Come to worship

Sunday, October 23

Stewardship Sunday

We celebrate Holy Communion at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on this Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost using the liturgy from Feast and Celebration with special music provided by the Bell Choir. Donuts and Dialogue will continue the study, “Shalom: The Biblical Concept of Peace.”

Sunday, October 30

Reformation Sunday

On this Reformation Sunday we will celebrate our Lutheran heritage with Holy Communion at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. using liturgy from LBW, Second Setting. Special music will be provided by the Sanctuary Choir. Donuts and Dialogue will continue the study on the concept of peace.

REMEMBER: Turn your clocks back one hour

on Saturday evening, October 29!

Pastor Nelson’s Notes

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I love the crisp air, the colorful leaves and the hikes through the forest and along the lake. It also means that stewardship pledge time is coming and thanksgiving celebrations. I love both of them as well. It’s because we give thanks that our stewardship response is so important. With the theme, “Say Yes, to Stewardship” we are proclaiming that our giving to bring compassion and care, help and hope to others in Jesus’ name is a priority. In the past couple of years more people are indicating their planned giving and more people have significantly increased their gift amounts through the church.

We can only give thanks to the Holy Spirit for working faith in their lives. Through the generosity of your hearts, God is working wonderful things: providing excellent worship, intriguing educational opportunities for children and adults, and a means to help people in desperate need. Thanks to you we have raised over $15,000 for ELCA domestic disaster relief in less than a month. It will go directly to help those in need because of the Katrina and Rita hurricanes. Thanks for your increasingly generous response.

I am happy that Thanksgiving celebrations come right on the heels of our Stewardship awareness emphasis. As we give thanks to God for all his blessings and benefits to us, we celebrate with each other the many gifts we have been given to share with others. This past week we have had three funerals. It is at times like this, as we turn our loved ones over to the care of God’s eternal care, we are thankful for Christ’s gift of salvation through his resurrection. It brings comfort and peace as we realize that God receives our loved ones when they can no longer live on earth. May we continue to respond through the church and your offerings so that as many people as possible might know the joy of God’s grace and mercy through the salvation given in Jesus. I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday! Pastor Karl

What to expect on Stewardship Sunday,

October 23

Upon arriving at church, pick up your stewardship response form and envelope included with your church bulletin. Please bring it into worship with you. Fill out the form indicating your giving response for 2006, having prayerfully considered what percentage of your income resources you are returning to our Lord through this church. Seal your giving response in the envelope and place it in the basket during the offering as you come forward like you do at Holy Communion. Thank you for making your commitment. You are encouraged to consider giving your intended offerings by EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) from your checking or savings account or by credit card. If you have any questions about these options please contact Kori Novicki for more information.

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.

Troop 861 Scout News

Troop 861 honored new Eagle Scouts Peter Bolgert and Stephen Utschig-Samuels at an Eagle Ceremony on October 10 th. Congratulations to both young men and their leaders for a job well done! The troop will host a Court of Honor on Monday, October 24, at 6:30 p.m. in fellowship hall, with refreshments following the program. All church members and friends are welcome! For more information, please contact Dale Gueldenzopf, Scoutmaster, at 457-0767.

In Deepest Sympathy

We offer our Christian love to the family of Lowell Schaefer at his death.

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!

Adopt a Family! Mark your calendar!

Here are some important dates for our up-coming Adopt-a-Family drive:

November 13 - Kick-off Sunday

November 13-December 4 - Names available for adoption

December 4 - Last day to select names

December 11 - all gifts need to be in and wrapped

December 13 - gift wrapping 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Youth & Quilter’s rooms

December 14 - Sorting of gifts

December 15 - Delivery & pick-up of gifts

Shoo the Flu!

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 and Medicaid (T-19) are accepted for both flu and pneumonia shots. So get your shot and Shoo the Flu or Shrug the Bug!

“Youth Helping Seniors Saturday”

Saturday, November 5,

8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

SENIORS! Do you need windows washed? Storm windows put on? Leaves raked? We have senior high youth ready to help! From 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 5, the youth of our congregation will be available to help get your homes ready for winter. A sign-up sheet is located on the kiosk in the gathering area, or call Rod or Mary Eissens, 457-4007, or the church office 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!

Help is needed at Bridgeway!

We are in need of two volunteers to help young moms at Bridgeway on the 7 th of every month. 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. This may be helping the moms prepare, serve and clean up the evening meal, or it might be 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 to eat with the family. We need volunteers for the next few months! Please sign up on the kiosk. Thank you!

Just a reminder... to set your clocks back!

On Saturday evening, October 29, be sure to set your clocks BACK 1 HOUR and enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

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!

VIL Harvest Dinner

All VILs and guests are cordially invited to the VIL Harvest Dinner on Monday, November 7, at City Streets Restaurant in Sheboygan. We’ll enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal that will be prepared by Bill and Pam Gottsacker. The cost is just $11.00 per person. Please call the church office to sign up.

Fall Festival on Friday, October 28

Pumpkin decorating, apple bobbing, fall crafts and foods are only a few of the things that will be happening at our Fall Festival on Friday, October 28 from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m Children and families are welcome to come and join in the fun! We only ask that you sign up at one of the bulletin boards at church so we can anticipate how many are coming. There are also supply lists located on the bulletin boards with some of the items needed to make this day a success. If you are interested in helping that day, or would just like more information, please contact Mary Gorges at 452-2401. Children below the age of eight need to be accompanied by an adult.

Foundation Fund Highlights

The First United Lutheran Church Foundation Fund has the wonderful ability to support a variety of activities involving our church, our church members, and the community. Each year a percentage of the total asset value is made available for disbursement, with a minimum of ten percent of that amount going to each of these four categories: Scholarships, Mission, Community, and Capital Improvements. The Foundation Fund Board then has the discretion to direct the remaining 60% to any of these categories as is needed that year.

In recent years we have had several members of our congregation in Seminary studies, and a few attending ELCA colleges. In 2004 a total of $4450 was disbursed for scholarships for these activities; in 2005 an additional $6250 of scholarship support was granted.

Our Mission support has included $2100 toward the FULC youth mission trip to South Dakota, and over $400 to last year’s World Hunger appeal.

Community charitable donations supported Safe Harbor, SCIO – Bridgeway House, and the Salvation Army last year. Usually the Capital Improvement monies are kept in an account for unexpected or special needs of the church.

As you can see, your donation to the FULC Foundation Fund can have a lasting and ongoing impact in these important areas.

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.

Gifts in a Jar

Do you need Christmas gifts for teachers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews? Look no further because we have the perfect gift idea for you! These “Gifts in a Jar” contain mixes sure to please everyone on your list! We have yummy cookie mixes, a delicious hot drink mix, soup mixes that are perfect for a winter meal, and new this year, a snack mix meant especially for that special guy on your list called “Nuts & Bolts.” Sales will begin in November and continue through December. Watch for more details!

Lakeshore Chorale

and

Youth Chorale

Concert

On Saturday, October 22, the Lakeshore Chorale and Youth Chorale will present music filled with thankfulness, harvest, the earth, and life itself here at First United, beginning at 7:30 p.m. From Bach to Bernstein, composers through the ages have used music to express joy, thanksgiving for the harvest, and their feelings about our connection with the earth and each other. Tickets are available at Sonlight Books, from Lakeshore Chorale members, or at the door the day of the concert. For more information, call 451-1863.

You are invited to a Harvest of Mission Partnership Celebration

The members of First United are invited to attend a brunch and Harvest of Mission Celebration 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

Pizza order forms are now available and can be found at the Youth and Family Ministry bulletin board near the front entrance of the church. The pizzas will be assembled and fresh made at church on Sunday, November 20, and ready for pick up that evening between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Parents Night/Morning Out

Parents of young children: are you looking for a night out without your sweet angels? Would you like a Saturday morning to shop without your little darlings? We have an offer for you! Members of our youth (along with adult supervision) will be offering our first Parents Night out on Saturday, November 19, from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Children can be dropped off at First United during that time. We hope to offer this evening out on a monthly basis. Pre-registration will be needed so we can plan the proper amount of supervision.

Our first set of Parents Morning Out will be offered on the following Saturdays: November 26, December 3, 10 and 17. Each Saturday (if we have enough kids registered) we will be doing fun activities and playing with the kids from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. These are great opportunities for parents to get holiday shopping or gift wrapping done. Please look for registration information, and sign-up sheets, on the Youth and Family Board. If you would like to help, please contact Mary Gorges at 452-2401.

Both of these programs will require registration before the dates so we can plan to have enough youth and adult supervision. A good-will offering will go towards the children and youth programs here at First United.

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!

CROP WALK THANK YOU

Thank you to all who walked and those who sponsored our walkers for this year’s CROP Walk for Hunger. First United was awarded the second place Silver Sandal trophy at this year’s walk for raising money at the 2004 CROP Walk for Hunger.

There’s still time to contribute to this year’s CROP Walk. Checks made payable to CWS/CROP or Church World Service can be placed in the offering plate or dropped off at the church office. Please stop in the Youth Room on Sunday mornings if you sponsored one of our middle school or senior high youth, or leave your contribution in the church office. Thank you!