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THE MESSENGERJULY 2019

The monthly newsletter of First Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Message from the Pastor.................2

Office Updates…..............................4

Worship Themes........…...................6

Adult Education & Fellowship...........7

Outreach Opportunities........................8-9

Women of the ELCA.......................10

Making a Difference........................11

Music Opportunities........................12

Preschool........................................14

Announcements.……...…...............17

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

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View our Event Calendar!www.firstlutherankearney.org

Sign up for FLC E-mail updates!Send request to:

mmcguire@firstlutherankearney.org

Offerings Year to Date

2018 2019 %Change

May $56,733 $47,135 -16.9.%

Year to $654,809 $642,687 1.9%Date

Average per week giving $12,592

Goal per week $13,655

Per Week vs. Goal -$1,063

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A M e s s a g e f r o m t h e Pa s t o rGrace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!First, I would like to thank everyone who reached out after my car accident. Your thoughts, prayers, concern and small tokens helped me to heal after this jarring incident. Taking your time to care about me meant the world to me – THANK YOU!In July, I will be going to visit my niece, Miriam, for her 8th birthday. As I get older, time seems to move faster. Children grow and change in the blink of an eye. Every time I see her she has developed new tastes, interests and ideas. The world around us is accessible 24 hours a day and information flows faster than it did even 10 years ago. We compress our vacation time and days off between June and August, juggling time to spend with our loved ones before the leaves begin to change color and the regular schedule of September is upon us. Sometimes I wonder exactly how much rest we are getting in over scheduled summer days…On the subject of time, I encourage all of us to go back to the very beginning, as in Genesis – the beginning of the Bible. In chapter one God is creating, and it is good. The Hebrew word there translates as good – not perfect. There is a separate word in Hebrew for perfect, and it is not used in Genesis 1 and 2. And then after creating all of this that is good, “on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” Even God rested.God saw that we humans weren’t so good at resting, and so God reminds us again when we read the 10 Commandments in Exodus, “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work… For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.” Humans were created to take a break – God had it in the plans all along. I would like to encourage us to consider how we take breaks. How do we keep Sabbath time? Do we rest? If God rested, don’t we think we might need a break too?If you are not used to rest or Sabbath time, it may take some practice and time to get used to the idea and routine. I am also going to suggest that God be a part of that Sabbath time as you grow used to stopping and taking a break. Praying, reading the Bible or devotions, having sacred conversations with those you love, and attending worship services are a few ideas but there are certainly others. Resting does not need to be defined as just sitting around doing nothing or sleeping. I have a friend who bakes bread as part of his Sabbath time. He prays and spends time with his loved ones while he kneads the dough.You have probably heard this phrase, “No one said on their death bed that they wished they had worked more.” Let’s not wait until our health deteriorates, our relationships crumble and our children are gone to realize we need Sabbath time and rest. Our Lord and Creator would like to hear from us to deepen our relationship with God.So using phrases from our world of advertising, “Got Sabbath? Just do it!”God’s Peace,Pastor Michelle

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A M e s s a g e f r o m t h e Pa s t o r

Fifth Sunday Service, Annual Meeting, and Potluck on Sunday, June 30thSunday, June 30th will have a number of events. As it is a fifth Sunday there will be only one worship service that weekend which will be at 10:30 a.m. Following our fifth Sunday service, our First Lutheran Annual Meeting will be held in Centennial Hall. After the annual meeting, we will have a Potluck luncheon to enjoy our fellowship together as members of First Lutheran Church. Persons whose last name begins with A through L are asked to bring a main dish to share while persons whose last name begins with M through Z are asked to bring either a salad or a dessert to share. We hope you can join us for this opportunity for worship, food, fellowship, and our congregation’s Annual Meeting.

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O F F I C E U P DAT E S

Church Officeoffice@firstlutherankearney.orgPastor Rick CarlsonPastorrcarlson@firstlutherankearney.org

Pastor Michelle CarlsonPastormcarlson@firstlutherankearney.org

Mike McGuireExecutive Directormmcguire@firstlutherankearney.orgKandy BaconAdministrative Assistantkbacon@firstlutherankearney.org Marti BrockmeierBookkeepermartibrockmeier@firstlutherankearney.org

Natalie RadcliffeWorship Music Coordinatornatalieradcliffe@firstlutherankearney.org

Adam EilersMaintenance Coordinatoraeilers@firstlutherankearney.org

Judy O’DonnellPreschool Directorjudyodonnell@firstlutherankearney.org

FLC STAFF E-MAIL ADDRESSES

VIDEO BROADCASTS AVAILABLE ONLINE

Unable to make it to church? Watch a LIVE web broadcast of our Sunday Morning Worship Services 8:45 am and 11:00 am. A link for the live stream is available at: www.firstlutherankearney.org

USE OF OFFERING ENVELOPES

Thank you to all those who regularly make use of the weekly offering envelopes. It may not be possible to keep an accurate recording of your contributions if you do not use your envelopes. If you choose to contribute by check without using the envelopes, please write your offering envelope number on your check. This will enable us to record your contributions accurately. Any loose checks that are received without an envelope number noted may not be reflected on your contribution statement.Contributions to the Ministry Budget and Facilities Budget can be combined in one check. If you are not receiving offering envelopes and would like some, please contact Marti in the church office. Thank you for your help!

MAY FINANCE REPORT Ministry Budget: May 2019 YTD '18-'19 YTD '17-'18Budget Supporting Revenue $ 41,729 $ 634,186 $ 654,106 Budget Related Expenditures $ (57,226) $ (664,775) $ (690,786)

Total 2018-2019 Ministry Budget: $710,055 Facilities Budget: May 2019 YTD '18-'19 YTD '17-'18Revenue $ 7,635 $ 75,505 $ 73,448Expenditures $ (2,104) $ (25,615) $ (36,309)

Total 2018-2019 Facilities Budget: $30,000

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CO U N C I L U P DAT EGreetings from your Church Council,

Here’s an update on the latest happenings and discussions within First Lutheran Church.

At our June meeting, action was taken on the following:

Approved a request for $1,300 from the property committee to install LED security lights for the building facing our parking lots. A safety feature that we were needing.

Approved a request for $15,855 from property committee to replace the sliding glass door and the six windows in the Fellowship Hall. Funds will come from an insurance payment that had been received for hail damage to our roof. This expenditure exceeds the $10,000 maximum contract that the council can enter beyond items that were originally in the budget, so we will be asking for congregational approval at our annual meeting.

Approved the Ministry Site Profile document. The ministry site profile is the important and detailed document that takes a close and honest look at our community, our congregation, the call, and the talents and abilities that will be necessary to fulfill our opening. This document is then placed on the ELCA website for prospective candidates to view and respond to, if so moved by the Holy Spirit. Please continue to pray for the call committee, the church council, and the candidates to be considered for this call as an associate pastor at First Lutheran Church and to serve at Campus Lutheran.

Approved the June 30th Annual Meeting Agenda.

We heard very positive reports concerning Vacation Bible School week. It is a big task to pull this off in such a smooth and spirited manner. Our thanks and appreciation go to all who helped in any way to make the week a success. Let’s pray that the seeds that were sown fall on fertile soil.

Blessings to you and your families,

First Lutheran Church Council

Gary Anderson, Judy Henning, Rachel Leach, Kyle Means, Keith Powell, Myron Riddle, Kelly Russman, Kim Troudt, & Mark Kottmeyer

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W O R S H I P T H E M E SJULY 6-74TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOSTISAIAH 66:10-14; PSALM 66:1-9; GALATIANS 6[1-6]7-16; LUKE 10:1-11,16-20.

God is the source of our nourishment. Our Lord’s invitation to “take and eat . . . take and drink” is a repeated one. In the holy eucharist, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.

JULY 13-145TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOSTDEUTERONOMY 30:9-14; PSALM 25:1-10; COLOSSIANS 1:1-14; LUKE 10:25-37.

To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you”—namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the altar, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you.

Mark Kottmeyer - PresidentKim Troudt - Vice President Kyle Means - Treasurer Rachel Leach - SecretaryGary AndersonKeith PowellMyron RiddleJudy HenningKelly Russman

Contact information for our Congregational Council

Representatives are available in the lobby or the church office.

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL

HAVE QUESTIONS?

JULY 20-216TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOSTGENESIS 18:1-10a; PSALM 15; COLOSSIANS 1:15-28; LUKE 10:38-42.

Perhaps the church, at its best, is “all ears.” Almighty God urges the faithful, again and again, to “listen up!”—to heed the word from above. So it was with Abraham and Sarah, with Mary and Martha, and the early church at Colossae. So it is today as we join the assembly to hear the word of God, the words of life.

JULY 27-287TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOSTGENESIS 18:20-32; PSALM 138; COLOSSIANS 2:6-15[16-19]; LUKE 11:1-13.

Persistence in prayer evoked the admiration of Jesus and wins the attention of the Lord when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized—to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus the Lord—is to be rooted in prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God’s own. “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”

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MARTIN & KATIE’S COFFEE HOURPlease join our seasoned and sensational members and friends in the Café Thursday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am for delectable delights and candid conversation. All are welcome for this great time of fellowship.

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAYLearn to Knit or Crochet

Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every Wednesday in the coffee area from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm during the school year. Please join us for Knitting, Crocheting, Conversation and Prayer. If you have any questions, or if you know of someone who might be able to use a Prayer Shawl as a tangible reminder of God’s love and grace during hard times and good times, please call or text Theress Bricker 308-233-2469.

A D U LT E D U C AT I O N & F E L LO W S H I PAdult Education and Fellowship opportunities are in abundance at First Lutheran Church. If you are curious about any of the programming we offer and want more information, please contact the church office at: 308-237-5544 or just show up!

SUNDAYSUNDAY MORNINGCOFFEE FELLOWSHIPSundays 9:45-11:00 am in the Café

MONDAYQuilt Tying

Quilt Tying takes place the first Monday of every month at 8:30 am in the Quilt Room. All are welcome.

SUNRISE PRAYER & STUDY GROUPThis group meets at 7:00 am on Tuesday mornings in the Fellowship Hall. This study takes a look at the upcoming gospel text from the lectionary and discussion is centered around how this applies to our lives today.

TUESDAY

Bible StudyOn the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, there will be a Bible study based on a Smithsonian Program called “The Great World Religions”. This will be a 12-week lecture study. The study includes Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, & Bud-dhism. All are invited to participate. If you have any questions, please contact LaVon McLane at 308-293-1882.

Adult Bible Study

Every Wednesday evening a group of us meet to study the Bible. We do more than talk about the Bible; we really get into the Bible. We talk about what the Bible says and what it says to us.

We are be studying the book of Isaiah. Who was Isaiah? He was one of the major prophets. You will find many beautiful promises from God in Isaiah’s book.

Are you hungry for more of God’s Word? Then think about join-ing us on Wednesday nights. We would welcome you. We meet at 6:00pm in the conference room.

Reading with Pastor MichelleStarts back up July 10, 2019. The new book will be Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist.

JOIN US IN PRAYERAre you concerned about what’s happening in our nation? Do events in other parts of the world cause you concern? Would you like to be part of the answer? If so, you might want to JOIN US IN PRAYER. We meet every Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 in the little chapel. You do not have to be an “expert pray-er”. You don’t even have to pray out loud, if you’d rather not. Jesus has promised that where two or three are gathered in His Name, He is in the midst of them. Consider joining us as we talk to Him about our community, our nation and the world.

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MEDIA BOOTH VOLUNTEERSVolunteers are needed for sound, projection and video. Currently looking for volunteers for the 4th Saturdays of each month for the 6:00 pm worship service. Training is available. Contact the church office at 308-237-5544.

S E R V I C E O P P O R T U N I T I E S

DON’T WORRY! JOIN A PRAYER CHAINHelp pray for brothers and sisters in Christ, or share requests for prayer. Paul reminds us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. (Phil 4:6).

Telephone prayer chain members are led by Jeanette Andersen (308-237-3634), Marlene Kotrc (308-234-3293).

If you would like to participate in email prayer requests, pass your request along to the church office (office@firstlutherankearney.org) or Theress Bricker (tmbricker4@gmail.com ). Requests will be emailed to you, and all you need to do is pray for the person or event.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED

Sunday school teachers needed for the fall. Please contact Michelle Dutcher at michelledutcher@gmail.com if interested.

PRAISE TEAMDo you ever feel the need for your soul to sing?

Is one of your talents playing the guitar and/or drums?

Then come join the First Lutheran Praise Team!

We are always seeking more voices and instrumentalists to help lead the Worship Service on Sunday Mornings at 11am!

Rehearsals are Wednesday nights at 6:00pm.

All voice ranges welcome! For more information contact,

Jane Teply: janeteply@yahoo.com or (308) 293-2792: Pat Anderson: gpmanderson@hotmail.com

TIE A KNOT OR TWO OR TENOld sheets, curtains, and drapes (not fiberglass) can be used for quilt backs and middle battings as well as for pieces for quilt tops. If you redecorate or clean out drawers, please share items with the quilters by taking the items to the quilt room.

If you have questions about quilting or tying, or sharing fabric, call Betty Young (308-440-7313) or Sandy Pratt (308-627-1995) or join the quilt makers between 8:30 and 11 a.m. on the first Monday of the month in the Quilt Room.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF KITSIt’s time to begin collecting items for Lutheran World Relief Kits! First Lutheran Church takes pride in donating and assembling School Kits, Baby Care Kits, Personal Care Kits, Mission Quilts, Fabric Kits and Fleece Tied Blankets. Pens and pencils, a toothbrush, a quilt…ordinary items we take for granted become treasures in the hands of their recipients. The items you send will be cherished and used by people who take nothing for granted, for whom a simple bar of soap is special. Your gifts of time and resources are beautiful expressions of God’s love and grace to those in greatest need. Please give new items only, except where otherwise noted. Please do not donate items with any religious or patriotic symbols. Thank you for your partnership in putting them together. For a complete list of item needed, visit http://lwr.org/getinvolved/kits. We have a box in the coffee area for donations.

LEARN TO KNIT OR CROCHETDuring the months of July and August, FLC Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday in the coffee area from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Please join us for Knitting, Crocheting, Conversation and Prayer. If you have any questions, or if you know of someone who might be able to use a Prayer Shawl as a tangible reminder of God’s love and grace during hard times and good times, please call or text Theress Bricker 308-233-2469.

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W I T H I N O U R C H U R C H FA M I LYPrayers of sympathy and

comfort for:

Family and friends on the death of Irene Brezina.

Family and friends of Jean Young on her death

Paul and Rebecca Bartlett and family and Rebecca’s mother, Karen Radway on the the death of Rebecca’s uncle,

Owen Swenson

Thank You:FROM NEBRASKA SYNOD

Dear Friends in Christ:Thank you for your support of the Nebraska Synod Disaster Fund - Nebraska Floods.Your gift of $2,745 will directly help families impacted by the recent floods. With thanks, Nebraska Synod

FROM AMERICAN RED CROSS.Your commitment to host a blood drive with the American Red Cross truly made a difference! Your team registered 13 total donors, collected 12 pints of blood and recruited 2 first-time donors. Your efforts have helped boost the community blood supply and ensure hospital patients have the lifesaving blood they need.

July 2019

Volunteers of the Month are the VBS Coordinators, Amanda Lewis, Lori McArthur, Stephanie Russman, Bambi Van Horn, Angie Wright, VBS Meal Coordinator, Dave Wright and all volunteers.

Vacation Bible School is a huge undertaking that our Volunteer Coordinators and other volunteers help with every year. This involves planning meetings, ordering supplies, ordering yard signs and putting them up, coordinating volunteer schedules, ordering t-shirts, checking to see if people are registered, making class lists, organizing practices, ordering costumes, making name tags, posters, decoration, sets, organizing a supply list of needs to get out to the congregation, filling positions for volunteers and organizing nightly, printing daily schedules. They also usher children to each activity. Volunteers help the coordinators check in children, help guide the children through the various bible school programs, music, activities and art projects that they do throughout the week. In the kitchen volun-teers provide food, help set up, serve the meals, and clean up Centennial Hall so it will be ready for the next evening. We appreciate all the hard work, dedication, time and energy, and donations that everyone has put into Vacation Bible School this year and in the past. VBS had 83 children regis-ter for the 2019 season and 57 volunteers (this includes middle school and high school students) who volunteered their time. What a fantastic group! We could not do it without your help!

Sincerely,

FLC Council

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W O M E N o f t h e E LC A

Ladies who are interested in joining a monthly Bible study are invited to attend a women’s circle. Circles can be joined at any time during the year.

President:Judy Workman (308)-237-2781Secretary:Deanna Schwartz (308)-530-7166Treasurer:Jo Smallcomb (308)-234-3053

ABIGAIL CIRCLE (SEPT.–MAY)9:00 am—3rd MondayCo-Chairs: Joan Swanson (308-234-2835) and Evy Kuecher (308-237-5651)

DEBORAH CIRCLE7:00 pm –3rd MondayCo-Chairs:Alicia Tracy (308-234-4793) and Jo Smallcomb (308-234-3053)

GLORIA CIRCLE12:00pm—3rd ThursdayChair: Karen Foster (308-234-2157)

NAOMI CIRCLE7:30pm—4th Thursday (3rd Thurs. in Nov.)Chair: Judy Neiman (308)-234-4332

REBEKAH CIRCLE9:00am—3rd Tuesday

SARAH CIRCLEGibbon group—Time VariesChair: Bev Vacha (308-468-6239)

The W.E.L.C.A. Spring Fling and “90 and Beyond Birthday Party” featured below. Installation of officers for First Lutheran Church W.E.L.C.A. will be July 8th pending elections.

Saved To Serve – It’s Carnival Time! At Good Samaritan Society in Superior, NE August 2nd (Friday) through the 4th see the WELCA bulletin board for forms. Registration due July 9th

Nebraska Synodical Women’s Organization Convention and Gathering Save the date: Oct. 11-13, 2019 Camp Carol Joy Holling - more info to come!

We welcome members of First Lutheran Church to join. You do not have to belong to a Circle to join in the activities of W.E.L.C.A. Contact numbers of Officers and Circle Chairs are listed on right side of page.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

July 8, 2019 Women of ELCA Board Meeting and Election of OfficersJuly 9, 2019 Registration due for Saved to Serve Good Samaritan Society

Upcoming Events

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M i s s i o n O u t r e a c hBaby Care Kits

We are again making a push to create as many “Baby Care Kits” as possible to send overseas. This is part of a Thrivent Action Team Project. The more people that get involved, there is no limit to what can be accomplished.

The Children attending Vacation Bible School, took a special offering to help with this project. Thank you, kids you did a GREAT job.

God’s Work, Our Hands Project from our Congregation and the Mission Outreach Team are again joining in this project.

We especially need baby t-shirts (not onesies), receiving blankets, and cloth diapers. Look for the display and pick up a list of needed items from my table at the Church.

You can bring your items and deposit them in the basinet located next to the display.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS: Contact Person is Alicia Tracy 308-234-4793 or 308-293-7676.

Mission Outreach Summer ProjectThe Mission Outreach team has chosen to collect monies for energy efficient cook stoves for Third World countries. This will help to change the lives of women and their families who are still cooking over an open fire.

In Padhar Hospital in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India, patients and women from nearby villages are taught how to use the stoves, sanitation and food preparation. This helps the children so that they can thrive from the skills the women have learned. The smokeless cookstoves use little energy and takes little firewood. Women are not having to endure long walks that can also be dangerous as they search for firewood. It also helps to save the environment from the deforestation of trees as they use half the fire-wood. They also help lowers health issues as the families are not breathing in the smoke from the open fires for long amounts of time.

We are beyond blessed to have stoves and ovens that we can use to prepare our meals and we don’t need to go looking for the energy to make them work. Beginning Memorial Day weekend and running to Labor Day weekend, the Mission Outreach team hopes to raise $1,000 to purchase 20 cookstoves. Please give as you are able to help us reach our goal and change the lives of families in other countries.If you are interested in making a donation, please write the check out to First Lutheran Church and in the memo line put Cooking Stove.

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M U S I C O P P O R T U N I T I E S

CHANCEL BELLSTuesdays 5:30-6:30 PM

SanctuaryDirector: Natalie Radcliffe

PRAISER BELLSYouth in Grades 3–8

Wednesdays 5:15-5:45 PM Sanctuary

Director: Angela Wright

WORSHIP TEAMSThese groups sing for the Contemporary Worship

Service. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays @

5:30 PM in the Choir Room

R E S O U R C E S

http://www.firstlutherankearney.org308-237-5544

http://www.elca.org800-638-3522

http://www.nebraskasynod.org402-896-5311

http://www.nlom.org402-944-2544

http://www.lwr.org800-597-5972

CHANCEL CHOIRWednesdays 7:00-8:15 PM

Sanctuary Director: C.J. Sabah

CHILDREN’S CHOIRChildren Pre-K through

Grade 5. Meets during FROG & Sunday School

Director: Amanda Lewis

HEAVENLY TREBLE MAKERSGrades 6-12Wednesday

6:15-6:45 Room 9Director: Angela Wright

http://www.nelcm.com/(308) 234-1828

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S E N I O R H I G H Y O U T H

SUNDAY MORNINGSTOGETHER

9:50-10:30 AM LOWER LEVEL YOUTH ROOMJoin Dave Behle, Keith Powell & Friends

Come for the fellowship, learning and faith sharing. Come for the friends and Food! Chill, talk and grow your faith.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS TOGETHER7:00-8:15 PM FLY DOWNSTAIRS

IN THE YOUTH ROOMWe give thanks to Keith Powell for his connections with the youth. If you want toget in contact with Keith here’s his cell #(402) - 270 - 4914kcp12001@hotmail.com

2019 YOUTH GATHERINGGet ready for the Youth Gathering in Chicago from July 7-13. Contact the of-fice for more detals. See you then!

Also, mark your calendars for 2021 Youth Gathering in Minneapolis June 29, 2021 to July 2, 2021.

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F L C P R E S C H O O L N E W S

3/4 YR. OLD/PRE-K CLASSROOM NEWS

Happy Summer to all!

It is so hard to believe that it’s July and the summer is upon us The classrooms havebeen quiet except for the cleaning and the assembly of new furniture to welcome thefall classes with Before we know it the sounds of laughter and learning will fill the halls again.

This month, letters to the families will be going out with supply lists, Orientation Nightinformation and the first days of school dates and times. Then before we know it the2019-2020 school year will be in session. I know the children are getting excited as well as the teachers as we move forwardwith many new and exciting things we have planned. We hope your summer is continually blessed in the goodness of God’s love!

Mrs. Judy & Ms. Amanda

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C H I L D R E N / M I D D L E S C H O O L

SUNDAY SCHOOLWill Return in September

Please submit one registration form per child and return to the church office.2019 Children’s Choir

Singing DatesReturning in October!

copies are available in the lobby or on our website.

— F.R.O.G. —FULLY RELY ON GOD

Will Return in September

PLEASE NOTE: FROG students will now be dismissed at 8:00 pm instead of 7:45 pm. Please plan to pick up your children in their classrooms at 8.

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CONFIRMATION CAMP AT CAROL JOY HOLLING 2019

2019 VBS!

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A R C H I V E S

After our article about the former church parsonage that is west of our current church location, some of you asked what happened to the church parsonage that was east of the church on 25th street. The archive committee came across a Hub article that gives us the answer. After reading this article we decided to go out and see for ourselves what it looked like today. Surprisingly it looks the same!! The family living there now purchased it in 1993. The siding had been replaced due to a past hail storm. If you want to take a trip down memory lane, we encourage you visit this location. It is located across the Ave M bridge that crosses the interstate. Follow the road to the east about 1 mile and it sits on the southside of the road.

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C o m p a s s

First Lutheran Church was awarded this for our dedication to children and families in the foster care system. Our support helped het Care Portal off the ground in our area. Our members have donated, volunteered and are quick to respond to Care Portal needs. Many of you have donated furniture, money for bills, children’s items, and medication needs to help people in our community. Our noisy change offering has been going to help with Buddy Bags for the last year. We also have families discerning a call to foster care.

Thanks, Compass!

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A n n o u n c e m e n t s

Habitat For HumanityAs I sit here to write about Habitat for Humanity for the Messenger, I thought I would look up to see what their mis-sion was. I understand what Habitat for Humanity is and what they offer, but what a great mission statement they have: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, commu-nities and hope.” This simple sentence sums up what we as a Christian community are to do to help our families in need. Just as it is stated in Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be fee. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

I reached out to the board president for the Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity, Marshall Everitt, and here are some exciting projects going on right here in Kearney:

“We’re very happy to say that three more houses are currently being built for and with three partner families. Construction is taking place in the Marlatt Subdivision on 17th St. and Avenue M. The walls of the first house are up and ready for trusses, and the second house has a foundation. This means that there is a lot of work for many hands of any skill level, so anybody who could come help would be greatly appreciated. We build on Sat-urday mornings starting at 8:00 a.m. with a meal served at noon. Things usually finish up around 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. There is also a crew that works Tuesday and Thursday mornings. If any groups larger than five plan to come, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Cindy Hayes, at 308-627-6172 or cindyhayes83@gmail.com. Another exciting thing in our organization is the installation of infrastructure on 17th St. and Avenue P, which was made possible through partnership with the City of Kearney and by generous donors. Water and sewer were installed in the fall, and the paving is just finishing up. This will provide us with an additional 20 lots on which to build!”

Saturday June 29 is First Lutheran’s Day for helping with a Habitat for Humanity build. Volunteers are needed to prepare food, to serve the lunch, and to help build. The building project will begin at 8 a.m. at the Marlatt Subdivision on 17th St and Avenue M. and will go until 2 p.m. A sign-up board is in the nar-thex covering the various responsibilities that day. Prayerfully consider joining other members of First Lutheran in our Habitat build.

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J U L Y

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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH3315 G Avenue - Kearney, Nebraska 68847

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 155Kearney, NE 68847

First Lutheran Church, ELCA3315 G AvenueKearney, Nebraska 68847-3699

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

LIVE VIDEO STREAM BROADCAST SUNDAYS AT 8:45 AM & 10:30 AMLIVE RADIO BROADCAST SUNDAY MORNINGS 8:45 AM ON KXPN 1460 AM

PHONE: 308-237-5544 WEB: www.firstlutherankearney.org

SUNDAY

8:45 AM Worship with Communion

10:30 AM Praise and Prayer with Communion

SATURDAY

6:00 PMWorship with Communion

PLEASE JOIN US AT ONE OF OUR WORSHIP TIMES

JULY 2019

RECEIVINGGOD’S GRACE

SHARINGGOD’S LOVE

UNITINGIN CHRIST