May 2016 Volume 70 • Number 4 First Word - Squarespacestatic1.squarespace.com/static/5686c7a04bf118b4ed4d40db/t/57223a6...a registration form at the FLC Information Desk or in the

First Lutheran Church • 327 S. Dakota Ave. • Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104 • Phone 605-336-3734 • www.flcsf.org

Vacation Bible SchoolJune 20-23 "Friends of Jesus"Registration deadline is Friday, May 27Register today online at flcsf.org/vbs or you can pick up a registration form at the FLC Information Desk or in the Youth & Family Office.

"Friends of Jesus" VBS is a bilingual, cooperative venture with Pueblo de Dios Lutheran congregation.

Gifts of the SpiritBy Pastor Lars Olson, Associate Pastor

“Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each one of them” - Acts 2:3

Everyone knows that playing with fire is dangerous. That’s why it’s exciting. It could go wrong at any moment. Yet fire’s beauty is enticing, and its power is intoxicating. Our

fear, wonder, and excitement mix in fire.That was true of

Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3) who just had to check it out. It was true for Isaiah who was purified by burning coals (Isaiah 6) and promised that when God walks with us the f ire will not harm (Isaiah 43). It is true for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3) who were not consumed in the fiery furnace. It was true for Jesus, who captures people’s imagination with his talk of a fire as both destroying and purifying the world of sin. We are usually more comfortable talking about water. Moses lead chosen people through water. Isaiah 43 also talks about the flood not overwhelming us with God on our side. And Jesus of course has given us baptism through which we receive the promises and benefits of Christ. But there are times, like Matthew 13, when Jesus gives us a promise sealed in fire. The promise is that all that causes sin will one day be destroyed, burned up and purified. And as the summer grilling season starts we are reminded that after something is burned, it is never the same.

May 15 is Pentecost Sunday. It is the one Sunday of the year when the church is proud of our fiery history. On Pentecost God sends the Spirit to empower the church to make Jesus known in the world through preaching the good news. True as ever, we are drawn to the tongues of fire, but a bit scared that they may overtake us, for we know that when the Spirit comes we are never quite the same.

That is what we mean by ‘spiritual gifts.’ These are gifts given by the Spirit that change your life. You don’t get to take credit for them, which means you also don’t get to benefit from them. These gifts are all for the purpose of proclaiming Jesus Christ in the world. That is apparent when the gift is speaking and understanding foreign languages, so that one can proclaim the gospel by the Spirit’s power in any place. It’s not so apparent when the gifts are things like joy, peace, and patience. We normally take these to be gifts that enhance our own lives, for our own benefit. In Galatians 5, however, St. Paul calls these ‘fruits of the Spirit.’ Fruit grows on the tree, but it is never for the tree. Fruit is produced, but it is always taken or used by someone else. The apple tree doesn’t get to enjoy its fruits. It grows them for others.

The Meaning of Pentecost: The Spirited “Setting on Fire” Birth of Christ’s Church

By Pastor John Christopherson, Senior Pastor

In one of her first books, "Plan B: Further Thoughts About Faith" (2005) … American author, Anne Lamott gives the reader one of her typical zingers – a zinger that’s at once brutally honest but wonderfully winsome:

“You’ve really got to love this in God – consistently assembling the

motleyest rag-tag bunch to help bring, into this lonely and frightening world, [God’s] commitment for compassion and community. It’s a centuries-long reality show – Moses the stutterer, Rahab the hooker, Mary the homeless teenager, Zacheus the crooked IRS agent. Not to mention all the mealy-mouthed disciples [who thought they knew better]. And … not to mention a raging insecure narcissist like me” (p.22; cf. Fred Buechner’s similar description in "Peculiar Treasures: A Biblical Who’s Who").

Indeed, what a cast of characters through whom God continues to work his divine drama of salvation. The Chosen of Old. The Church of Today. God’s still holding covenant. What an amazingly peculiar phenomenon!

We call the middle Sunday of this month (on May 15, fifty days after Easter): PENTECOST. It’s the birthday of the church. The disciples of Jesus – according to Acts 2:1-21 – weren’t sure what, if anything, they were supposed to be doing. Aha! Maybe that’s the point: “Don’t just do something; rather, sit there in Jerusalem for a while and ponder and pray about what Jesus had taught them.”

As the lead-in to the story of Acts tells us … it had been weeks (some fifty days, hence “Pente-cost”) since Jesus’ crucifixion and the personal experiences and reports of his resurrection. The disciples were still in Jerusalem waiting for something to happen before they’d throw-in-the-towel and go back to their homes and lives they’d left to follow Jesus three years before. And then it happened!

Apparently Jesus’ disciples were all together in a public place. It was the Jewish Feast Day of “Pentecost” (celebrating God’s gift of the Torah – what we know as the first five books of the Old Testament) – when strange and amazing things began to happen – inexplicable things,

mysterious and unexplainable things. St. Luke, who is the writer of this story in Acts 2 (as well as the whole Book of Acts), retrieves some powerful images from Moses at Mt. Sinai: the rush of a violent wind and tongues of fire (cf. Exodus 19:16-20). The disciples began to speak in other tongues or languages …

Whatever was going on, they became convicted in retrospect (see Luke 24:7-8) that it was the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the risen Christ who was blowing in and through them (see John 20:22). The same spirited wind that blew over the waters of Creation (Genesis 1:1-2). The same wind that is the breath of God … creating, redeeming, and sustaining all of life … every “puff of

existence” (A.N. Whitehead). As Jesus had promised the disciples before his crucifixion: “I will not leave you desolate … the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:18, 26; also John 15:26, 16:16).

Whatever i t was , other Jewish people who had come as pilgrims from all over the world – Parthians and Medes … residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia … Egypt … visitors from Rome (Acts 2:9-10) – were wondering how it could be that they were hearing

Jesus’ disciples speaking in their various ethnic languages. The crowd of pilgrims were amazed and perplexed, although the urban sophisticates dismissed it as a case of rowdy drunks who’d had too much wine for breakfast (Acts 2:13; Gallo wasn’t just for supper anymore?)

Whatever happened that day, it was the occasion when the first disciples of Jesus were set on fire with conviction and commitment – smoked out of their hiding places of fear (John 20:19), in order to speak openly and publicly, that in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, God had come into human history – “in truth and in grace” (John 1:14). “That [in Christ we] might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Pentecost is the day that the Spirit of Christ came to set on fire the hearts of all who believe in him, to serve as his “ongoing body in the world” (Irenaeus).

Pentecost is the day the Church was born – baptized by fire and the Holy Spirit. However, the miracle of Pentecost is not so much the mysterious signs of wind

–See MEANING OF PENTECOST, p 6

May 2016 Volume 70 • Number 4

First WordThe monthly newspaper of First Lutheran Church

"The Pentecost" (2003) by Alexander Sadoyan

Wednesday Night Meals in May

Wednesday Night Meals continue through May, but with a slightly different twist. On Wednesday, May 11, we’ll begin “Potluck” style meals. We provide the main course, diners bring salads, munchies and desserts. The main course on May 11 will be oven baked chicken. On May 18, it’s sub sandwiches and banana splits. On May 25, it’s Family Fun Finale, burgers and hot dogs. Come and join us!

–See GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, p 3

First Word • May 20162


First Word is the monthly newspaper of First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, S.D. It is distributed to members of the congregation and others upon request. Opinions expressed in First Word are those of the author and are not necessarily shared by the First Lutheran Church congregation or staff. The editors of First Word reserve the right to edit submissions. Reader feedback is always welcome.

News letter submissions are due the first business day of the month. The deadline for the June issue is Monday, May 2. Please submit articles or questions regarding First Word to Susan Bell, Communications Coordinator at [email protected]. First Word is also available online at www.flcsf.org.

Strategic Plan roll-outBy Peter Strommen, Executive Pastor

I’m very pleased to announce that copies of our Strategic Plan will be available to you this month. You’ll like its inviting and informative presentation and be impressed by the energy and thoughtfulness poured into it – thanks to the wide participation of our congregation! A summary brochure will be included in the April 30/May 1 worship bulletins and full copies of "First and Foremost: Fulfilling

Christ's Call" (strategic plan) will be available on Sunday, May 8 (Mother’s Day weekend).

You are also invited to a short, 15-minute Power Point presentation between services on Sunday, May 8, or plan to attend one of the one-hour congregational forums on Tuesday, May 10, at 2 p.m. or Thursday, May 12, at 6.30 p.m. Whether you attend an abbreviated or more in-depth session, it’s important that as many members as possible understand the basics of the strategic plan.

On Sunday, May 15, we’ll celebrate, thanking the many people who have contributed to this effort and to God for His abundant guidance, inspiration and blessing of this process.

It’s also time to look ahead. We now begin putting legs on this plan. If compared to a race, I’d liken it to a long-distance run. A good start is important but not as a sprint. We need to establish a good pace. As I’ve thought into the course ahead, here is what we need to anticipate:

– This plan is really good. It focuses on matters at the very core of vibrant ministry. It can also be overwhelming. FLC members aspire to the kind of ministry that happens only when many people are involved, according to their gifts. We’ll need to break things down into sections and attend first to what is most important for the long-run.

– This plan will challenge us to grow in HOW we run. It’s not always how hard one works but how one works hard that helps most. There is wide agreement that some of our past approaches to things need a change. We’ll be learning more generative approaches to organizing things, such as ministry teams and volunteer/leadership development.I think you understand that the extent to which FLC engages

a much fuller measure of its gifted membership is the extent to which we will run a good race. Paul puts this vision imaginatively when he likens the church to a body – with many members and functions. Paul “gets” how critically important the health of each member is to the body’s overall health. And here I see a convergence of our overall aspirations for First Lutheran and our desire that all people have a sense of community here. It will

indeed take this whole village to raise this “child” – the very process of trying to do this together should itself take us far down the road.

I have been keenly aware of God blessing our efforts thus far and I underscore the importance of fervent prayer going forward. What we seek is spot on. What it takes is God-given.

Church Council highlights: March 24, 2016If there is an item that you as a church member wish to add to an upcoming Council meeting agenda, please contact Marilyn McNeill, Business Administrator, at 339-1983 ext. 236, or [email protected]. Council agendas will be posted on a bulletin board in the Atrium and on the church website home page, flcsf.org, the weekend prior to meetings. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month. First Lutheran Church members are welcome to visit meetings.

• Jana Elkins has been hired as the new Parish Nurse to begin April 5.

• The new FLC website (www.flcsf.org) is up and running with further enhancements to follow.

• The council approved Bob Hemre to fill the opening on the Media Board left by the passing of Greg Leonard.

• Members are asked to consider representing FLC at the Synod assembly in Watertown June 3-4. Please contact Donna Jahr, [email protected], or 339-1983 ext. 202, for more details and to register.

• Jay Beech, director of the Center for Worship and Music Studies will present different styles of worship and music at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, April 10.

• Plans are underway to start an AA group at FLC to serve victims of alcohol, drug and substance abuse.

• During the month of April, we hope to set priorities for our strategic initiative plan. Then we will align job descriptions with what we want to accomplish. We are in talks to determine how to create a group that would provide governance and delegation; there is consideration for a smaller council to serve this purpose. We want to remember that our highest loyalty is to the mission of FLC. It is our hope to sustain the strategic initiative going forward for a number of years.

• Beginning in April, Pastor Katherine’s area of specialization will change. She will continue to serve in a part-time capacity but her title will be Associate Pastor of Caring Ministries. She and the parish nurse will now have office space next to the Chapel in the rooms that housed Nancy Henrichsen. Her team will now include four visitation pastors as well as the parish nurse.

"... a long-distance run. A good start is important

but not as a sprint."

Listen! God is CallingAn Appeal for Leadership and Mission

By Pastor Franklin Pudas, Congregation Leader

At First Lutheran Church, we are privileged to participate in some of the finest ministries and most important Christ-centered outreach among the ELCA congregations in South Dakota. We have, more than any other Synod in recent years, consistently provided a number of seminary students and candidates for rostered leadership in the church.

First Lutheran is one of 212 congregations across the South Dakota Synod now embarking on a most challenging

and important effort to greatly expand this impact both in South Dakota and across the world. The plan includes supporting ministries that touch the lives of new populations, new or renewing congregations, pastors who labor under significant education debt and encouragement to those who have been touched by God's call into ordained ministry.

During the month of June, you will learn more about this effort, called “Listen! God is Calling.” Gifts and pledges for the appeal will be received during a commitment Sunday in early July. We pray that you will be open to hear more about this ministry opportunity and commit yourself to answer this call for support. My wife Marit and I have made an advanced gift and are in the second year of our pledge. We invite you to join with us in this important effort.

Senior LuncheonTuesday, May 10, 2016Noon - Fellowship Hall

All First Lutheran senior adults and their friends are invited to join us for a catered meal served at noon followed by a program. The menu is taverns, potato salad, baked beans and the program will be about the 211 Helpline.

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, May 4, by calling the church office, 336-3734. If you need a ride to the Senior lunch please call Project CAR, 332-2777, no later than 9 a.m. on Monday, May 9.

We are grounded in the great commandment of Jesus.

(Matthew 22:34–40)

We are grounded in the great commission of Jesus. (Matthew 28:16–20)

We are committed to welcome and minister to all people.

We are committed to equipping people for ministry.

We are committed to service in our community and world.

We are committed to a ministry of relationship building.

We are committed to our heritage and identity as a reforming church.

We are committed to excellence in broadcast ministry.

Mission stateMent

GuidinG PrinciPles

WorshiP servicesSaturday (Christ the Victor Chapel) 5 p.m. Vespers with Communion

Sunday (Sanctuary) 8 a.m. Traditional Worship with Communion 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship 12:15 a.m. African Worship (Chapel)

Media Ministries Broadcasts

8 a.m. KELO-FM Radio (101.9) 11 a.m. KSFY (Sioux Falls),

KPRY (Pierre) and KABY (Aberdeen)

First Lutheran Church welcomes all people into the community of Jesus Christ,

equipping and sending them forth to serve and witness

in Jesus’ name.

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www.facebook.com/flcsf

@FirstLutheranSF

@firstlutheransf



You are invited to the Newbie Forum!

Officers/eXECUTIVE cOMMITTEEBrian Aamlid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentAaron Ellingsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vice PresidentEric Severson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerDiane Atchison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryPr. John Christopherson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior PastorCouncil RepresentativesAlma Kallesen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adult DiscipleshipJeff Backer . . . . . . . . . Evangelism, Mission and OutreachDan Hincemann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial ServicesSharyl Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FLCWBrad Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MediaJulia Kramer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member-at-LargeMindy Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member-at-LargeMaria Neely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member-at-LargeGayle Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastoral CareLyle Eidsness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PropertyTim Heinemann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . StewardshipSuzanne Willadsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Worship and MusicBen Ready . . . . .Youth, Family and Young Adult Ministry

church council

First lutheran church directory

Pastoral/Administrative Staff (203) Rev. Dr. John Christopherson . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor (214) Rev. Katherine Olson* . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor(210) Rev. Lars Olson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor(242) Rev. Peter Strommen* . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Pastor(202) Rev. James Christopherson* . . . . . . Visitation Pastor(202) Rev. David Houck* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor(202) Rev. Roger Noer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor(202) Rev. Dennis Tranberg* . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor(202) Rev. Dave Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emeritus(202) Donna Jahr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Secretary to the Pastors(236) Marilyn McNeill . . . . . . . . . . . . .Church Administrator

Evangelism, Mission and Outreach Ministries(231) Linda Carpenter* . . Visitor/Volunteer Coordinator(202) Jean Hoff* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Genesis Café Coordinator

Financial Services(211) LaVonne Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Specialist

Media Ministries(252) Susan Bell . . . . . . . . . Communications Coordinator(213) Jared Callahan* . . . . . . . Communications Assistant(236) John Cerwinske* . . . . . . . . .Sound board Technician(213) Kathy Hein* . . . . . . . . .Broadcast Technical Director (213) David Palmer* . . . . . . .Broadcast Technical Director(213) Hons Oakland* . . . . . .Broadcast Technical Director(213) George Roberts-Oakland* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Broadcast Technical Director(213) Tanner Wangsness* . .Broadcast Technical Director

Caring Ministries(237) Jana Elkins* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Nurse(262) Arlene Bich* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Coordinator (262) Jennifer Gerrietts-Masters* . .Wedding Coordinator (262) Nancy Nolop* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Coordinator

Property and Administrative Services(201) Dave Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facility Manager(201) Rick East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Custodian (201) Jeff Hartnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Custodian(201) Judi Mueller* . . . . Receptionist/Member Secretary(201) Cleo Sorensen* . . Receptionist/Member Secretary(201) Pat Svennes* . . . . Receptionist/Member Secretary

Worship and Music Ministries(260) Zachary Rygiel . . . . . . . . . Director of Music/Organist,

FLYGHT and Jubilant Singers Director(261) Shirley Barlow* . . . . . . . . . .Administrative Assistant(261) Donna Hamilton* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Accompanist (261) Dr. Jerry Hanson* . . . . . Director of Music Emeritus(261) Ali Hoffman* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belle Campane and

Good Vibrations Director(261) Marcia Kittelson* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist Emerita(261) Bonnie Lindgren* . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Choir Director(261) Dr. Paul Nesheim* . . . . . . . Adult Choir Director and

Women’s Choir Director(261) Larry Olson* . .Contemporary Worship Coordinator((261) Mary Ryrholm* . . . . . . . . . . . Agape Ringers Director(261) Sue Severson* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Accompanist(261) Pam Sonnichsen* . . . . . . Instrumental Coordinator

Youth, Family and Young Adult Ministries(204) Marnie Dahle Backer . . . . . . . Director of Family and

Young Adult Ministries(238) Nancy Henrichsen* . . Director of Children’s Ministries(228) Gayle Johnson* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nursery Attendant(204) Lexy Johnson* . . . . . . . . . . . . .Interim Youth Director(228) Annel Jolo* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nursery Attendant(228) Sarah Rasmussen* . . . . . . . . . . . . Nursery Attendant(228) Irma Rodriguez Leon* . . . . . . . . . Nursery Attendant(204) Eric Sather* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Interim Youth Director(228) Kristy Zuraff . . . . . . . . . . . . .Administrative Assistant

*Part-time

Main Phone Line: . . . . . . (605) 336-3734Direct Dial: . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 339-1983Toll-Free: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 425-9899Fax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 336-8370Emergency Cell: . . . . . . . (605) 323-7667Custodian Cell: . . . . . . . . (605) 351-8281Project CAR: . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 332-2777

To reach a staff member directly, dial 339-1983 and the phone extension listed in parentheses.

Sunday mornings, 9:30 & 11Children meet in Reformation Hall

Youth in Manos de CristoAdults in the Gathering Room

Scripture First Sunday School for all ages continues through May 15. Our study continues through the New Testament in St. Paul’s letter of 1 Corinthians. Come learn how the resurrection of Jesus changed everything, and the early church struggled to understand how to live in Christ while remaining in the world.

Following Pentecost on May 15, Scripture First Sunday classes will be on hiatus until September. If you missed a lesson or want to review the teaching, you will find all the videos at scripturefirst.org.

Summer ForumsWatch for details about guest speakers

this summer. Presentations will include Bread for the World, St. Dysmas, SD Synod Mission, Payday Loans, and more. Watch for more details soon.

Scripture lessonsFollowing the Narrative Lectionary

May 1: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Mark 12:28-31

May 8: 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 51-57; Mark 12:26-27a

May 15: Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Throughout the summer we will be following the Revised Common Lectionary

May 22: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

May 29: 1 Kings 18:20-21, (22-29), 30-39 or 1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43; Psalm 96; Galatians 1:1-12; Luke 7:1-10

adult disciPleshiP

Women’s Summer Bible StudyStepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent

June 8-July 27, 6:30 p.m., Friendship RoomTraveling pilgrims sang these

Psalms of Ascent both on the way to the great festivals of the LORD and as key elements of the worship at those festivals. Experience a personal study five days a week plus viewer guides for the weekly group video sessions of this in-depth women's Bible study of Psalms 120-134. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these fifteen Psalms model how we can voice our own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available and ready to hear us.

Explore the major feasts of Israel and journey with Beth Moore as she presents this study in seven video sessions. Themes of unity, joy, gratitude, redemption,

repentance, the power of blessings, facing ridicule and more are explored in detail. Modern-day believers in Jesus Christ can learn much from these treasured Psalms in their journey toward greater intimacy with God. So, please take the next step and let the journey begin. Workbooks can be purchased at Crossroads Bookstore for $20. If you have any questions, please contact either Donna Johnson at 359-8623, or DeAnn Clark at 359-4754.

You are invited to the Newbie Forum!

Newcomers to First Lutheran Church sometimes have questions about our programming, beliefs or simply seek to develop better connections in the community. The Newbie Forum, held monthly, offers a time for newcomers (aka “newbies”) to informally connect with pastors, staff, and active members of the church. The Newbie Forum is offered as a supplement to our new member classes held each spring and fall. Our next Newbie Forum will be held Sunday, May 15, from 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. in Reformation Hall. A table will be specially marked for newbies! Questions, please contact Pastor Katherine Olson at [email protected] or 339-1983 ext. 214.

“Bless Our Littleness …”A Prayer for Pentecost SundayO Lord of the Church … as your Pentecost people, remind us of your calling to be salt and yeast, light and seed for your world. Remind us especially in a world that gives kudos to that which is BIG and POWERFUL, that you call us into a humble witness of being a little salt, a little yeast, a little mustard seed. For centuries, your church in America has been great and writ large; however, in our time we are constrained by your Spirit to rediscover the possibilities of littleness. Day by day, we witness the decreasing interest in your Word and an atrophy of attendance, not only in matters of worship, but of spiritual health. We find it difficult, O Lord, to consider our destiny as “little flocks.” Can such a calling be worthy of the servants of the Sovereign of the Universe?! And yet, O Lord, if that sovereign is the One who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit from the cross – can any other calling be thought legitimate? Bless our littleness … with the courage to serve your kingdom come; yes, because it’s You to whom we belong. Amen. (JRC)

Gifts of the Spirit–continued from page 1

In the same way, the Spirit gives gifts to believers and in turn Christians give those fruits away. Patience isn’t a thing to be hoarded and stored for your use. It is a fruit which the Spirit produces in you in order to give it away to anxious souls in Jesus’ name. Your gentleness isn’t a character trait to be shaped and developed, but is rather a way of caring for others as you share the good news of Jesus Christ. As your fruits are shared, or taken, or picked off of you, it will likely feel like you have been burned or drowned as all the things you want to keep for yourself are stolen. You won’t feel like yourself. You won’t be the same. You will be living the life of Christ.

Living in Christ is dangerous. It’s exciting. It’s unpredictable, but it is always giving the gifts of the Spirit and the life of Christ to the sinners of the world. So that they too would never be the same, but rather in Christ Jesus, too.

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evanGelisM, Mission and outreach Ministry

May special offering–Pueblo de DiosOur special offering envelope for the month

of May supports the mission congregation of Pueblo de Dios! Pueblo de Dios is a cross-cultural congregation that is specifically reaching out to the Latino community in central Sioux Falls. This vibrant ministry is currently meeting as a sister-congregation at Augustana Lutheran Church in the historic district. Pastor Jeanette Clark McCormick h a s s e r v e d a s p a s t o r a n d mission developer to Pueblo de Dios since 2012.

Pastor Jeanette writes:

“It is an exciting time of growth, p l a n n i n g a n d preparation here at Pueblo de Dios!

Our LOGOS youth program c o n t i n u e s t o grow with new connections and volunteers. Over 70 youth have been involved in this program during the 2015-2016 academic year. We are busy planning Vacation Bible Schools and camping experiences for these and other youth.

We are in our second course of the Agora Multi-cultural leadership and Biblical education program. Ten adults have been involved in this program. In February, we formed our first church council and in March we successfully completed a congregation review. We continue to serve the community through offering scholarships to attend English Classes through LSS, providing Bible Studies for Spanish speakers through St. Dysmas (at the penitentiary) and working towards obtaining the funds and resources necessary

to hire a bilingual social worker through the “Ayuda” initiative.

Maria Cabello-Salomon has successfully completed seven courses through Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM), a program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is engaged in Clinical Pastoral Education. We expect that she will

be ready to be the primary pastor of Pueblo de Dios within the next year.

The Spirit is c lear ly st i rr ing g r e a t t h i n g s through all of these efforts, programs and people. Our c o n g r e g a t i o n has increasingly b e c o m e m o r e u n i f i e d a n d active. As I look at a l l of these positive changes, I am consistently reminded how all

of our partners such as First Lutheran have accompanied us in this journey. Thank you for this great blessing!”

Pastor Jeanette offers everyone a warm and welcoming invitation to worship with the congregation of Pueblo de Dios. They meet each Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church (235 N. Prairie Ave.).

Throughout the month of May, please consider making a gift to support Pueblo de Dios by using one of the special offering envelopes provided by the church, or by writing “Pueblo de Dios” on the memo line of a check made to First Lutheran Church. And, please remember this special ministry in your prayers. Thank you for your support!

Pastor Jeanette and friends from Pueblo de Dios

Solving Addiction updateby Pastor Katherine Olson

The Solving Addiction program, a partnership of several local churches with the recovery organization Face It TOGETHER, continues to take shape. An eight-person Solving Addiction team has been recruited at First Lutheran, as well as the necessary funds. Praise God!

In June, First Lutheran’s team will gather with teams throughout the area for a training event, and we anticipate September 2016 as the launch date of our program.

Solving Addiction will help our church create a culture of care and compassion for those who struggle with substance abuse addiction – as well as their families and loved ones. The program will also help us increase our understanding of addiction as a disease, and become a more knowledgeable referring partner for those who seek recovery. Please pray for our team as we continue to work on this initiative in the months to come.

NAMI Walk – May 21Mental illness affects everyone.

O n e i n f i v e Americans, nearly 60 million people, faces the day-to-day reality of living with a mental health condition. Mental i l l n e s s a f f e c t s e v e r y o n e . T h e NAMI Walk creates awareness and raises society’s level of compassion for those who are affected by mental illness.

Join the FLC teamSaturday, May 21Sertoma Park (49th & Oxbow Ave.)Check in at 8 a.m. – walk starts at 9:30Walkers receive a free FLC team t-shirt! Registration is free.

For more info visit flcsf.org or contact Sandy Holleman, 605-334-9740.

Can’t walk with us? You can still support the team by making a donation. Visit the FLC website or contact Sandy.

Births: "May the Lord give you increase, both you and your children." (Psalm 114:15)

Feb. 11 Luke William Nelson, son of Daniel and Tracy NelsonMarch 3 Andrew John Leiseth, son of Soren and Brenda Leiseth

Baptisms: "Go ... make disciples ... baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

March 5 Clare Michelle Frisch, daughter of Jordan and Brittany Frisch

March 27 Naiyah Jade Chau, daughter of Sally Chau

Weddings: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no one put asunder.” (Matthew 19:6)

March 12 Paul Munson and Jolyn Crone

Deaths: “Death is swallowed up in victory ... thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

March 7 Greg LeonardMarch 17 Connie LeimbachMarch 30 Ruby Mutch

Thursday, May 12 • 5-8 pm

FLC sponsored eventFour to six volunteers are needed at 4:15 p.m. to help unload the truck. An additional 14-16 people are needed to help 5 – 8 p.m. Please contact Donna Jahr, [email protected] or 339-1983 ext. 202.

Messiah New Hope Lutheran(5001 E Madison St.)



youth, FaMily and younG adult Ministries

The summer spirit blowsBy Marnie Dahle Backer, Director

A s t h e d ay o f Pe n t e c o s t approaches, thoughts of the Holy Spirit abound. I have always loved the wind, treasured it really, which may seem a bit extreme in South Dakota where it often seems to never give us a break. There are a few reasons I like it. I worked for five summers at Klein Ranch, a

horse camp an hour west of Mobridge – in the middle of nowhere. There are very few trees and a whole lot of sunshine and sky. In the summer time this often equals very hot temperatures. But if the wind was blowing, it was always tolerable. Also, baseball games. We have two boys, which has transpired into a lot of baseball games for us (and I’m sure many of you have exceeded the number of games we’ve attended). Same story – very little shade equals very hot spectator sport, but the breeze gives us a wonderful respite. Now… on the flip side, the wind has also been infamous for blowing up quite the doozy of a storm in western South Dakota and pitchers, batters and outfielders alike might

not appreciate those 30 mph gusts when trying to make a great play. And that… is something else I like about the wind, it never lets you be in charge. You have to go where the wind takes you. Not to offer too simple of an explanation for the Holy Spirit, for it is a complicated piece of the trinity to be sure, but I like the idea of the wind being the Holy Spirit blowing around us and offering its reminder of who is in charge. If only we can follow that first commandment: “You shall have no other gods. We are to fear, love and trust God above all things” (Luther’s Small Catechism) all the time, what would our lives be like then?

So as we look toward summer and the balmy winds and stormy winds that are sure to follow, we pray you

will take time to keep the Holy Spirit at the center: worship with us or at that church you’ve not iced near your summer cabin; attend a summer church event such as the Canaries Basebal l game coming up on Thursday, June 9; join a Bible study; share a devotion as your family sits out on the patio; send your high school youth to a youth group bonfire; help out with Vacation Bible

School; pray together… be together and be aware of God’s presence in your lives.

Milestone MinuteSecond-Grade Confession and Forgiveness Milestone On Sunday, April 3, the second-grade children did a wonderful job leading the congregation and blessing their families as they received their milestone pebble.

Summer Send-off Milestone Youth attending Bible Camp or joining a mission trip this summer will gather in Reformation hall at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday May 22. A blessing and milestone pebble will be given at worship.

Children's ministry year-end events

Sunday school classesScripture First classes meet for the last time this spring on Sunday, May 15. Children who attend the 9:30 hour will sing near the beginning of the worship, then return to class for the remainder of the hour

WOW! and Family Fun FinaleWOW! meets for the last time

this spring on Wednesday, May 18, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Students, Shepherds, parents and friends are welcome to join us for

the Family Fun Finale on Wednesday, May 25 for

our year-end celebration and barbecue from 5 – 7 p.m. in Reformation Hall. We provide the hot dogs, burgers, buns and beverages. Shepherds bring nothing, because they are the honored guests! Everyone else is invited to bring salads, munchies and desserts.

Summer funFirst Lutheran Night at the Canaries Ball ParkJoin us Thursday, June 9, as the Canaries take on the St. Paul Saints. Game time is 7:05 p.m. We will have a group tailgating party in the parking lot prior to the game. Stay tuned for more information on tickets and the tailgate party!

Summer Youth Group Bonfires kick off on Wednesday, June 8, from 8 – 10:30 p.m. Watch for more details in the weekly Youth & Family email and in the worship bulletin on Sundays.

Questions? Contact Marnie Dahle Backer, 339-1983 ext. 252, [email protected]

Photos:Top left: Second graders leading the congregation at the 11 a.m. worship service in the Confession and Forgiveness.

Top right: Pastor Katherine Olson gathers the second graders together for some learning time about god forgiving us our sins and loving us no matter what.

Bottom left: Olvia Olinger works on her art project while Miken Mueller and his dad, Mike, put the finishing touches on his project.

Bottom right: Caroline Zeeb displays her finished art project.



Quilts are made one stitch at a timeOn Wednesdays a group of twenty-

five or more women gather to "quilt." What does that mean? In reality, it is an assembly line process. Fabric, sheets, drapes and other materials that have been donated land on the sorting table. These items are taken apart and prepared for ironing, and eventually moved to the cutting room where women, lovingly known as the "cut-ups," cut these materials into squares, strips or other shapes.

The next group of women keeps the sewing machines humming, sewing the squares and strips together, which now begins to look like a quilt. Others work at raised tables, pinning batting between a quilt top and back in preparation for another trip to the sewing machine. A final step is that they must be "tied" with yarn to keep the filler from shifting.

It is a tradition for the First Lutheran Quilters to make and present a quilt to the FLC high school graduates each year. Those presentations are happening on Senior Recognition Sunday, May 1. Twenty-six young women and men are receiving quilts this year. It is our hope that they will take their quilt with them to college, or wherever the world takes them, as a reminder of their home church.

"Quilt Sunday" in September is the culmination of a very busy year for the Quilters. This is a special time when they share their work with the congregation by displaying quilts on the pews in the sanctuary and chapel. The majority of these quilts are distributed to local agencies such as the Salvation Army, Children's Home Society, Volunteers of America, St. Francis House and many others.

Some specially-made quilts are donated to church camps to be used for their fund-raising projects, while others are available for purchase at the annual First

Lutheran Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 5, The money raised from the quilts is used for missions.

Approximately 800 quilts are made annually by the family of quilters. They are distributed locally and worldwide throughout the year. The majority of the quilts are boxed and shipped to Lutheran World Relief for distribution to countries abroad where they will be used in orphanages, sites of natural disasters, hospitals and refugee camps.

And finally, this is your invitation to join the quilters some Wednesday morning for coffee, conversation and a tour of the Quilt Center. Perhaps you will discover that you, too, would like

to be a part of this important ministry.For more information please contact Maurine

Hult, 610-5931, or Dorothy Mikkelson, 339-1469.

Pictured are (seated L-R ) Dorothy Mikkelson and Jan Outka; (standing L-R) Maurine Hult, Betty DeBerg, Jean Ellwein, Ruth Werner, Norma Hofer, Lillian Carlson, JoAnn Gibson, Joanne Gerdes, Karen Anderson and Helen Van Liere.

and fire, but pure and simply, it’s that from that day forward … God would use, and is using, something that’s as earth and more-often-than-not cracked and cantankerous as the Church, to bring his healing Word to a hurting world (II Corinthians 4:7).

And so, three fundamental questions follow for us, still today: (1) What is the church? … An institution in Rome or Chicago? NO. Is it a building at 327 So. Dakota Ave. in Sioux Falls? NO. Rather, it’s the community of believers who are called and gathered by Christ’s Spirit around his Word and Sacrament (cf. Augsburg Confession, Article VII; see also Jeroslav Pelikan’s "Spirit Versus Structure: Luther and the Institutions of the Church").

(2) And whose church is it anyway? Is it some pastor or bishop’s church? NO. (And especially beware of the idolatry and apostasy in our own time, in para-churches that are growing not only in Sioux Falls, but across the country, where T-shirts are handed out after baptisms that read, “Pastor Bob Saved Me.” Seriously?! To draw upon the teaching of St. Paul: “Was [I] crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?!” NO. … “For no other foundation,” writes St. Paul, “can anyone lay than that which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 1:13; 3:11). Is it your church? NO. Rather, it’s Christ’s Church. Furthermore, it’s not the church that saves – but is called to point beyond itself to the One who does – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s Christ who saves, not the institution of the church.

(3) Then, for what purpose does the church exist/what is its mission?

To hitch its wagon to whatever cultural or political breeze comes along (e.g. composing “social statements”) or being a chaplaincy service to a small group of card-carrying members? NO. Jesus himself gives his magna carta for his church when he declares to the disciples before he ascended back into heaven: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always [by the indwelling of my Holy Spirit], to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20; cf. I Corinthians 3:16).

Pentecost people of First Lutheran Church, you’ve been set on fire by the baptism of Christ’s Holy Spirit. Go now and share the light of God’s saving Word for all who are lost and afraid in the darkness of sin and death. Listen to a marvelous summary of the meaning of Pentecost as set-on-fire by the beloved Christian author of our time, Phil Yancey:

“Christianity is not a purely intellectual, internal faith. It can only be lived in a community [that Christ brought forth at Pentecost]. Perhaps for this reason, I have never entirely given up on the church [or her mission]. At a deep level I sense that church contains something I desperately need. And whenever I abandon Christ’s church for a time, I find that I am the one who suffers. My faith fades, and the crusty shell of lovelessness grows over me again. I grow colder rather than hotter …” ("Church: Why Bother?")

In the service of Christ and his beloved Church, for all the world …

j.r. christopherson

First lutheran church WoMen

The Meaning of Pentecost: The Spirited “Setting on Fire” Birth of Christ’s Church

–continued from page 1In search of the Spirit

By Pastor Katherine Olson, Associate Pastor of Caring Ministries

A friend of mine is struggling to make sense of a series of tragedies that have recently befallen her family. As she searches for meaning, she speculates about what the Holy Spirit might be trying to “teach”

her through these experiences. “Perhaps I’ve been selfish and I need to learn selflessness. Perhaps I’ve been ungrateful and I need to learn gratitude. Or maybe…”

It’s natural to search for meaning in the face of suffering. However, we run into trouble when speculation overtakes our faith and trust in a good and gracious God. As our questions and ideas about the unknowable ring in our ears, we begin to wonder what kind of God we have. God’s work in our messy lives can start to seem so mysterious and indiscernible. It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit is sent to do the work of Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, among us. In fact, the Spirit is his very witness (John 16:26).

In the midst of things you cannot

understand, turn to God’s revealed word – most specifically the word concerning his son Jesus Christ - and receive the gifts he has promised to all believers. Remember that in Christ’s life on earth, he did not turn away from those who suffer. Into their poverty, sin, loneliness, shame, physical and suffering, he entered. He was there! He did not greet them with lessons and lectures on self-improvement, but freely gave them his gifts: forgiveness, peace, healing, and hope of eternal life.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, his gifts are ours today. If there are lessons you wish to learn in this life (such as patience, selflessness, gratitude), by all means ask for the Spirit’s help. However, there is no need to speculate about what kind of God you have in times of suffering, and what sorts of things this God might have in store for you in the face of difficulty. Through the Scriptures, we see clearly how much God cares for us and has freely blessed us in Jesus Christ. If, after returning to God’s word, you still have trouble sensing his Spirit at work in your life, reach out to a pastor or a caring Christian friend. We are here to remind you of God’s love, forgiveness, and continued faithfulness!

carinG Ministries

Delta Dental Mobile ProgramComing June 13-16

The primary mission of the Dakota Smiles Mobile Dental Program is to treat children ages 0-21. The program is designed to assist people who do not have access to dental care - children who have not seen a dentist for two years or live more than 85 miles from a dentist. No child will be turned away for inability to pay for services.

The Dakota Smiles Mobile Dental Program includes two trucks that are fully equipped dental offices on wheels. Services provided include: diagnostic and preventive procedures, restorative procedures and tooth extractions.

In the past 3 years at First Lutheran Church alone, this program has been able to provide dental services to more than 115 children and has provided over $60,000 in diagnostic, preventative and restorative services to the under-served children in the community!

Call First Lutheran Church today at 605-336-3734, to register a child in need!



KELO broadcast sponsored:Feb. 14: In memory of Les Rollag, whose 84th birthday would have been on Feb. 15, by his family.

Feb. 21: In loving memory of Rosalyn Stormo whose 86th birthday would have been on March 27 by her family and friends.

Feb. 28: in honor of Mike and Gloria Simpson's anniversary that was on Feb. 18, by Elaine Johnson, Mary Ellen Lantis, Richard Berdahl and families.

March 6: In honor of Ed & Eunice Mansfield’s 65th anniversary by their children; Meg Mansfield, Lisa & Dave Jarvis, Paul and Kyle Mansfield.

March 13: In loving memory of Mrs. Marie Steen, made possible through earnings of the bequest of her daughter, L. Inez Rognley, to the First Lutheran Church Foundation.

March 20: In memory of Norman Salem, who would have celebrated his birthday on March 19, by his wife, Doris Salem; daughters, Karla and Karen; and their families.

March 27, Easter In honor of Elaine Johnson, Mary Ellen Lantis, and Rick & Judy Berdahl and their families by Mike and Gloria Simpson.

KSFY telecast fully sponsored:Feb. 10: By Judy Jasper for nursing homes residents and home bound individuals. It is also sponsored in honor of FLC pastors for their ministry in spreading the Word of God.

Feb. 14: To celebrate the life and memory of Bill Grevlos, beloved husband, father and grandfather by Cheryl, Dan, Dave, Mike, Jill and grandchildren.

March 6: In celebration of Paul & Donna Willadsen's 62nd wedding anniversary on March 5 and of being members of FLC for 82 years.

March 13: in loving celebration of the memory of David and Susan Lankford. It is made possible by earnings through a gift by her family and friends to the First Lutheran Church Foundation.

March 20: In memory of Norman Salem, who would have celebrated his birthday on March 19, by his wife, Doris Salem; daughters, Karla and Karen; and their families.

March 27 Easter: In honor of Elaine Johnson, Mary Ellen Lantis, and Rick & Judy Berdahl and their families by Mike and Gloria Simpson.

KSFY closed captioning sponsored: Feb. 10: By Judy Jasper for nursing homes residents and homebound individuals. It is also sponsored in honor of FLC pastors for their ministry in spreading the Word of God.

Feb. 28: In honor of Mike and Gloria Simpson's anniversary that was on Feb. 18, by Elaine Johnson, Mary Ellen Lantis, Richard Berdahl and families.

March 6: In memory of Dr. Doris Eggers Huseboe; her parents, Delbert and Erna Eggers; and her grandparents, Claus and Mary Eggers and Richard and Lena Schneider. Funds for this have been made available through a gift to the First Lutheran Church Foundation.

March 13: In honor of Vivian Wegner's 101st birthday on March 10, by Elaine Berdahl Johnson, Mary Ellen Berdahl Lantis and Richard Berdahl.

March 27: In loving memory of Albert & Esther Berdahl by Elaine Johnson, Mary Ellen Lantis, Richard Berdahl and families.

Sponsorships available: Worship broadcasts are made possible by supporters from all around the country. To learn more about sponsoring a radio broadcast, telecast or closed captioning in honor of, or in memory of a loved one, or in celebration of a special life event, please call LaVonne Wolf, First Lutheran Financial Specialist, at 605-339-1983, ext. 211. Donations of any size will help this ministry.

KELO radio broadcast sponsorships are available ($150) for Aug. 9 & 21, Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25.

KSFY telecast sponsorships are available ($1300) for May 15. Sponsorship for the May 29 and June 5 telecasts on the Sioux Falls CW are also open as well as June 12 service on KSFY.

Closed captioning sponsorships for the weekly telecasts are available ($140) for May 1, 15 & 22, June 5, 19, & 26.

Un-sponsored broadcast, telecast and closed caption dates are made possible in part through gifts and memorials to First Lutheran Church Media Ministries. Thank you for your continued support.

First Lutheran Church’s worship can be seen every Sunday at 11 a.m. on KSFY, KPRY and KABY in South Dakota, Southwest Minnesota, Northwest Iowa and Northeast Nebraska. A live radio broadcast of worship is aired Sundays at 8 a.m. on KELO-FM, 101.9.

February & March broadcast sponsorsMedia Ministries

– CORRECTION –Note from the Finance Office

Please be sure to designate where you want your contributions to go and the exact amount you would like to go to each account. When amounts are clearly indicated on the offering envelope (including pew and special offering envelopes), the Finance Office is able to efficiently process your contribution.

Gift to Evangelism, Mission & Outreach Ministry in honor of: Benjamin & Mary Gayetaye: Bill & Marilyn Bradfeldt, Bill & Nancy Olson

Gift to FLCW Quilters in honor of: Wauthena Brooks' birthday: Karen Schneider

Gift to FLCW Quilters in memory of: Gus Okland: Robert & Betty O. Johnson

Gift to the Foundation - Youth in memory of:Marilyn Clark: Betty Pfeifle

Gift to Media Ministry in memory of: Marilyn Clark: Carl & Janet Naessig, Paul &

Donna Willadsen John Donaldson: Mary J. Osthus Muriel Driggs: Lloyd & Maxine Leaders Marlayne Fokken: Michael Fokken, Carol Lerdal Marge Hanson: First Lutheran Church Women, David

& Judy Helgager

Rachel Jones: First Lutheran Church Women MaryAnn Knutson: Mary Ann HallbergConnie Leimbach: Joanne Dahmen Hagen,

Darlene WeisGreg Leonard: Marilyn McNeillGus Okland: John OdneyBeverly Riedel: Martha EvensonArlene Rothenberger: Wayne & Verna RemmeKaren Saxvik: Jon & Diane Van PattenPat Seaton: Ione PereboomFlorence Selland: Carol Lerdal, Doug & Carol UtheKenneth Weisz: Kenneth & Marie WeiszOpal Westerdahl: Lois JohnsrudPastor Elly Wierschke: Greg Wierschke

Gift to Music Ministry in memory of: Joseph Gubbrud: Jeff & Sarah Herbert, Irene RezecMaryAnn Knutson: Richard & Alma Kallesen

Gift to Volunteer Shop in memory of: Gus Okland: Alan & Jan Saatkamp

Gift to Youth Ministry in memory of: Greg Leonard: Sandra Pedersen

Gifts and memorialsThank you to the generous donors who have shared many thoughts, prayers and financial gifts with the ministries of First Lutheran.

Financial services

Financial update April 2016

Total Revenues - Year to date2016 Actual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $489,0852015 Actual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $506,110

Total Expenses - Year to date2016 Actual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $492,5612015 Actual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $481,833

Contract For Deed Ideal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $410,802

“God’s Gifts. Our Responsibility.” Income through March. 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3,927,549

Worship Attendance March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,356

AMouNTS CLeARLy deSigNATed


around the church

Worship broadcast station changes

The First Lutheran Church worship broadcast on Sundays, May 29 and June 5 will air at 11 a.m. on Sioux Falls CW due to special programming on KSFY. The broadcast will return to KSFY on June 12. The worship services can also be viewed on the First Lutheran YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/flcsf

Meet our new parish nursePlease join us in welcoming Jana Elkins to the First

Lutheran staff. Jana began serving as our Parish Nurse on April 5. Her office is located along the hallway between the library and Christ the Victor Chapel, in the space that was the Children's Ministry office. You can reach her at [email protected] or 339-1983 ext. 237

From Jana:"My Name is Jana Elkins,

and I have resided in Sioux Falls, SD for the past 13 years. I have been a nurse for 24 years specializing in pediatrics, geriatrics, forensic nursing, and now missionar y and parish nursing. I have an extreme passion for God, for nursing and for holistic healing through the nurturing of the mind, body and spirit. I am very excited that I finally get to work in a position st ates ide that marr ies my faith and my nursing profession together, to serve those who I am most passionate about.

I have been a traveling and staff nurse in a variety of situations, from extremely remote and rural hospitals to large university hospitals and a disaster relief nurse with the American Red Cross throughout the United States, Korea and Japan. For the past 16 months I have taken a hiatus from my work as a forensic interviewer and child abuse nurse to become a missionary nurse. I served in Central America where I solo hiked throughout Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico and Honduras, working in extremely medically needy rural villages and orphanages, and throughout

11 major cities in the United States serving the homeless and indigent populations in New York City, St. Louis, Duluth, Minneapolis, Detroit, Omaha, Los Angeles, Dallas, Sioux Falls, Denver and Atlanta. I have been a missionary in Japan, Korea, Guatemala, Nicaragua and have made five

trips to Honduras in the past eight years.

I am a single mother of four boys and one girl ages 14-21 (the oldest being boy/girl twins). Three of the children are in college, one in high school and one in middle school. I love to learn and experience new things, and I am always reading about something. My hobbies are vast and include, organic gardening, scuba diving, rock climbing, kayaking, biking/hiking, zip lining, camping, sewing, reading and writing, hanging out with my kids, and working out to stay fit for all my adventures.

I very much look forward to serving the congregation at First Lutheran Church. Please feel free to drop by the Caring Ministries office to introduce yourselves! God Bless!"

PLEASE NOTE: Pastor Katherine Olson has also moved to the new Caring Ministries offices. Her telephone extension remains 214. The Visitation Pastor team will also work out of the Caring Ministries office.

The Children's Ministry office is now located next to the nursery in the former parish nurse office. Nancy Henrichsen's phone extension remains 238.

Please note that the church will be closed on Monday, May 30, for Memorial day.

Welcome New Members

Front: Mary Renken, Cathy Wistrom, Grant Harms, Jeremiah GayflorBack: Jean Bubak, Mark Bubak, Rich Jensen, Margie Jensen, Betty Olson, Larry Olson

Front: Jessica Dahlke, Nikki Douglas, Saah Phocole, Maddi BarnessBack: Trevor Cartner, Margot Noe, Bryan Noe, LaNette Gregersen, Bryan Barness, Leslee Barness

Not pictured: Brady Skoglund, Jessi Roggatz, McKenna Barness

in this issue...2 Strategic plan roll-out

2

3 Summer Bible study

4 In search of the Spirit

6 One stitch at a time

God is calling

Documents

May 2016 Volume 70 • Number 4 First Word - Squarespacestatic1.squarespace.com/static/5686c7a04bf118b4ed4d40db/t/57223a6...a registration form at the FLC Information Desk or in the