.m. in the Genszler/Chapel Room. Donuts and Dialogue will resume the study, “Shalom: The Biblical Concept of Peace.”

Sunday, October 16

This Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost we will celebrate Holy Communion at 8:30 a.m. using liturgy from LBW, Second Setting, and at 10:45 a.m. with Electric Gospel. Special music will be provided by the Christus Choir at 8:30 a.m. New members will be received into membership this morning at 10:45 a.m. Donuts and Dialogue will continue the study on the concept of peace.

A Word from our Pastor : How’s School?

Many people have asked me in recent days how school is going for me, referring to my Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. I attended a three week residency in June and July, learning more about Biblical inter-pretation and preaching during times of congregational transition, and putting together a learning covenant for the year. Through three sermons which I will preach at First United, meeting with a group of nine parishioners from the congregation for feedback, and writing follow-up reflection papers, I will be looking at how preaching can be helpful to our congregation as we anticipate Pastor Karl’s retirement next year. In the second year of my program I will see how preaching can influence our life together during the interim period and in the third year, hopefully, my preaching will help us look towards receiving a new senior pastor. I have enjoyed the program so far and feel that it has been beneficial to the nine members of First United who have been working with me. They helped shape the first sermon by studying the text and sharing their insights with me, many of which I incorporated into the sermon I preached on September 4. They also gave me feedback which was sent to my professors at the seminary, and we are looking forward to receiving the responses from the professors in October. In the process, this group is learning a lot about Biblical interpretation, sermon formation, and how to listen to a sermon. I am learning how to be attentive to the concerns of my congregation and how to better address those concerns in my preaching. Ultimately, I hope my participation in this program is beneficial to you, as members of the congregation. In the process of improving my preaching skills and addressing issues that are important to you, I hope that your faith in God is strengthened and that the community is edified. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this program.

Pastor Gail

School’s Out: Youth Fall Festival at First United!

No school for the children of Sheboygan County and a glorious fall season are only two reasons to come and have some fun at First United. During the day on Friday, October 28, we will open our doors and have activities, food, games, and crafts for the kids. Please come as a family, or drop your children off. If you would like to volunteer to help out or donate items to show your support for this day, please check the Youth & Family Board, or contact Mary Gorges at 452-2401.

Singles Ministry

Sheboygan Area Lutheran Singles Group exists to support Christian singles, including those who are widowed or divorced, of all denominations. If you are interested in what they have to offer, please pick up a copy of the October Singles Calendar on the kiosk in the gathering area, or call 457-6336 or 458-6605.

All Committee Night

The ministry groups of First United will once again gather together on Monday evening, October 10. Please come to the gathering area at 6:15 p.m. for a shared meal, followed by individual committee meetings throughout the building.

If you’re not already a member of a church committee, consider coming and sharing in this time of fellowship and decision-making for our congregation. All committees are always happy to receive new committee members!

In Deepest Sympathy

We offer our Christian love to the family of Ashton Wick at his death; and to the family of Ray Reinwand at the death of his mother.

Donuts & Dialogue:

Shalom-The Biblical Concept of Peace

During Donuts & Dialogue this month we will resume our study on “Shalom: The Biblical Concept of Peace.” Even if you did not attend the sessions last spring, you are more than welcome to join us at 9:40 a.m. on Sunday mornings in the Genszler Room.

This study will explore the meanings of “peace” throughout the Bible and their relevance for today. Written by an Old Testament scholar this study will shine a Biblical light on the issues and unsettled mood of our times and help us to focus on peacemaking as a central concern of the church today. Join us!

Adopt-a-Chair

The choirs of First United need new chairs! For safety, posture, good singing, we invite you to “adopt-a-chair!” The cost is $80 for each chair, and we need a total of 50 chairs. If you are willing to “adopt” one, please make your check payable to First United. Thank you!

San Antonio Update

We are excited to announce that 33 youth and 5 adults are now registered to attend the ELCA National Youth Gathering Event in San Antonio next summer on behalf of First United. Due to the size of our group, we will need to raise a lot of money in order to make this trip happen. Many of our fundraising projects have already begun, and we thank the congregation for your support. Throughout this issue of the Good News you will find several ways in which you can support our youth over the next several months. As always, if you want to support the youth, but do not want to participate in the fundraisers, you are welcome to donate by check and specify in the memo line: “NYG Youth.” Thank you!

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!

“Youth Helping Seniors Saturday”

SENIORS: Thrivent has generously offered to sponsor a day in November (TBA) for youth to help seniors winterize their homes. If you need windows washed, storm windows put on, yard work done, lawn furniture put away - you direct us as what to do and we are willing and ready to help you! Call Rod and Mary Eissens (457-4007), or the church office (452-2401) to sign up!

Great Beginnings Preschool News

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!

We need your help 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!

Katrina Relief

The special offerings we’ve been receiving following Hurricane Katrina have now come to the grand total of $15,000! This money is being forwarded to the ELCA Disaster Response, 100% of which will be used for hurricane relief. If you still wish to give a gift, please make your check payable to First United and write “Katrina” in the memo line. Thank you!

Monday Night Books

Get a head start on the next book for Monday Night Books! On Monday, December 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Genszler Room we will discuss Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Please read the entire book prior to this date and come with your questions and insights. Gilead was the 2005 Pulitzer Prize Winner in fiction and chronicles the life of Reverend John Ames and his forebears during the Civil War. A complete book description and sign-up sheet are on the kiosk in the gathering area. Questions? Contact Pastor Gail (452-2401).

Prayer Box available for Prayer Requests

Do you ever want someone to pray for you, but hesitate to ask for prayer during worship on Sunday morning? Maybe you need prayer, but want to remain anonymous. Look for the white “prayer box” in the gathering area!

Anytime you are in need of prayer, simply fill out a prayer card and put it in the prayer box. All requests will remain completely confidential. The Grounded in Prayer Group will pray for you weekly for as long as you request.

You are also welcome to come and pray with us every Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Genszler Room. Our prayer group is small, and very casual, but is also very committed. We would love to have you join us whenever you can! So stop in, and be grounded in prayer!

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.

Tuesday, October 11: 6:30-8:00 p.m. (Note the date change!!!)

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

All workshops will take place in the Genszler/Chapel 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.

Do you knit or crochet?

Join the Holy Knitters from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Room 8 on Monday, October 10! There is yarn available (free!) For anyone interested in making a prayer shawl or lap blanket, and for anyone wanting to make hats and mittens. Take time to relax and knit (or crochet) with friends, and then stay for the All Committee Night dinner which is served in the gathering area at 6:15 p.m.

Your Foundation Fund

The Foundation Fund was created to allow a financial gift (cash or securities) to support various programs of the church of the donors choosing. These programs may include scholarships, music programs or ministry, building upkeep or anything designated by the donor as for the good of the church. These funds may be designated to stand alone, to establish a perpetual endowment or may be added to other funds within the Foundation Fund which reflect the desires of the giver.

There are a number of ways one may choose to give to the Foundation Fund: A donation of appreciated stock; a lump sum donation; establishment of a charitable remainder trust; or designation in your will for transfer of these assets upon your death. The Foundation Fund may also be named as a beneficiary of one’s insurance policy, IRA or other retirement plan.

Gifts to the Foundation Fund of all sizes can help First United to carry out its mission. For information on how you may support these important works, contact any member of the Foundation Fund, or one of our pastors, or look for the flyer describing the Foundation Fund in the information kiosk in the narthex.

Leaving before winter sets in?

If your plans include escaping Wisconsin to a warmer climate for a few months, please contact the church office (452-2401) with your winter address so that we might continue sending you the Good News!

Collecting now for *LWR

and the Clothing Exchange

Now is the time to sort through your clothes, and share what you have with people in need. There are currently two opportunities where you can help:

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 bring donated items to church by Sunday, October 23. Clothes can be new or used, but must be clean, 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.

We are also collecting items for The Clothing Exchange. Warm winter clothes and coats, in infant to adult sizes, are needed, especially for women and children. Please bring items to the Clothing Exchange table in the gathering area by Sunday, November 6.

CROP Walk: Help Stop Hunger - WALK or PLEDGE

With only a few weeks remaining until the Sheboygan/Plymouth Area CROP Walk for Hunger, over 50 people have already signed up to represent First United. Thank you! We still have plenty of pledge forms available and encourage everyone to sign up. This year’s walk will start at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Sheboygan. See Joanne D’Alton (803-0742) for more information, or call the church office (452-2401) to obtain a pledge form.

If you are unable to join us on Sunday, October 16, for the walk, please continue to show your support by pledging a walker, or simply making a contribution to the CROP Walk. Walkers will be available to accept your pledge or donation on the Sundays preceding the Walk. Remember, 25% of all the money we raise will go to the Sheboygan food pantries. Checks can be made payable to Church World Service or CWS/Crop. Thank you!

“We Walk Because They Walk!”

Gifts in a Jar

Watch for more details regarding this youth fundraiser coming in November!

Pastor Van Dunk is leaving!

The members of First United are invited to attend a brunch and Harvest of Mission Cele-bration at All Peoples’ Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, on Saturday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. This gathering will be to celebrate the partnership that we and other congregations have with All Peoples’, and to bid farewell to Pastor Greg Van Dunk, who has served as their pastor for the past 15 years. Pastor Greg has accepted a call to serve as pastor of Atonement Lutheran Church in Muskego, Wisconsin. Sunday, November 6, will be his last day at All Peoples’ church.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend! All Peoples’ would like to know how many are coming, so please sign up on the kiosk by Sunday, October 30. Pastor Karl and Deaconess Deb are planning to attend, and would love to bring you along!

Youth Group Pizza Sale

Everyone’s asking - “When are you going to sell those delicious pizzas again?” Well, the answer is now! The youth are taking orders from now until November 20. The pizzas will be assembled and made fresh at church on November 20 and ready for pick up that evening. Order forms and envelopes can be found at the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board. Place your order and pre-payment in the box and make a note to yourself to pick up your pizza November 20!

Crossways Camping Ministries

has scheduled its Annual Fall Meeting at Pine Lake Camp on Saturday, October 15, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a lunch at noon. It’s free!! A quilt auction will take place at 1:00 p.m. featuring the quilt made by our church members, which was hanging in our gathering area Sunday, September 25, with proceeds matched by Thrivent. The entire family is invited for a day of fun including hayrides, games, crafts, songs and more! Need more info? Go online at info@crosswayscamps.org.

Parents Night/Morning Out

Attention: parents of young children! Are you looking for a night out without your sweet little angels? Would you like a Saturday morning to shop without your little darlings? We have an offer for you! Youth of our church (along with adult supervision) will be offering a weekend evening, or Saturday morning, to watch your children so you can have some time off. Children can be dropped off at First United where they will be well cared for. We hope to offer this service a few times a month. Our first Parents Night/Morning Out will be offered in November. Please watch for further information. If you would like to help out, please contact Mary Gorges at 452-2401.

We Say Yes

STEWARDS OF GOD’S MYSTERIES

This year, our congregation’s stewardship theme will center around the ways that we say “Yes” to God. The apostle Paul described Christians as “stewards of God’s mysteries” (1 Corinthians 4:1). He reminds us that “it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4:2). God has entrusted us with the task of sharing Christ’s love with others. Indeed, that is an enormous task. Yet God never asks us to do something without first providing us with the means to accomplish it. We might even say that responsibility is the ability to respond affirmatively. We say “Yes” to God because our Savior enables us to do so.

Stewardship Sunday is October 23. In the coming weeks we ask you to prayerfully consider your giving response and remember...Here and now, God is providing you with all that you need to take on the privileged task of stewardship.

FULC Flamingos

Warning! The neighborhoods of First United members are not safe! Plastic flamingos are migrating, and this rare species is predicted to appear in neighborhoods starting in October!

Now that we have your attention, the Flock Senior High Youth Group will begin a Flamingo Fundraiser to raise money for our trip to San Antonio next summer. If you would like to make a contribution and anonymously place flamingos on another congregation member’s yard, call the Kleines at 467-8616. A group of youth will safely deliver and carefully arrange the birds on the requested member’s lawn.

If you have flamingos placed in your yard, you may call the Kleines and, for a contribution to the San Antonio fund, have the flamingos transferred to someone else’s yard by the youth, or call to have the flamingos removed free of charge. Congregation members can only be “flamingoed” one time!

Five Star Sunday School

Our Five Star second theme begins October 9, and we are still looking for teachers to fill the Music and Science areas. This theme is entitled “The Caring Samaritan,” and will run from October 9 through October 23.

We’re also in need of teachers for our third theme which is entitled “First and Last in the Vineyard,” and runs from October 30 through November 13. Again we are looking for teachers in the Music and Science areas, as well as the Games area.

You do not need to be an expert in any of these areas! All you need is the desire to teach God’s word and a love for children. If you would like more information, please contact Mary Gorges at 452-2401, or sign up on the bulletin board in the gathering area.