THE CONTACT FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH ~ NORFOLK

VOL. XXX January 2016 NO. 1

1301 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517 Parish Office: 757-625-1953 www.flcnorfolk.com

Geiger joins staff Dec. 14th

as Operations Manager Please welcome Lisa Geiger, who began work-

ing as our church operations manager Decem-

ber 14th. In her new

position she will sup-

port the Senior Pas-

tor's responsibilities,

ensure support is

provided to all ros-

tered staff, adminis-

ter the physical, fi-

nancial and personnel

resources of FLC and

provide oversight of

the operations and

business of FLC.

Lisa is a native of Vir-

ginia Beach, VA, and the youngest of five sib-

lings. She has a Bachelor of Science in Manage-

ment Information Systems from Old Dominion

University. She worked for Honeywell as a

Senior Project Manager at Navy Headquarters

in Norfolk, VA, managing a group of IT profes-

sionals for the past 26 years.

In the summer of 2000, her personal faith

journey led her to the desire to increase her

knowledge of the scriptures and theology. She

embarked on an academic path with Saint Leo

University, earning a second Bachelor's in Reli-

gious Studies in 2004, and a Master of Arts in

Theology in 2010. She began working as an

Adjunct Professor of Religion for Saint Leo Uni-

Share time and talents this Commitment Sunday Our Stewardship theme for 2016 is Lord, Be Glorified! Sun-

day, January 24, has been designated as Commitment Sun-

day where we will have an opportunity to place in a basket

at the Baptismal Font our offerings and our updated 2016

Time and Talents Sheets. Each year, committee chairs of

Worship, Witness, Learning, Service and Support call upon

the members of First Lutheran for their contributions of time

and talent. Stewardship provides us an opportunity to re-

flect on the abundance of gifts our loving God has given us

and how we will respond to such love. We give thanks for

all the time and talents our members return to God for our

ministry at First Lutheran! Time and Talent Sheets will be

available at the Sanctuary Doors on January 17 and 24.

LISA GEIGER

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Epiphany singers share spirit

Don’t forget to celebrate Epiphany! Epiphany Singers will visit

shut-ins after the 11 AM service Sunday, Jan. 3. A simple lunch

will be provided immediately after worship. The group will car-

pool to the various sites and details will be provided for driv-

ers. All are welcome.

Youth

Celebrating Advent and Christmas at FLC 2015 From Advent Coffees, to the Hanging of the Greens, Christ-

mas at FLC was filled with wonder and joy. In addition, the

congregation acknowledged the grief and loss some experi-

ence in this season with the Nighttime of our Souls service.

Among the events was the Kid’s Praise Pageant, “The First

Noel” held Dec. 13, and the Over 80s Christmas Luncheon

held Dec. 1st, which featured a talented storyteller provid-

ing entertainment. We thank all who baked, hosted, shared

their talents, volunteered their time, or simply took part in

this incredible season.

Fight hunger, focus faith This year FLC’s Lenten Focus will be “World Hun-

ger: 40 Days of Giving,” a program that will begin

Feb. 7th. The goal is to raise $2 million across the

entire ELCA to benefit the ministries of ELCA

World Hunger. There will be a specially written

devotional, an opportunity to take part with dai-

ly devotional emails, as well as other opportuni-

ties for focused learning, service and worship. If

you would like to learn more, contact Jonathan

Miller at ggitwjwm@cox.net to learn more.

Blood drive seeks donors Do you have an hour on Wednesday, January

13? The Red Cross will be set up for Blood Dona-

tion at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 St. Paul’s

Blvd, from 1-7 PM. This is the first drive for our

Ghent Churches group in 2016. If you have an

appointment, thank you. If not, go to

www.redcrossblood.org, use the Sponsor Code,

GHENT, and pick a time. You will be glad you

gave the Gift of Life.

Harvey wins raffle quilt Congratulations to June Harvey, who won this

year’s Christmas quilt drawing. The effort raised

$832 for Ghent Area Ministries for Christmas

backpacks for the homeless.

Thanks for greens help We had a great turnout for Hanging of the

Greens! Volunteers from both services, includ-

ing new members, took time out of their busy

schedules to help decorate. There were many

things to be done: hanging wreaths, preparing

the hand held candles & candle holders, setting

up the crèche, fluffing branches & hanging Chris-

mons. Thanks to all of you for doing a great job

preparing our church for Advent! Also, a special

thanks to Pastor Goeres for sharing some inter-

esting facts about Chrismons in an interactive

format.

Thank you! Elizabeth Moll & Rebecca Dozier

Lunch Ministry provides Holiday meals to guests

With assistance and food donations from the congregation,

and faithful work of more than a dozen volunteers, the holi-

days were far brighter for many of our lunch ministry guests.

On Thanksgiving, nearly 50 received a holiday dinner complete

with turkey, mashed potatoes, collard greens and a variety of

pies. The Wednesday before Christmas, more thank 50 en-

joyed a Christmas ham dinner with sweet potato casserole,

green beans, rolls and a variety of pastries. Guests also re-

ceived gift bags with scarves, hats and toiletries.

versity's Center for Online Learning in

2011.

She grew up in the Lutheran tradition

(ELCA) and is well acquainted with the

ministries and people of the Virginia

Synod.

Lisa adores her two cats, Sabrina and

Princess, and says they often keep her

company when she is reviewing and

grading Saint Leo assignments. She tells

her online students that one additional

benefit of virtual classes is that they

won't get any cat fur mixed in with their

papers or tests when she returns them.

She is a huge Broadway musical fan,

loves the movies, and a self-confessing

TV junkie (her favorite show is ABC's

"Castle").

In December, we said goodbye and

offered our deepest thanks to Vickie

Greatwood, our temporary administra-

tive staffer,

who cheer-

fully and gra-

ciously assist-

ed us with

tasks great

and small

during this

time of tran-

sition. She

was in charge of

producing the weekly bulletins and re-

cently completed a digital map and rec-

ord of our columbarium. Vickie graduat-

ed from Tidewater Community College

with an Associate's Degree in applied

science in ASL/English Interpreting,

completing a 42-month program. She

already holds a Bachelor's Degree in

journalism from Virginia Weslyan.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Save space in your calendar for NEST

This year, FLC will host NEST (Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team)

from the evening of Wednesday, February 24th through the morn-

ing of Tuesday, March 2nd,

during which time we will

provide meals and overnight

shelter for the homeless

folks in our neighborhood.

Last winter your generous

contributions and participation made this service opportunity a

great success. Signups for help and donation of needed items will

begin in early January. In the meantime, if you have questions or

concerns, please direct them to one of the following members:

Merrie Jo Milner at 757-226-7962 or merjomil@cox.net

Rebecca Dozier at 757-478-5566 or rebd@hbaonline.com

Jeanne Lampton at 757-622-1905 or jmlampton@aol.com

VICKIE GREATWOOD

Thanks to our office volunteers

On Dec. 18, more than 10 hearty volunteers assisted the office staff

in preparing the nearly 1,000 bulletins required for Christmas week.

The event was also a thank you to all those who have helped

throughout the year to prepare the many worship materials, track

address corrections, handle the monthly bulk mailing, and innumer-

able other tasks. Without their help, FLC would be a very different

place. Thanks for the blessings you bestow on our congregation.

Children’s Sunday School Schedule for the New Year Children’s Sunday School classes

will follow this schedule in Janu-

ary:

Jan. 3- No regular classes, kids

meet in room 209 for movie

Jan. 10- Regular classes resume

Lost and Found retreat held Nov. 20th—22nd The Synod’s annual Lost and Found Retreat was held November 20th through

22nd. Seventh and eighth graders participated in large and small-group ses-

sions consisting of worship, singing, comedy and discussion. Thanks for your

prayers for all the participants:

Suzy Biboum

Sydney Brown

Stephen Herman

Max Kelly

Grace McGhee

Maggie Kelly

Lauren Silsdorf

Lauren Kuehl

Ella Kopf, planning team

Wil Thompson, leader

Gary Weeks, leader

Sarah McGinnis, leader

Explore the library and reference resources at FLC Did you know that First Lutheran has an exceptional library waiting for you to use? In terms of quality, it has to be

one of the best church libraries in Hampton Roads. The books include excellent commentaries on each book of the Bi-

ble and other reference works on a variety of biblical topics. Most of these books are in the Synod Office on the first

floor (the old library room) and are for use in the church only.

The main library is now on the second floor, ready for you to use. The books (and videos) include a rich variety of

subjects. There are devotional books for adults and children, and books on theology to help you in thinking about your

faith. There are books about Martin Luther and the Reformation heritage, Christian ethics, and a variety of current so-

cial issues from a Christian perspective.

Books on the second floor can be checked out for a month at a time. Just follow the directions listed on the desk to

your right as you enter the room. In every age the church has an urgent need for members who are well nurtured and

well informed about their faith. Our library will help you meet that challenge, and give you enjoyment as well!

Martha Circle

meets Jan. 5th Martha Circle will meet at 7 PM

Jan. 5th at the home of Diane

Newlon. For information about

this circle, contact Cathy

Whittecar.

Lydia Circle will

not meet in Jan. Lydia Circle will not meet in

January. The next meeting will

be February 2nd. For infor-

mation about this circle, con-

tact Pam Baynard.

DATE JANUARY 3 JANUARY 10 JANUARY 17 JANUARY 24 JANUARY 31

ASSISTING

MINISTERS

(8:30) Jim Harvey

(11) Sheri Zanke

(8:30) Gail Plauka

(11) Debbie Acors

(8:30) Carl Spangler

(11) Don Buckley

(8:30) Steve Velotas

(11) Lynn Utecht

(8:30) Chuck Baynard

(11) Cathy Whittecar

LECTOR OT (8:30) Melissa Zaletski

(11) Lawrence Carr

(8:30) Will Thompson

(11) Barbara Ross

(8:30) Simon Scott

(11) Merrie Jo Milner

(8:30) Susan Stones

(11) Donna Koch

(8:30) Don Lundquist

(11)Cathy Whittecar

LECTOR NT (8:30) Melissa Zaletski

(11) Sheri Zanke

(8:30) Will Thompson

(11) Judy Basco

(8:30) Simon Scott

(11) Gail Plauka

(8:30 Susan Stones

(11) Elizabeth Janik

(8:30) Don Lundquist

(11) Rich Whittecar

COMMUNION

ASSISTANT (8:30) June Harvey &

Jane van Wolkenton

(11) Kat Kussart &

Charles Poston

(8:30)Karen Siegel &

Robert Green

(11) Neva Goeres &

Don Buckley

(8:30) Susan Stones &

Blythe Scott

(11) Denise Haag &

Phyllis Hund

(8:30) John Bissey &

Carl Spangler

(11) Gail Plauka &

Lynn Utecht

(8:30) Susan Stones &

Blythe Scott

(11) Rich Whittecar &

Ginger Van de Water

BREAD

Amy Spangler Jeanne Walters Barbara Chapman Beth Silsdorf INTINCTION

COFFEE HOUR

(8:30)

(11) Jeanne Lampton

(8:30) Melissa and Ken

Zaletski

(11) Merrie Jo Milner,

John Faircloth

(8:30)

(11) Debbie Duffy

(8:30) Lorette and Paul

Horsboll

(11) Barry and Frances

Halcrow

(8:30) Jim and June

Harvey

(11) Joelle Griffith

COMMUNION

SET-UP (8:30) Jane van

Wolkenten, the Schaus

Family

(11) Betty Jean Meyer

(8:30) Pam and Chuck

Baynard, Dallas & Es-

ther Williams (11)

Don Strehlow

(8:30) Dolly Hinton

(11) Rob Siik

(8:30) Barbara Chap-

man & Jonathan Miller

(11) Don Strehlow

(8:30) Pam & Chuck

Baynard

(11) Don Strehlow

COMMUNION

CLEAN UP (8:30) Jane van

Wolkenten, the Schaus

Family

(11) Betty Jean Meyer

(8:30) Dallas and

Esther Williams

(11) Don Strehlow

(8:30) Dallas and

Esther Williams

(11) Rob Siik

(8:30) Barbara Chap-

man & Jonathan Miller

(11) Don Strehlow

(8:30) Pam & Chuck

Baynard

(11) Don Strehlow

FLOWERS

Joy Kelly Janine Brown Julie Moberly Kirstin New Janine Brown

FLOWER REARRANGING

FLOWER DELIVERY Marilyn S. Booker

GREETERS

(8:30) Danusia Mason

(11) Elizabeth Moll

(8:30) John Faircloth

(11) Gail Plauka

(8:30) Dolly Hinton

(11) Bill and Lori Sea-

man

(8:30) Pam and Chuck

Baynard

(11) Judy and David

(8:30) Lorette and Paul

Horsboll

(11) Margaret Fleet

USHERS (8:30) Team One

(11) Tim Hund, Steve

Fox, Barry Halcrow,

Joe Leafe, Charles

Poston, Bill Robinson,

Ginger Van de Water

(8:30) Team One

(11) William Wattai,

David Basco, Linda

Braaten, Gregg

Clifford, David Redilla,

Dick Temple

(8:30) Team One

(11) Don Strehlow,

Matt Badgett, Marion

Ingersoll, Mark Utecht,

John Wittmann

(8:30) Team One

(11) Bruce Johnson,

Steve Asam, Bob

Braaten, Don Buckley,

Chris Coffing, Gail

Plauka

(8:30) Team One

(11) Don Strehlow,

Mark Utecht, Bill Wattai

Worship Volunteers for January 2016

A constantly updated version of the Worship Volunteer Grid is available online. If you cannot volunteer on your sched-

uled day, please try to find a substitute and inform the coordinator of your service assignment.

For questions, please call the office at 757-625-1953.

Sun

M

on

Tu

e

Wed

Th

u

Fri Sat

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

1 1

2 1

3 1

4 1

5 1

6

17

1

8 1

9 2

0 2

1 2

2 2

3

24

2

5 2

6 2

7 2

8 2

9 3

0

31

Ja

nu

ary 2

01

6

Worship every S

unday at 8:30 an

d 11 AM

. Nursery available.

Sunday S

chool at 9:45 AM

with classes for children, youth and adults. N

ursery available.

Office H

ours: 9 AM

—4 P

M M

onday-Thursday, 9 A

M -1 P

M F

riday

10 AM

Lunch Ministry P

rep

Noon Lunch M

inistry

12:30 PM

Adult M

inistry

7 PM

Martha C

ircle

Contact D

eadline

New

Year’s D

ay

10 AM

Lunch Ministry P

rep

Noon Lunch M

inistry

10 AM

Lunch Ministry P

rep

Noon Lunch M

inistry

10 AM

Lunch Ministry P

rep

Noon Lunch M

inistry

9:30 PM

Christian S

ervice 7 P

M Q

uilt Group

WIN

TE

R C

ELE

BR

AT

IO

N

WIN

TE

R C

EL

9:45 AM

Movie S

unday for

Children’s S

unday School

12:30 PM

Epiphany

9 AM

Council R

etreat

Martin Luther K

ing Day

Readings for January

January 3rd

Jeremiah 31: 7-14

Psalm 147: 12-20

Ephesians 1: 3-14

John 1: 1-18

January 10th

Isaiah 43: 1-7

Psalm 29

Acts 8: 14-17

Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22

January 17th

Isaiah 62: 1-5

Psalm 36: 5-10

1 Corinthians 12: 1-11

John 2: 1-11

January 24th

Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a

Luke 4: 14-21

Prayer Ministry Concerns for January Emmanuel has come, is here, and is coming soon. Let us join in prayer for the church, the

earth, and those who are in need, that all receive what God promises to give.

Glorify God and give thanks:

...for the baptism of Matthew Nordan and Kinsley Nordan.

...for the gift and talents of our youth and volunteers who gave us joy through the Christ-

mas pageant.

...that we are so rooted in the Gospel that our lives overflow in worship, witness, service,

learning.

Pray for:

...for Sue Clark and family upon the death of Sue’s mother.

...all those suffering from depression.

...God’s strength to grow where we are planted and grow into God’s love and will for us.

...peace on earth.

...all persons around the world who are victims of persecution and for all those whose

loved ones have been murdered by extremists.

...all those traveling.

Dee Clare, Henrietta Evenson, Joann Klotz, Margaret Litz, Mana Masters, Kelley Min-

schke, Marilyn Melendy, Lorna Moss, Betty Phillips, Howard and Norma Warren, John

Wittmann, Sheri Zanke, Pat Annas, Margo Barry, Dave Basco, Bobby, Karen Branson, Ra-

chel Goeres, Jailene Hinebough, Justin Jacobson, Jo (sister of Kaye McGinnis), Kitty Kersey,

Mr. Lindsey, Linda Mathews, Colby Mondejar, Nick, Matt Rosenberg and Family, Debbie

Wright, Marie Wright

Life Changes:

Pat Chapman (mother of Barbara Chapman), Sara Cline, Margaret Henderson (mother-in-

law of Merrie Jo Milner), Phyllis Kaplan, Alice Miller (mother of Jonathan Miller)

Those dealing with cancer:

Kaye McGinnis, Debbie Miller, Doug Arthur, Betty Cannon, Chris Day, Don Jones, Rose

Pelosa, Dick Price, Greg Reep, Jerry Turner, Scott Wimbus, Jess WineKing

Military and their families:

Austin Davidson, Erica Flanagan, Mason Fox, Kelly and Eric Keiser, John Kennard, Joseph

Milner, Peter Musselman, Roland Sanchez, Bill Seaman, Beth Silsdorf, Jordan, Ethel Tay-

lor, Matt Tobolski

Receive our prayers, merciful God, and make us ready to receive you when you come

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

January 31st

Jeremiah 1: 4-10

Psalm 71: 1-6

1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

Luke 4: 21-30

Support

FLC Loan Repayment Summary

December 15, 2015

We owe on Building Fund loan $92,112

We need for Building Fund loan payment

year-to-date

$ 101,016

We gave for Building Fund loan payment

year-to-date

$ 105,243

Amount we are AHEAD on Building Fund giving

year-to-date

$ 4,227

2015 Spending Plan for Ministry

As of 11/30/15 Anticipated Actual

All Contributions $711,970 $626,966

All Ministry Expenses $711,970 $661,826

Current Deficit $ 0 ($34,860)

Committee assignments chosen for 2016 council The following council members are designated

to these committees. For contact information,

please see the bulletin board in the Welcome

Center and take a green form.

Adult Ministry Pastor Rick Goeres

Archives Norm Stones

Congregational Life David Kuehl

Endowment Chuck Baynard

Finance Jeff Steckroth

Global Concerns Elizabeth Janik

Grounds David Redilla

Learning Cathy Whittecar

Mutual Ministry Scott Silsdorf

Personnel Simon Scott

Property Mike Haag

Service Rebecca Dozier

Stewardship Skip Hiser

Witness Kirstin New

Worship Karen Siegel

Youth Maynard Schaus

Milestones

BAPTISMS

Matthew M. Nordan was baptized December

13th, 2015.

Kinsley P. Nordan, 5 months, daughter of

Matthew M. Nordan and Nicole Brown Nor-

dan, was baptized December 13th, 2015.

TRANSFERS

Carmen Fraenkel has transferred to Grace

Lutheran Church, Chesapeake.

DEATHS

Thomas Warren Moss, Jr., age 87, died No-

vember 26th, 2015. A memorial service was

held at First Lutheran on December 3rd, 2015.

December Council Meeting Summary At our December meeting, the Council

Opened with prayer.

Approved the addition of persons to committees.

Heard that the Call Committee is working.

Received word that the altar window repair is proceeding on schedule.

Hired Lisa Geiger as our Church Operations Manager. She will begin December 14.

Identified Council liaisons to our Ministry Groups and Com-mittees.

Chose names for poinsettia distribution.

Had devotions on God’s gifts of darkness and light.

Shared blessings, prayer concerns and prayer partners. The Council normally meets at 7 PM on the first Monday of each month. The meeting is open to the congregation. Next month’s meeting will be an off-site retreat on January 9, 2016.

First Lutheran Church

1301 Colley Avenue

Norfolk, VA 23517

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID Norfolk, Virginia

Permit No. 200

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

It’s time for UN-Hanging

of the Greens We’ve celebrated Advent and Christmas, now it’s time to prepare for

Epiphany. To celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, we need to remove the

Advent and Christmas decorations. Come help take down decorations on

Saturday, January 9th, from 10 AM to 1 PM. What does this entail?

Carefully removing the Chrismons from the tree, and packing them

away one by one

Unstringing the lights and coiling them neatly to avoid tangling them

Taking apart the 25’ Christmas tree (tall, strong men highly encour-

aged to volunteer) and scrunching the branches back into the box

Taking down and carefully packing away the Red Plaques

Removing the wreaths throughout the church

Packing the crèche and placing it in storage

Please sign up to let us know if we’ll have enough help. Thanks to all of

you who volunteer your time and efforts to preserve and protect our

decorations to be enjoyed for years to come.

— The Worship Decorating Committee