Let’s Make a Joyful Noise!

Norman Whan has had the opportunity of ministering in both Korea and Nigeria. In these two countries he had the privilege of seeing a unique demonstration of Christian giving. Before the offering plates are passed, the ministry announces, “We will now take up God’s tithes and our offerings.” This statement is met with resounding applause from the congregation! Giving to God is a blessed opportunity for which we should always be gratefully applauding.

We, too, have the chance to gratefully applaud the opportunity of giving to God! We are in the midst of our fall Stewardship Drive, which is called, “Grow in Response to God’s Grace.”

On Sunday, October 21, I encourage all of us to come to church, because on that day we will be filling out our commitment response forms and bringing them up front in church.

Let’s make the applause meter read -
IT’S REALLY, REALLY LOUD IN OUR GIVING TO GOD!

Pastor Todd Smith

Donuts & Dialogue
“Give Us This Day: A Lutheran Proposal to End World Hunger”

 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!

Lutheran World Relief
Layettes Due October 21

The semi truck for Lutheran World Relief will be here on Saturday, October 27, to pick up our quilts, layettes, and other kits. In order to have our items packed and ready, we ask that you please bring all layettes and other kit items to the LWR Display in the Gathering Area by Sunday, October 21. You may choose to donate one or more items that are needed to make a layette, or you may 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 also! 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 shears 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 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 .

Looking for Rally Day Pictures

Rally Day was a huge success in which we celebrated our companionship with the Maangashiny Parish of Tanzania . If you have any pictures from Rally Day worship, Pastor Jacobs’ farewell, the dinner, or the 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!

Adopt-a-Family - Mark your calendar!

Yes, believe it or not, it is almost time for Adopt-a-Family! Adopt-a-Family is a yearly program through which you can choose to “adopt” a needy family or individual and share some Christmas joy by purchasing some much needed items for them for Christmas.

Here are some important dates for you to note:
November 18: Kick-off Sunday
November 18-December 2: Names will be available for “adoption”
December 2: Last day to select names for “adoption” and Youth shopping 2-5 p.m.
December 9: All “adopted” gifts need to be wrapped & brought to church
December 11: Gift wrapping 5:00-7:30 p.m. in Youth & Quilter’s rooms (for the gifts purchased by our youth)
December 12: Sorting Gifts 9:00 a.m.
December 13: Gift Delivery/Pick up

The Quilting Group needs your help!

The Quilter’s closet is in need of your help. They are looking for fabric to be used for tops and backs - old sheets, curtains, drapes, electric blankets, any fabrics from unfinished projects, including cotton and polyester knits. All can be used to make serviceable quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Please bring your fabric items to the church office. Thank you!

Collecting clothes for
Wellington Park Lutheran Church

Pastor Howard Fintzen, a retired member of First United, works hard to assist Wellington Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee . Wellington Park offers a “clothes pantry” once a month, where extremely needy people can select clothes that they need for a donation of $1.00. The money donated is used to buy food for the people who come to the pantry. The Wellington Park clothes pantry helps between 150 and 175 people each month. YOU CAN HELP, too, by donating clean, unstained, warm winter clothes and coats! Please put items in a labeled bag or box and bring them to the church office. Thank you!

Grief Group Support
October 29

Whether we like it or not, life is filled with constant change. Sometimes life’s changes bring joy and happiness. But sometimes those changes mean saying goodbye to someone we love. Day after day, God invites us to readjust our lives to a new world without this person. How can we adapt? How can we continue to trust in God’s support, grace, and love, in the midst of our grief?

If you are grieving the loss of someone you loved, come for a time of Grief Support on Monday, October 29. We will meet in the Genszler Room from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to talk, listen, and support one another. Friends and family are always welcome!

Third Sunday in October
Special Offering

On Sunday, October 21, a special offering will be designated for the following: Safe Harbor , Reach Hotline, and the Rainbow Kids programs. These three programs help people in need in the Sheboygan County area. Safe Harbor is a shelter that provides help to victims of domestic violence. The Reach Hotline is a resource to help people in crisis. And the Rainbow Kids program helps children deal with grief due to divorce, death, separation or abandonment. Please give prayerful consideration to these special programs!

Coats for KIDS

Novak-Ramm-Ziegler Funeral Home in conjunction with 104.5 The Point Radio and ESPN 950 is once again sponsoring their “Coats for Kids” campaign. They’re looking for donations of clean coats in good repair of all sizes for people of all ages. You can drop off your coat/s at Novak-Ramm-Ziegler Funeral Home, 1535 South 12 th Street , Sheboygan , Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. , until Monday, October 29.

What to expect on Stewardship Sunday,
October 21

• Upon arriving at church, pick up your Stewardship Response Form and envelope included with your church bulletin.
• Please bring your response form into worship with you.
• Fill out the form indicating your giving response for 2008, having prayerfully considered what percentage of your income resources you are returning to our Lord through his church.
• Seal your giving response in the enclosed envelope.
• Place your Giving Response envelope in the basket as you come forward during the offering.

You are encouraged to consider giving your offerings by EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) from your checking or savings account or by credit card. The Simply Giving form is on the back of your pledge form. If you’re interested in EFT, but do not have your financial information available to you in worship, then complete and offer your pledge that morning and take another form with you to complete and return it to the church office later. Additional forms can be requested from an usher. If you have any questions, please contact Kori in the church office. Thank you for making your commitment!

All Saints Day Ribbons/Ornaments

On All Saints Sunday, November 4, First United remembers all our beloved “saints” who have gone before us. Special ribbons are hung from our altar on that day, and these ribbons are then constructed into a special ornament which will be placed on our Christmas trees. If you would like an ornament made for a loved one who passed away this past year, please contact the church office.

Nominations Team

In the coming weeks, you 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 to discuss the positions and responsibilities involved. Please think about it! Please pray about it! This is an opportunity to be involved at First United in a meaningful way that will positively impact others. If you have questions regarding any of these positions, please contact Lana Roever, or the church office.

CROP Walk

With only a few days remaining until the Sheboygan/Plymouth Area CROP Walk for Hunger, over 100 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. See Joanne D’Alton for more information, or call the church office to obtain a pledge form.

Join or pledge our team on-line by going to churchworldservice.org. Follow the prompts to the FULC page and sign-up or pledge one of our walkers!

If you are unable to join us on Sunday, October 21, for the walk, please continue to show your support by pledging a walker or simply making a contribution to the CROP Walk. Remember, 25% of all the money we raise will go to the Sheboygan and Plymouth food pantries. Checks can be made payable to Church World Service or CWS/Crop.

Daylight Savings Time
Reset your clocks!

It’s time to “fall back!” On Saturday, November 3, remember to set your clocks BACK one hour before you go to bed and enjoy that extra hour of sleep!

New Member Workshops

New Member Workshops are currently being offered here at First United and will continue on the Sundays of October 21 and 28, between services at 9:40 a.m. These workshops 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. Those who decide to join us will be welcomed into membership on Sunday, October 28, during the 10:45 a.m. worship service. If you have any questions about the workshops, or about becoming a member at First United, please contact Pastor Todd (452-2401).

VIL Potluck Luncheon

All retirees of our congregation are invited to a Potluck Luncheon on Monday, November 12, at 12 noon in Fellowship Hall. The theme for this event is “Do You Remember...” and we ask you to bring mementos, such as wedding pictures, antiques, childhood toys, etc., to show following lunch. If you are able, please bring a dish to share: a main dish, salad or dessert. Call the church office to let us know if you’re coming and what you can bring.

Youth & Family Committee needs you!!

The Youth & Family Education Committee is looking to expand and add more people to our list of committee members. This committee currently meets on All Committee Night, the second Monday of each month, and its focus is on the Sunday School and Confirmation programs of our church, as well as the activities for the youth of our congregation. If you are concerned about the future of our youth, and especially of the Middle and High School youth, please contact Mary Gorges or Thom Nicla for more information. Or come to our next meeting!

Student Tutoring Ministry

If you are an Elementary, Middle School, or High School student (or a concerned parent after seeing mid-term reports), we have a program for you! Personal tutoring is available through First United in ANY subject! Please contact the church office and ask for Thom or Mary to schedule an appointment today. Please provide us with the student’s name, contact phone number, and the course description, and we will find the appropriate tutor for that grade level and subject.

Great Beginnings Preschool Open House

The Great Beginnings children are off to a great start this school year, learning while still having lots of fun! This month the children and teachers are getting ready for their Open House to be held on Tuesday, October 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in their classroom. To celebrate Halloween, a pumpkin farm trip is planned for later this month.

Great Beginnings currently has openings for three and four year olds, and is accepting children as soon as they turn three years old. If you would like more information about our wonderful program, please contact Cindy or Mary in the church office.

“We Care” Program

Great Beginnings Preschool is involved with the “We Care” Program through the Pick & Save grocery stores. “We Care” is a donation program which allows non-profit organizations to raise additional funds simply by shopping at Pick & Save. In order for the preschool to benefit from this program all you need to do is use your Advantage Saver’s Club Card and present the Great Beginnings Preschool identification number with it. You need to designate the identification number by going to the customer service counter. Our ID number is 292900. Thank you for your help to make our preschool program grow!

Monday Night Books for Kids reads
“Harry Potter”

On Monday, October 22, beginning at 6:30 p.m. , 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, snacks and a simple craft. Please join us for this fun evening. Sign up on the Youth & Family kiosk in the Gathering Area, or contact Mary Gorges.

Teachers needed for 4-Star Rotation Sunday School

We are looking for willing adults and youth leaders to help teach the different classrooms of our Four Star Sunday School. The different rotational rooms this year include: Food; Arts & Crafts; Games; Music; Movies or Science. The beauty of this rotational setting is that you only have to commit to 2-3 weeks of teaching! For more information, please see the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Area, or contact Mary Gorges in the church office.