First News November 2020

Volume 26 Issue 11

First News

BUSINESS NAME

If you’re reading this on November 3, we probably don’t know much if anything yet about how this year’s hotly-contested elections are turning out. What we do know is that elections produce anxiety. Regardless of your

political persuasion, we can’t help but stress about, “Will ‘my side’ win? Will the other side, i.e., the forces of evil, cheat, steal, lie, and deceive the election away? Or what if ‘they’ win fair and square? Isn’t that one of the great risks of democratic elections? The majority getting it wrong?” Someone, some set of someones, somehow, determined by somebody, will be elected. One thing we do know is that polarization and gut-level convictions won’t change. In either party, the ones in power will do all they can to retain that power, and the ones in the minority of government will do everything they can to undermine the prevailing party or administration. A Democrat-controlled House does it to the Republican executive branch in Washington. A Republican-controlled legislature does it to the Democrat governor in North Carolina. We’re Hatfields and McCoys. Blue Devils and Tar Heels. Axis and Allies. I personally hold by far the strongest opinions in this election cycle that I’ve ever held. The stakes seem so high not

just in my head but on a visceral level. How will I react to election news if I’m devastated? Just as importantly, how will I behave more publicly if my preferred candidates and platforms prevail? As in contemplating for whom to vote, for me as a baptized child of God and as a church leader, it boils down to core conviction. And what are those core convictions that inform and motivate our unavoidable (yes, even as church) political involvement? It’s all about our call to love neighbor, love enemies, “serve all people following the example of Jesus” and “strive for justice and peace in all the earth.” Our three grandsons, all born within a week, are four years old. Watching them is a good reminder for me of who I am called to be. Winning to the point of vanquishing the personhood of the foe is not acceptable. We still have to live together. Sharing is good. Using our words without attacking rather than hitting or insulting or hurting is always best. Nobody wins if we have to have ultimate winners and losers. The path where we all win a little bit is the best. Gloating when we win is mean. Name-calling and accusing the winner of cheating is petty and small. We’re in this together. I’m old enough now that I don’t think you’ll change my mind too much on too many things. Nor will I yours. But for the church, for the image-of-God and redeemed-in Christ precious children of

God who claim to follow Jesus, we have to find a way to respect others, to take the high road of kindness and Luther’s 8th-commandment “speaking of our neighbor in the best light” seriously. (Yes, it had to be a commandment, because if left to my own discernment, I’d never get there.) That doesn’t mean I shy away from baptismal vocation convictions. Pursuing justice as best we can discern it following the example of Jesus and serving the neighbor will always be paramount. Christians on both sides of the political divide must acknowledge that. We will continue to debate how politically this is best pursued systemically as opposed to the “curved in on self” sinfulness that is so appealing. My highest hope and commitment is that we can keep our eyes on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the source of all conviction, political and otherwise. Win or lose, core values don’t change. Deep peace to all in these stressful and divided days. Walking with you,

Bishop Tim Smith

MISSION STATEMENT: To connect ourselves and others to Christ through acts of faith and love.

VISION STATEMENT: First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lexington shall be a Christ-centered community participating in Spirit-led worship, challenging learning and loving outreach; willing to be transformed by the Gospel and eagerly using our gifts to transform

Elections’ Directions Reflections Bishop Tim Smith

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Prayer Requests 2 Thoughts from the Heart 7

Community Outreach 3

Directory Updates/College Students 8

Worship and Fellowship Opportunities 4-5 Joys and Cares 9-11

A Beautiful Painting 6

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We Pray for Each Other

Let us remember in prayer:

CHURCH FAMILY: Bill and Patsie Baker Cody Carlson Tom Carlson Amy Hollar Cormier Jean Conrad Darstein Beth Huber Mary Huneycutt Katie Lemly Jon Lough Ronnie Moretz Willie Ruth Pless Gracie Shepherd Jody Shepherd Ron Sink Sylvia Sink April Thompson Terry Triplett Deborah Wertman Jan Willette LOVED ONES, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: Tonya Adams (Friend of David Smith) Susan Avery and Family (Friends of Christi Nebrich) Charles Baker (Bill Baker’s father) Jim Bailey (Carol Leonard’s brother) Nancy Beck (Judy Conrad’s sister) Jesse Both (Laura Tanley’s nephew) Mary Brink (Niece of Pauletta Conrad) Gene Bullock (Tracy Miller’s uncle) Anne Burkhart (friend of Pam Mabry) Tessa Burns (Bob Redwine’s niece) Mike Byrd (Friend of Bob Sink) Johnsie Canny (Emma Apple’s sister) Jim Carrier (Tracy Miller’s dad) Rita Caudle (friend of Sabrina Conrad) Adam Cheely (Michelle Eppinga’s son) Edward Clancy (friend of Bing Sudarmono) Jessica Crabb Don and Jackie Craft (Rebecca Moretz’ parents) Amy and Wes Cups Maureen Darcy (friend of Connie Beck McMillan) Robert Dasch (Father of Keith Dasch) Paul DeLaney (Friend of Laura Tanley) Marina Dunaway and family (friends of Karen Riggs) Debbie Sheppard Everette Delores Farrell (Dalane Kitzman’s sister)

Danny Fine (Lynn Smith’s brother) Patrick Foley (Bleasha Carroll’s brother-in-law) Debra Gainey (The Kitzman’s neighbor) Marlon Gaskins (Friend of Scott and Deb Wertman) Rick Gransee Ross Gray (Friend of Danny and Carol Leonard) The Greer Family (Friends of Karen Riggs) Kathy Harwood (Beth Lemly’s sister-in-law) Ronald Hensley (friend of Mary Huneycutt) Angelica Hernandez (coworker of Bill Nebrich) Barbara Sue Herring (Friend of FLC) James Hewett (friends of Bill and Christi Nebrich) Reuben Hufham (Emma Apple’s brother-in-law) Bob Hughart (Bryan Hughart’s father) Jeff Hutcherson (Husband of Karen Rigg’s coworker, Jill) Caleb Hutcherson (Son of Karen Rigg’s coworker, Jill) Damon Jones (brother of clothing closet volunteer, Teresa Smith) Betty Jordan (friend of the Carlsons) Steve and Fern Kennedy (friends of Pam Mabry) Karen Kernstine (friend of Sabrina Conrad) John Kleine (Nancy Carlson’s brother-in-law) Terry Kohler (Wertman family member) Jack Kunz (Nancy Carlson’s father) Mary and Charles Lee (friends of FLC) Nichole Leonard (friend of Patti Grant) Aleigha Lockhart and Family (Neighbors of the Nebrichs) Hazel Lovelace (Jim Lovelace’s mother) Maria (Abbi Thompson’ friend) Mandy Marshall (Debbie Triplett’s daughter) Miranda and Children (Friends of Sabrina Conrad) Deb McGraw (friend of Patrick Harris) Joetta McQueen Larry Michaels Claire Murphy (Rebecca Moretz’ cousin) Dawn Mushrush (Bleasha Carroll’s sister) Robert Phelps (friend of FLC) Libby Puckett (friend of Connie Beck McMillan) Craig and Lisa Royal (friends of FLC) Lynn Scoggins (brother-in-law of Beth and Katie Lemly) Lank and Audrey Sechrest (Judy Conrad’s sister and brother-in-law) Angie Shaw (friend of April Thompson) Aurelia Smith (neighbor of Greg and Laura Turlington) David Smith (Nephew of Bob Sink) Jimmy Steele (friend of Mary Huneycutt) Marilee Strasser (friend of Bill and Patsie Baker) Denny Swimley (brother-in-law of Scott and Deborah Wertman) Jackie Taylor (Lorraine Carlson’s sister) Sherry Taylor (Dan Smith’s cousin) Marie Thomason (Sarah Whitaker’s grandmother) Sarah Vestal (friend of Beth Huber) Glenn Visbeen (friend of John Leonard) Mary Louise Wilkerson (Friend of FLC) Devone Wohl (Dalane Kitzman’s sister) Nathan Wohl (Dalane Kitzman’s nephew) Kara Wood (Mary Nebrich’s teacher) The families of those who have passed to life eternal: Earl Willette Linda Miller (sister of Marcia Hoffmann)

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Small Business Support

As we begin a new season, we would like to be sure we

are supporting one another and our congregation’s small

businesses. Please email Amanda

(flclexcongregtionlife@gmail.com) and include the

name of your business, hours, contact information and

any specific information you’d like to share. We will

highlight businesses periodically on our Facebook page

so we can support one another.

We will again this year provide Thanksgiving meals to

families in our community in need. Working with local

guidance counselor we will distribute meals in a slightly

different way. We anticipate the need for this meal to be

greater than in previous years. If you would like to con-

tribute to this outreach, please designate any monetary

donations as “Thanksgiving Meal Project”.

If you are available to help deliver the meal kits to local

schools the week of November 16th please let Amanda

know at flclexcongregationlife@gmail.com

Thanksgiving Meal Kits

Pastor’s Pantry

Just a reminder that we are still collecting for Pastor’s

Pantry. There is a donation bin on the lower level of FLC

just inside the door. The need is great, please donate if

you can!

November– Soup

Storehouse for Jesus

Storehouse for Jesus is in need of several items, including

bedding, hygiene , and cleaning products. If you have any

donations, please leave them in the outreach room be-

neath the church office.

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Worship and Fellowship Opportunities

Each Sunday morning at 11:00 we will be hosting outdoor worship. Please

drive through the covered entrance on the corner of S. State Street and W.

4th avenue to receive your bulletin and the elements for the Eucharist.

Please bring your own chair. The service will also be broadcast over the

radio and Facebook Live. Masks or face shields will be required and Social

Distancing will be observed. Sanitizing stations will be available for your

use. If you have been exposed to anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-

19 or have any symptoms yourself, please refrain from attending. Re-

strooms will be available only for emergency use only.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

November 10 and November 24 at 7:00 PM

Beer and Bible in the ZOOM Room

Join Zoom Meeting

Computer: https://zoom.us/j/3362486018 Phone In: 1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID: 336 248 6018

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Each Tuesday at 10:00 AM

Pericope in the ZOOM Room

Join Zoom Meeting

Computer: https://zoom.us/j/3362486018 Phone In: 1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID: 336 248 6018

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday, November 9

6:30 PM

Agape and Mary Circles will have a combined meeting

in the ZOOM Room

Join Zoom Meeting

Computer: https://zoom.us/j/3362486018 Phone In: 1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID: 336 248 6018

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Worship and Fellowship Opportunities

November 12 at 7:30 PM

Prayer Shawl Ministry in the ZOOM Room

Join Zoom Meeting

Computer: https://zoom.us/j/3362486018 Phone In: 1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID: 336 248 6018

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Each Wednesday at 11:00 AM

Devotions with Pastor Matt on Facebook Live

Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/FLCLEX/

________________________________________________________________________________________

Each Sunday at 10:30 AM

Children’s Message in the ZOOM Room

Join Zoom Meeting

Computer: https://zoom.us/j/3362486018 Phone In: 1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID: 336 248 6018

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday November 15 at 1:00 PM

FLC Youth will meet in the youth room to pack Thanksgiving Meals. Masks or face shields are required and will be provided as needed.

Al All middle through high school students are welcome to join!

________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday, November 8 from 4:00PM– 5:30 PM

Confirmation will meet via Zoom with a focus on Prayer. This class is led

through the NC ELCA. Please let Pastor Matt know if you need more information

on confirmation.

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A Beautiful Painting

The people of First

Evangelical Lutheran

Church wish to express

our appreciation to

Melanie Bumgardner

for her beautiful

painting of

Jesus with the children

(“Come unto me…”).

Thank you, Melanie!!

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Thoughts from the Heart Dr. Dalane Kitzman

Thoughts from the

Heart

Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow Don’t wait until tomorrow to tell someone you care about what they mean to you, do something special for someone who’s made a difference in your life, or say a gentle word of encouragement to that stranger you see periodically. This would be good advice anytime, but especially so during a pandemic, when tomorrow seems a little more uncertain than before. A few years ago, I was honored with an invitation to the birthday party for a good friend’s mother. This was not a typical birthday party; his mother was turning 104 years old. I’ve always been keenly interested in older persons and dedicated my career to medical research that can improve their lives, so I eagerly accepted. I had been hinting to my friend that I wanted to meet and in-terview his mother because I’d wanted to devote one of my newspaper columns to the remarkable life of a cen-tenarian. However, my friend had insisted that his mother wasn’t remarkable. Within minutes of meeting this centenarian, I knew my friend was wrong. His mother, Alma Blair (Tuttle), was perfectly groomed, poised, and congenial. Her com-plexion and appearance suggested she might be in her mid-eighties, but certainly not over 100 years old. After she’d greeted everyone and the cake had been served, I crouched in front of her chair in hopes of learning some hilarious stories about my friend in his youth that I could use to barb him at opportune times. But I also wanted to get started on my quest toward a story for the newspaper. Alma was one of the most humble persons I’ve ever met. She insisted there was nothing special about her life. But in our brief time together, I was able to draw out a few interesting highlights. In 1923 when she was eleven years old, her family moved from northern Surry County to south of Thomasville, a 60-mile journey. All the worldly belongings for their family of eight fit in the wheelbarrow her dad pushed. Her mother carried the youngest child. Everyone else walked the entire way.

Alma was entrusted with the family’s most valuable possession. She held the rope to lead the milk cow to their new home. Later, when she was raising her own family, Alma took in laundry and ironing from the more well-to-do fami-lies in the community. Her husband raised fishing worms to sell to the bait stores in the area. Alas, she gave me no “dirt” on my good friend. Of him, she merely said, “He listened.” Those two words said a lot. This encounter helped me understand my friend, one of the most humble, considerate men I’ve met. In response to the question always asked of long-lived persons, Alma simply replied, “I just take things a day at a time.” Good advice for our hectic world. I received permission to return another day soon to get more information for a full newspaper story, but life got busy, and she died a few months later. I felt foolish to have acted as though I had unlimited time to finish my interview with someone who’d already achieved such a lofty old age. As I nursed that regret, I recalled other times in my life when I’d waited too long to do something important and meaningful. The week before my mother died, at the end of a long phone conversation she said, in a voice that sounded different than ever before, that she missed me badly. I felt an overwhelming urge to immediately pack and head for the airport. Instead, I pledged to visit her in two weeks, which was one week too late. One time when I was twelve and acting unreasonably rebel-lious, my beloved step-father, who’d loved and treated me as his own, spanked me for the first time ever. After my anger subsided, I realized that it must have been hard for him to discipline me. I planned to tell him, sometime, that I was sorry for acting out that way but then never did. Two months later the tears streamed as taps played while I stood beside his flag-draped casket. Now my mission is to help remind others that tomorrow is uncertain. So, take the time today to reach out to those most dear to you to say the words you’ve always meant to say, or to do something special for someone else that you’ve been putting off. By doing so, you’ll accumulate memories of precious moments rather than regrets over opportunities lost. Copyright 2020, Dalane W. Kitzman, MD Tagline: Dr. Dalane Kitzman, a physician at Wake For-

est Baptist hospital, writes about how we all have the opportunity to positively influence the lives of others.

Page 8 First News

Directory Updates

FELC College Student

Addresses for 2020:

Hannah Barber

213 Sunset Ridge Lane

Lexington, NC 27295

Mattias Miller

712 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Apt. H3

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Ian Morris

9933 Reindeer Way Ln

Charlotte, NC 28216

Nathan Morris

242 Kepley Sink Lane

Lexington, NC 27295

Mary Nebrich

281 Raleigh Street Room 309

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Kaleigh Odum

359 Iroquois Trail

Lexington, NC 27295

Frances Gray Riggs

Box 8707 1834 Wake Forest Road

Winston- Salem NC 27109

Jordan Tanley

UNC W Station -CB# 30024

706 S. College Road

Wilmington, NC 28407-00242

Eric Wertman

329 East Beaver Ave. 304 Diplomat

State College, PA 16801

Jarrett Whitley

119 Mill Stream Lane

Lexington, NC 27292

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CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO: LaVaughn Bartholomew upon the recent deaths of two dear friends she had worked with at the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) near Albany, New York:

Elizabeth Jean Kramer died suddenly on September 15; a private ceremony for family friends will be at a future date. “Beth” (“a dear friend that was so much fun”) loved the service the OMRDD offered to the special populations she was able to support. She loved to giggle and to tell funny stories. She loved Scrabble and gin, the color red and really bad reality TV. In 2008 she followed a lifelong passion to live near the beach and moved to Puerto Rico where her home was at the time of her death.

Velma Lewis Wexler, 78 years old, died on September 24 after a courageous battle with cancer. An outdoor Lutheran service was held in the mausoleum of Albany’s Gardens Memorial Park. Velma was regional director in the division of quality assurance at OMRDD. She enjoyed tennis and Mahjong and her summers at the Saratoga Race Course.

Robin Deal, church family and friends upon the death of Debbie Sheppard Everett. Debbie passed away peacefully on October 3 after losing her battle with cancer. She was the daughter of deceased members Carrol and Evelyn Sheppard and grew up at First Lutheran Church; she lived her entire life in North Carolina. She dedicated her life to her loving family and friends. She loved spending her time with family, vacationing to the beach, and relaxing on her porch. She’ll be fondly remembered for her caring nature and willingness to take charge in any moment. Debbie dedicated her professional career to Wake County Public Schools, earning Master’s degrees in School Counseling and School Administration. A private memorial service was held in Cary on October 10. Robin and Debbie had been friends since before elementary school. Charlie Worley and family upon the death of his uncle, Eddie Worley. James Edward “Eddie” Worley, 68, passed away on October 6 at his home in Tennessee. He was a member of the Tri-Cities Church of God. A committal service was held October 10 at Campground Cemetery. Eddie was the brother of Charlie’s father, Gary Worley. Judy Conrad and family upon the death of her sister, Audrey Sechrest. Audrey 85, passed to life eternal on October 16. She had been admitted to the Hinkle

Hospice Home the weekend of October 11 after being hospitalized in Greensboro for COVID-19; she also had underlying health conditions. She and her husband Lank lived in Thomasville; Lank had also been hospitalized for the virus and is now recovering at home. Family and friends upon the death of our Brother-in-Christ, Earl Willette. Earl passed away October 21 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He had fallen out of his wheelchair mid-October and had been confined to bed; Hospice provided home care. Earl was an engineer and had retired from Proctor Schwartz. A small service will be held in the First Lutheran columbarium on November 7. Marcia Hoffmann and family upon the death of her sister, Linda Miller. Linda, 73, of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, passed to life eternal suddenly on October 23 after suffering a brain aneurysm the night before. Linda earned a degree in home economics and nutrition. She loved quilting and enjoyed loving the friends she made as the owner and operator of The Quilting Bee in New Wilmington for many years, until her retirement. A funeral service was held at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory on October 29. There will be a family gathering in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, at a later date. Marcia writes: “She was two years older than me and lived in New Wilmington, PA. She leaves three sons, three daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, five siblings, and many quilting and book club friends. She was our family passport to adventure as she was the one who found the great rental properties for our family reunions at the beach, the White Mountains, the Adirondacks, New Mexico and Marco Island. She jumped at the opportunity to go to Turkey with me in 2005 and to France with our oldest sister. She was a great cook and baker and an all-around dear friend and sister.” Neil, college buddy of Pastor Matthew Miller, upon the recent death of his father in Mocksville. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: Beth Huber had an emergency appendectomy on September 29; a non-aggressive form of cancer was found on the appendix and removed. Beth received a positive report from her oncologist on October 27: if any cancerous material is left, they will just watch it; she will have periodic CAT scans every six months. No further surgery or treatments are needed at this time. Ron Sink is recovering at home from a stroke in June and also received good news: originally, Ron had been

Joys and Cares

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Joys and Cares

told that he had a serious carotid artery blockage and would need to have surgery. However, after a neurologist appointment at Duke on October 6, he was told that no surgery is needed; there is just a 10% blockage on the left and right carotid arteries. Ron will be treated with medications. Betty Thomas came home October 7 to recover after suffering a slight stroke on September 23; she only had to be in rehabilitation one week. Deb Wertman is still adapting after a cochlear implant on September 9; she went back for a processor on October 30. That has a 20-80% chance of working for her. She can still hear out of the other ear. Jon Lough spent three days at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem to start a new medication for his heart arrythmia; he came home on October 5. He returns to his cardiologist on November 3, and to his arrythmia specialist on November 27. Although he is still getting irregular heartbeat readings, he is hopeful that the medication will help. Kimberly Cates, wife of Diane Weaver, had outpatient mastoidectomy surgery on October 27; she was not admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19 risks. She has had severe ear infections for quite some time, causing terrible pain. Kim is hopeful that the surgery will help. Sherrill Bumgardner, husband of Melanie Bumgardner, had a biopsy on one of his hips the end of September; that was diagnosed as melanoma. He has had a port inserted, but has not begun any treatments yet; he may be receiving some kind of immunotherapy. THANKS! Prayer Shawl Ministry – Thanks to those who lead and participate in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Completed prayer shawls are in the closet in the “Prayer Shawl Room”. Please feel free to pick up any that are needed, bless them and send them out. (Please notify Kelly so that he can note in our records.)

November 1 – During outdoor worship, five prayer shawls were blessed through “socially distancing”. Four of the shawls were to be given to Megan Carlson’s team of teachers (Heaven Zagura, Bailey Bowers, Judi Hall, and Megan Driver); another shawl was to be given to Christi Rice (sister of Tracy Miller), also a teacher.

Technology – We are so thankful to Amanda Hathcock for enabling our church to continue to “be the church”

through so many resources! She has linked us to bible studies, meditations, worship services, music, children and family resources, etc. Thank you! Online Bible Studies

Each Tuesday at 10:00 AM, Pastor Matt leads our pericope Bible study through a live Zoom session. Amanda sends out a link weekly to all those on our email list. If you are not getting this link, or have difficulty with this link, please contact Amanda.

Every other Tuesday evening, our Beer and Bible folks hold a Bible study with Pastor Matt through a live Zoom session. Amanda sends out a link prior to the session; if you would like to get this link, or have trouble accessing it, please contact her.

Other Zoom meetings: Prayer Shawl group, Youth and First Lutheran Women. If you have not received a link to these gatherings online and would like to connect, please contact Amanda for that connection.

Online Meditations – Each Wednesday at 10:00 AM, Pastor Matt has a “live” devotion via Facebook Live. Thank you, Pastor Matt, for continuing to shepherd our church family (and beyond) through your inspiring messages. (Open up Facebook and search for First Evangelical Lutheran Church; hit “enter” and “like” the page. On Wednesday mornings, you may have to “refresh” the page at 10:00 to watch the video live. If you cannot be present at that time, you can access it at any time by going to the Facebook page, and select “videos” from the left side bars.) Worship Online – Again, we urge everyone to access our weekly Sunday worship videos via www.flclex.org. (Type that address into your browser and hit enter. When the page comes up, click on the top tab “worship videos.” Select the video/worship service you would like to hear/listen to.) Thanks to both Pastor Matt Miller for his awesome messages, and to Kelly Newsome for our beautiful preludes! Sunday Worship – Sunday morning outdoor worship in the picnic shelter will continue weekly at 8:30 for now, following publicized guidelines previously mailed to all FLC members. A transponder is now also being used so that folks can drive up into the parking lot and “attend” worship by listening to the service through a radio station in their cars. The service will broadcast live via Facebook Live (First Lutheran Facebook page), or can be viewed later. Thanks to all those involved in this ministry: To First Lutheran Congregational Council for

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Joys and Cares

making this decision and establishing guidelines, to Pastor Matt for his leadership and ministry, to Kelly for beautiful music, to Bing for setting up and sanitizing, and to Amanda for serving as videographer. Music Online – Thanks to Kelly Newsome for continuing to touch us through his music ministry! Be sure to access his Facebook posts (“Kelly Newsome”) or our church Facebook page (“First Evangelical Lutheran Church) or YouTube (“Kelly Newsome”). Thank you for your presence, Kelly! Pastor Appreciation – During our outdoor worship on October 18, Carol Leonard (chair of the Mutual Ministry Team) recognized Pastor Matt and thanked him for his ministry to the First Lutheran congregation. She presented him with a VISA gift card, (“Respect those who labor among you and over you in the Lord…esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) Joint Reformation Service – The Davidson County Lutheran pastors led a pre-recorded Reformation Service that is now available on our FLC website (flclex.org). Thanks to First Lutheran for hosting this service, to Pastor Matt for his welcome and service participation, and to Kelly Newsome for beautiful organ service and special music. Reformation Hymn Sing – Although we were not able to pull off a virtual ZOOM hymn sing on Reformation Sunday (October 25), we do have an online “sing-along” available on our FLC website (flclex.org). Thanks to Pastor Matt for his welcome and closing prayer, to Beth Huber for beautifully serving as our song leader, to Kelly Newsome for organ accompaniment, and to Amanda Hathcock for serving as videographer.

CONGRATULATIONS

New Baby – Congratulations to Michael Stoke and

fiancée Maddy Hooker upon the birth of their first child,

Ryder Lee Stoke. He was born on October 17 and

weighed in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces; 21 inches long. This

little family lives in Davidson County. Proud

grandparents are Mickey and Joy Stoke; beaming

grandparents are Jon and Celie Lough!

New Baby — Congratulations to Anna and Dyllan

Rankin on the birth of Trowbridge Deyton Rankin.

“Bridges” was born on November 1, 2020, at 4:23 PM,

weighing 8 pounds and 5 ounces. Proud grandparents are Jack and Joanna Deyton.

Ryder Lee Stoke

Trowbridge Deyton Rankin

Return Service Requested

God’s Work. Our Hands. First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lexington is a Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The congregation was formed in 1905, and built its original structure in 1906. The current facility was completed and occupied in 1959, and was the first public building in Lexington of a contemporary design. Yet, the people of First Church recognize that the church is the people, and not the building. So stated Martin Luther: “The church is not wood and stone, but it is the company of God’s people.”

We’re on the Web:

WWW.FLCLEX.ORG

Church Staff & Volunteers

The Rev. Matthew L. Miller ~ Pastor Berry Odum ~ Council President

Amanda Hathcock ~ Director of Congregational Life Kelly Newsome ~ Organist / Parish Associate

Jim Lovelace ~ Pianist Kelly Newsome ~ Music Ministries

Bing Grubb ~ Sexton

A Table Worship Service & Communion is available upon request.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

320 S. State Street

PO BOX 308

Lexington, NC 27293

Phone: 336-248-6018

E-mail: office@flclex.org