september 2020 the messenger...2 days ago  · long as everyone has a face covering, the...

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1 SEPTEMBER 2020 THE MESSENGER The monthly newsletter of First Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Dear Siblings in Christ, As being the church during a pandemic is a new experience for all of us, we have had to do the best we can with how to worship while keeping people safe and not having events that spread COVID-19. Until now, we have had to do a lot of the research on our own. Perhaps you have not agreed with the kinds of worship we have offered or found them to be meaningful, but the reality is we will not be returning to worship as we knew it for a while. Thankfully, the larger ELCA church has provided a guidance document entitled, “Resuming Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life during a Pandemic.” This is a 36 page document that was created with our Ecumenical partners, with medical doctors, and with much attention to detail. In the introduction, it states: A care-filled response to that challenge [re-opening worship gatherings] is much more than unlocking the church doors and inviting all to come, sit, sing, and greet one another as had been our custom. We know the dangers posed and the risks taken if we were to do that. We care enough not to let that happen. Pastor Rick and I realize there are some very important parts of our liturgy that we are unable to do safely at this point. We miss them too. Music and singing are incredibly important to our worship life as well. The recommendations from the document are as follows for singing and music: However, we are now coming to grips with this disconcerting fact: The coronavirus is spread through moist breath. Several recent studies have found that forceful, sustained breathing, such as during singing and playing brass and wind instruments, appears to pose a greater danger of spreading the coronavirus than ordinary speaking at low volume. These findings lead us to recommend the following during the pandemic: Refrain from congregational and choral singing. • Encourage the congregation to participate in music with body percussion such as clapping, tapping their thighs, and stomping. • Refrain from using any musical instruments that require breath (wind instruments, brass instruments, anything into which one blows to produce sound). • Use all other instruments (keyboard, percussion, string). • Avoid sharing instruments and take care to disinfect instruments before and after use. • Limit the size of ensembles (4 or fewer) and maintain a 6-foot distance between performers with face coverings on. • Employ silence effectively. Consider using American Sign Language to sing a hymn or song silently. A Message from the Co-Lead Pastors

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Page 1: SEPTEMBER 2020 THE MESSENGER...2 days ago  · long as everyone has a face covering, the congregation may silently “mouth” the words to the liturgical responses and prayers, while

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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

Dear Siblings in Christ,

As being the church during a pandemic is a new experience for all of us,

we have had to do the best we can with how to worship while keeping people safe

and not having events that spread COVID-19. Until now, we have had to do a lot

of the research on our own. Perhaps you have not agreed with the kinds of

worship we have offered or found them to be meaningful, but the reality is we

will not be returning to worship as we knew it for a while.

Thankfully, the larger ELCA church has provided a guidance document

entitled, “Resuming Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life during a

Pandemic.” This is a 36 page document that was created with our Ecumenical

partners, with medical doctors, and with much attention to detail. In the

introduction, it states:

A care-filled response to that challenge [re-opening worship gatherings]

is much more than unlocking the church doors and inviting all to come,

sit, sing, and greet one another as had been our custom. We know the

dangers posed and the risks taken if we were to do that. We care enough

not to let that happen.

Pastor Rick and I realize there are some very important parts of our liturgy

that we are unable to do safely at this point. We miss them too. Music and

singing are incredibly important to our worship life as well. The

recommendations from the document are as follows for singing and music:

However, we are now coming to grips with this disconcerting fact: The

coronavirus is spread through moist breath. Several recent studies have

found that forceful, sustained breathing, such as during singing and

playing brass and wind instruments, appears to pose a greater danger of

spreading the coronavirus than ordinary speaking at low volume.

These findings lead us to recommend the following during the

pandemic:

• Refrain from congregational and choral singing.

• Encourage the congregation to participate in music with body

percussion such as clapping, tapping their thighs, and stomping.

• Refrain from using any musical instruments that require breath

(wind instruments, brass instruments, anything into which one

blows to produce sound).

• Use all other instruments (keyboard, percussion, string).

• Avoid sharing instruments and take care to disinfect instruments

before and after use.

• Limit the size of ensembles (4 or fewer) and maintain a 6-foot

distance between performers with face coverings on.

• Employ silence effectively. Consider using American Sign

Language to sing a hymn or song silently.

A Message from the Co-Lead Pastors

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A Message from the Co-Lead Pastors Continued

• Keep up to date with ongoing research on the use of music during the pandemic. Here is a

curated (and constantly updated) list of resources and updates about congregational singing

and COVID-19: https://thehymnsociety.org/covid-19/

When it comes to unison prayers and responses, the recommendation is, “Refrain from speaking

unison prayers or responses.” A bit further into the document, it says,

The congregation will refrain from saying aloud the liturgical responses or unison prayers, as this

creates aerosols in the same way as choral singing does. Although it may feel awkward at first, as

long as everyone has a face covering, the congregation may silently “mouth” the words to the

liturgical responses and prayers, while a single leader speaks the words on their behalf.

I remember as a child going to my parents to ask to do something that I knew was probably a no, but I

would still ask by saying, “Well, everybody else is doing it…” We understand that there are churches in our

city and state who are choosing to worship in ways they believe are safe. As your Pastoral leaders, we will be

abiding by the recommendations provided by the “Resuming Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life

During a Pandemic.” We will be putting this on our website, so you can read it for yourselves if you would

like. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these unprecedented times.

May God’s peace that passes all understanding be with you,

Pastor Michelle

September Worship Schedule

For the month of September, we are continuing some worship schedule practices but are also offering some

new worship opportunities. Please consult the schedule below to see the times and locations of our September

worship opportunities which our Congregation Council has established.

Dates Saturday @ 6:00 Sunday @ 8:45 Sunday @ 11:00

September 5/6 No Worship Service Online/Radio

Worship Service

Worship in the

Sanctuary

September 12/13 No Worship Service Online/Radio

Worship Service

Worship Outdoors on

North Lawn

September 19/20 No Worship Service Confirmation

Worship in Sanctuary

for Confirmation

Families

Worship in the

Sanctuary

September 26/27 No Worship Service Online/Radio

Worship Service

Worship Outdoors on

North Lawn

For the 11:00 a.m. worship services in the sanctuary on September 6 and September 20, we ask that people

sign-up with the church office ahead of time so that we can anticipate how many people will be participating

in worship. We also ask that masks be worn, and hand sanitizer be used. We are seeking to offer as many

worship opportunities as possible in these times when Covid-19 continues to be on the increase in Buffalo

County. As Pastor Michelle’s pastoral article in this Messenger indicates, First Lutheran is also following the

guidelines which the ELCA and the Nebraska Synod have provided for us.

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Kearne y Community Resources

A CarePortal Story By Kim Troudt

We really can make a difference. Just last month a group of members from First Lutheran Church responded to a Care Portal need of a family here in Kearney. I was very thankful and very proud

to see our members coming together to bless this family.

Let me back up, if you aren’t aware, First Lutheran is a member of the Compass CarePortal. CarePortal is an online platform of the needs of hurting children and families in our community.

Caseworkers uncover the needs and CarePortal communicates the need to local churches through an email. If you can meet the need, you respond to the email.

So, back to my story. I responded to an email about a single mother who had not seen her daughters in many years. Now, the daughters were moving to live with her due to circumstances that had arisen with their father. Needless to say, she was not prepared in any way to provide

everything two teenage girls need. I have one teenage girl, I know. Anyway, unbeknownst to me, several other members of our congregation also responded to this email. Brad Stolcpart, member

of First and a Coordinator with Compass, emailed all of us and asked us to work together and make the donation to the family. The response was incredible. We picked an evening, contacted the mother, and met at her apartment to bless her and her daughters with an amazing donation of personal items, clothes, shoes, makeup, etc. Some of the items were new and some were lightly used. Some were delivered in bags, while others were nicely packed in suitcases or wrapped in

gift bags with the names of the girls on them. As we carried the items to their apartment you could tell they were overwhelmed by the graciousness. We visited with them for a while and then invited

them to worship with us.

As we were leaving, we joined together in prayer. Praising God for his love and guidance during these difficult times. We gave him thanks and went our separate ways. I am truly blessed to serve

alongside such amazing members of First Lutheran Church.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16

Other Ways YOU Can Be the Church by Volunteering to Help Our Neighbors • Meals on Wheels

This organization is committed to support individuals who need nourished, healthy meals in their own homes. Their website is http://www.kearneyhousingagency.com/meals-on-

wheels/ and their phone number is 308-234-1851.

• Hot Meals and the Jubilee Center

Hot Meals USA delivers a hot noon meal prepared at the Kearney Jubilee Center at no charge during the COVID-19 crisis. The Jubilee Center offers a Food Pantry to

assist those in need of food. The phone number for both Hot Meals and the Jubilee Center

is 308-234-3880.

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Have YOU been helping others and want to tell us about it?

The Mission Outreach Team would like to know what our congregation members are doing to reach out to others during this time to see what they are doing to spread God’s love. For example: calling an elderly friend, helping pack boxes of food at a food pantry? Writing a sick friend, a get-well card? Sending uplifting messages to

service members? We would like to hear your responses. Please send your responses to Sister Ruth Ellen at [email protected] or (308) 455-1432.

Thank you.

Message from the Co-Lead Pastor ... 1

Office Updates… ....................... 5

Worship Themes. ...................... 7

Pray and Serve. ......................... 8

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

Music Opportunities. ................ 11

Confirmation News. .................. 12

Associate Pastor and FLY….. 13-14

Preschool. ................................ 15

http://www.nlom.org

402-944-2544

http://www.nebraskasynod.org

402-896-5311

http://www.nelcm.com/

(308) 234-1828

http://www.elca.org

800-638-3522

http://www.lwr.org

800-597-5972

God’s Work—Our Hands UPDATE

Normally, we participate in God’s Work—Our Hands projects on the second Sunday of September. Of course, this is not a normal time. With the help of the ELCA, we are rescheduling this year’s God’s Work—Our Hands until the second Sunday in November which is November 8. We will be announcing what/where our projects will be for November 8 in the coming weeks as we see how Covid-19 restrictions develop. So yes, First Lutheran will have a God’s Work—Our Hands event this fall, but it just might need to look different. Stay Tuned!

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OFFIC E UPDATES JULY FINANCE REPORT

Ministry Budget: July 2020 YTD ’20-21’ YTD '19-'20

Budget Supporting Revenue $ 35,496 $ 75,861 $ 89,966

Budget Related Expenditures $ (55,186) $ (106,972) $ (110,543)

Total 2019-2020 Ministry Budget: $798,474.97

Facilities Budget: July 2020 YTD '20-'21 YTD '19-'20

Revenue $ 6,559 $ 10,954 $ 14,369

Expenditures $ (1,338) $ (4,183) $ (6,994)

Total 2020-2021 Facilities Budget: $30,000

Church Office

[email protected]

Pastor Rick Carlson

Co-Lead Pastor

[email protected]

Pastor Michelle Carlson

Co-Lead Pastor [email protected]

Elisabeth Himmelman

Assoc. Pastor for Youth & Young Adults

[email protected]

Kandy Bacon

Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

Marti Brockmeier

Bookkeeper

[email protected]

Natalie Radcliffe

Worship Music Coordinator [email protected]

Adam Eilers

Maintenance Coordinator [email protected]

Judy O’Donnell

Preschool Director

[email protected]

Giving Options In addition to traditional giving options for your convenience First Lutheran

offers online giving!

GIVE PLUS: which allows people to make financial contributions to the church

electronically in the following ways:

1. Online (just go to the First Lutheran website under the “Resources” tab),

2. Mobile App (download the Give Plus app on the iPhone or Android,

create a profile and search for “First Lutheran”), or

3. Text (just text the donation amount to 308-470-5058 and you will be

prompted with further instructions).

Give Plus features PCI Level 1 security compliance so it’s a secure choice, and

offers a convenient way of supporting the church anytime from anywhere with

the use of your smartphone or computer.

SIMPLY GIVING: another electronic option where your gift is paid through a

pre-authorized withdrawal from your bank account. Just contact Marti in the

church office for the form to sign up for this convenient option.

If you choose to contribute with a check and are not using offering envelopes,

please write your offering envelope number on your check to enable us to record

your contributions accurately on your statement. Please note that contributions

to the Ministry Budget and Facilities Budget may be combined in one check.

If you have any questions or would like assistance in using any of the above

electronic giving options or would like to receive offering envelopes, please

contact Marti in the church office.

Thank you so much for your faithful generosity to First Lutheran

Church’s ministry!

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COUNCI L UPDATE

Greetings from your Congregation Council,

It seems we are surrounded by doom and gloom since the outbreak of the

Coronavirus. But, in these difficult times, it is important we focus on

appreciating the simple things in life. Appreciate what we have, find joy in all

things, and be thankful for one another. In the 1500’s, Martin Luther wrote in

On Freedom of a Christian: “A Christian lives not (only) in himself, but in

Christ and his neighbor… He lives in Christ through faith, in his neighbor

through love. By faith he is caught up beyond himself into God. By love he

descends beneath himself into his neighbor.” We are all floating in uncharted

waters. That is why it is important, although difficult, that decisions being made

during these times be in the best interest of our neighbors rather than ourselves.

In the wake of this pandemic, there are many blessings we have seen shine

through.

• Genuine relationships are being built. Our schedules seem to be a little

slower and less stressful, leading to more time together as families. We

are having dinner together, talking about life’s happenings, and finding

ways to stay connected. Here at First, phone calls and youth pen pals are

helping those members who may be alone or lonely during this time.

• Neighbors are helping one another. Members of First have been helping

with food distribution by the Jubilee Center and Hot Meals USA. Yet

other members are making masks and donating them to schools,

churches, hospitals and care centers.

• Many businesses and charities are stepping up to help those who are

vulnerable, scared, and alone. The Children’s Museum, local equine

groups, families and friends are visiting residents through care home

windows. Businesses are protecting senior shoppers with special hours,

food and prescription delivery. UNK and other organizations have

stepped up to make and distribute products needed by key workers.

I am sure many of you are members or volunteers of some of these

organizations or many others, so thank you for sharing your time and talents

with our community. The church hasn’t closed. We are blessed to have

opportunities to worship each weekend. It may not look the way you want it to,

but seriously, who hasn’t enjoyed watching worship online, in your pajamas,

drinking coffee? Our mission and purpose of “Uniting as one to worship God,

to follow Christ, and to share a spirit of love and service to others” is alive and

well. Be hopeful, stay grace-filled, and find peace in knowing that whatever the

circumstance may be, God is with us and will always love us.

Blessings to you and your families,

First Lutheran Church Council

CONGREGATION COUNCIL

Kim Troudt

President

Dave Zimmer

Vice President

Lee Fritson

Treasurer

Judy Henning

Secretary

Rachel Leach

Miranda

Obermeier

Kelly

Russman

Michael

Rafferty

Mark Kottmeyer

Have questions?

Contact information for

our Congregational

Council

Representatives is

available in the narthex

or the church office.

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WORSHIP THEMES

SEPT 5-6 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST EZEKIEL 33:7-11; PSALM 119:33-40; ROMANS 13:8-14; MATTHEW 18:15-20.

Conflict is a part of relationships and life in

community. Jesus’ words in today's gospel are often

used in situations having to do with church discipline.

The prophet Ezekiel tells of warning the wicked to

turn from their ways, and Paul reminds us that love is

the fulfilling of the law. We gather in the name of

Christ, assured that he is present among us with gifts

of peace and reconciliation.

SEPT 12-13 FIFTHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST GENESIS 50:15-21; PSALM 103:[1-7]8-13; ROMANS 14:1-12; MATTHEW 18:21-31.

In today’s second reading Paul questions why we

judge one another, since we all stand before the

judgment of God. Yet we do sin against one another,

and Jesus’ challenge that we forgive seventy-seven

times reveals God’s boundless mercy. When we hear

the words of forgiveness in worship and sign

ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism

to be signs of reconciliation in the world.

SEPT 19-20 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

JONAH 3:10-4:11; PSALM 145:1-8; PHILIPPIANS 1:21-30; MATTHEW 20:1-16.

Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ controversial

parables in which Jesus says that the reign of God

is like that of a landowner who pays his workers

the same wage no matter what time of day they

began to work. When God changes God’s mind

about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah

is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful,

abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive

the grace of God that is freely given to all. As

Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s

mercy we are all beggars.

SEPT 26-27 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST EZEKIEL 18:1-4, 25-32, PSALM 25:1-9, PHILIPPIANS 2:1-13, MATTHEW 21:23-32.

Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what

they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. In

the reading from Ezekiel the people claim the

ways of the Lord are unfair, while God offers

repentance and new life. Paul urges us to look to

Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests

of others above our own. Nourished by the broken

bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the

sake of our needy world.

“LIKE” us on Facebook:

First Lutheran Church - Kearney

Sign up for weekly E-mail updates:

Send request to:

LIVE Radio Broadcast:

Sundays 8:45 AM – KXPN 1460 AM

LIVE Webstream Broadcast:

Sundays 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM

www.firstlutherankearney.org

View our Event Calendar:

www.firstlutherankearney.org

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P R A Y A N D S E R V E

PRAYER WARRIORS There is a new opportunity for

prayer time at FLC called “Prayer Warriors”. It is an email prayer group. It is not a prayer chain, so you do not need to send this on to anyone. When you sign up you will periodically be sent a prayer via email, after you receive the prayer all you need to do is read/pray the prayer at your convenience. It is that simple. We hope you enjoy this convenient way to use the power of prayer.

To become a “Prayer Warrior” simply email your name and email address to Theress Bricker at [email protected] and ask that you be added to the “Prayer Warrior” group.

If you have any questions or have a prayer request please contact: Sister Ruth Ellen at (308) 455-1432, Margene Dahlstedt (308) 627-6337 or Theress Bricker at (308) 233-2469.

Lutheran World Relief Kits It is time to begin collecting items for

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

DON’T WORRY! JOIN A PRAYER CHAIN

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

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

If you would like to participate in email prayer requests, pass your request along to the church office ([email protected]) or Theress Bricker [email protected]).

Requests will be emailed to you, and all you need to do is pray for the person or event.

Learn to Knit or Crochet Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every Wednesday in the coffee area from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. during the school year. Please join us for knitting, crocheting, conversation, and prayer. If you have any questions, or if you know of someone who might be able to use a Prayer Shawl as a tangible reminder of God’s love and grace during hard times and good times, please call Theress Bricker (308) 233-2469. Will not meet in September.

HELP TIE QUILTS LWR Join us the first Monday of each month, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the quilt room, to assemble and tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Our goal is 100 quilts each year! Please consider donating supplies for our LWR quilts. We are in need of fabric and thread, as well as used sheets, blankets and mattress pads. If you have any questions, please call Betty Young at (308) 440-7313 or Sandy Pratt (308) 627-1995. Thank you!

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WITHI N OU R CHUR C H FA MI LY

Prayers of sympathy and comfort for:

Dana and Beth Ernst & family on the death of

Beth’s mother, Gloria Tietjen Mason

Wayne, Monie & Dana Karschner on the death of

Wayne’s sister, Karen Wilbur

Judy O’Donnell (our Preschool Director) and

family on the death of Judy’s mother,

Elizabeth Lebeda

Chuck and Julie Kinnamann and family on the

death of Chuck’s mother, Helen Kinnaman

Donald and Lisa Parish and family on the death

of Don’s step-mother, Judy Garver.

Greg & Linda Sue Jensen on the death of their niece,

Josolynn Mentzer.

Prayers of Joy & Thanksgiving

for the birth of: Jayden Rae Campa

son of Josh & Gina Campa

Congratulations to our September Volunteers

of the Month: Call Committee

We appreciate the investment of time and

energy by the members of the Call Committee in

diligently following the call process for First

Lutheran Church and Campus Lutheran. This is a

detailed and somewhat lengthy process which

includes the committee growing together through

devotions, reading paperwork that is given to the

committee by the Synod, developing and

organizing questions for the Zoom and in-person

interviews.

The Call Committee interviewed two

candidates in-person here in Kearney. The first

candidate did not feel it was the right call for their

family situation. The Call Committee continued to

gather and to prepare for another candidate.

Then, the committee received word that

there was another candidate and the Call

Committee went through the same process again.

This included several steps with Zoom meetings

and in-person interviews, as well as checking

references. After the process was completed,

Pastor Elisabeth Himmelman was called to be our

Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults

while also serving at Campus Lutheran at UNK.

We are truly blessed to have such a caring

group of individuals. The Call Committee

consisted of Dave Behle (Chair/FLC), Maleah

Wright (Youth Member), Renae Zimmer (FLC),

Alexis Hobbs (Campus Lutheran), Julie Schmidt

(Two Rivers Cluster), Mike Bockhoven (NeLCM

board), Pastor Michelle Carlson, and Pastor Rick

Carlson. We thank all of you for your care,

compassion, and dedication in this process!

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WOME N o f th e ELCA

The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Association (W.E.L.C.A.) First

Lutheran Church Board cancelled meetings in July thru September – due to high

risk of COVID 19. The W.E.L.C.A. Board approved current officers to remain

in place for the 2020-2021 WELCA Board and representatives on the W.E.L.C.A.

Committees.

A Zoom Board meeting will be set up most likely in October and more details

will be given once the arrangements are made. If you do not have a computer

a dial in phone number is possible.

Deadline Circle Directory 2020-2021 DUE SEPT. 8TH! Circle Chairs and

Program Chairs are requested to review all pages of the current directory and

update for 2020-2021 Women of the ELCA Circle directory.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF MISSION PROJECT – The First Lutheran Church

and WELCA are collecting supplies for LWR through October. Please bring in your

donations to FLC, you can ring the doorbell and place items inside the door in boxes

provided. The School Supplies include: notebooks (70-sheet wide or college

ruled 8”x10 ½” – No loose-leaf paper), erasers 2 ½”, blunt scissors, small pencil

sharpeners, #2 pencils w/erasers, ballpoint pens (No gel ink), box of 16 or

24 crayons.

Personal kits – Lightweight small to medium towels (recommend dark colored

20”x40” or 52”x27”), bath-size bar soap (4 to 5 oz.) in wrapper; adult size

toothbrush in original packaging; sturdy comb; metal nail clippers.

Baby kits - need for cloth diapers flat fold preferred, bath size gentle soap original

wrapping; hand towel dark color recommended; receiving blankets

(medium weight cotton or flannel up to 52” square) Diaper pins or large safety pins,

baby socks, lightweight cotton t-shirts small; long or short sleeved gowns or

sleepers (without feet – Onesies can be cut and hemmed to t-shirt size) or

pant and top set; jacket, sweater or sweatshirt w/hood, baby cap.

Note: sizes up to 24 months may be used.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events 2020 - 2021: First Lutheran Church Theress Bricker Mission

Relief Chairman tentatively scheduled the packing of LWR Mission supplies for

shipping on November 2, 2020.

NO FALL NEBRASKA Synodical Women’s Organization activities including

October 3, 2020 – W.E.L.C.A. in Hastings. From the NEBRASKA Synodical

Women’s Organization ALL S.W.O. ACTIVITIES TO END OF YEAR 2020

HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. A virtual meeting Oct 24th for Nebraska S.W.O.

Details pending.

April 30 & May 1 & 2, 2021(Note-Next Year!)

The next Saved to Serve will be at Camp Carol Joy Holling. Nebraska S.W.O.

will collect your Mosaic Activity/Sensory/Fidget Mat Special Project as part of

the program. The event emphasis is Mosaic and the lodging will be at the

Camp Joy Holling.

Save To Serve Lynch, NE -Niobrara Valley House of Renewal was

POSTPONED to next year AUGUST 6-8, 2021.

Ladies who are interested in joining a

monthly Bible study are invited to

attend a women’s circle. Circles can be

joined at any time during the year.

Co-Chairs:

Lil Larson (308)-224-6207

Judy Workman (308)-237-2781

Secretary:

Bev Vacha (308)-468-6239

Treasurer:

Jo Smallcomb (308)-234-3053

ABIGAIL CIRCLE (SEPT.–MAY)

9:00 am—3rd Monday

and Evy Kuecker (308-237-5651)

DEBORAH CIRCLE 7:00 pm –3rd Monday

Co-Chairs: Deb Schauer (308-233-

2669) and Ellen Epp (308-234-5696)

GLORIA CIRCLE 12:00pm—3rd Thursday

Chair: Karen Foster (308-234-2157)

NAOMI CIRCLE 7:30pm—4th Thursday (3rd Thurs. in

Nov.) Chair: Judy Niemann (308)-234-

4332

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11

MUSI C OPPOR TU NI T I E S

Group Age Group

When Where Director Start Date

Chancel Choir Adults Wednesdays

7:00-8:15pm

Sanctuary CJ Sabah Cancelled Until Further

Notice

Due to COVID-19

Chancel Bells High School

and Adults

Tuesdays

5:30-6:30pm

Sanctuary Natalie Radcliffe

September 1, 2020

Worship Teams

For Contemporary

Service

High School

and Adults

Wednesdays

5:30pm

Choir Room Cancelled Until Further

Notice

Due to COVID-19

Heavenly Treble Makers

Grades 6-12

Wednesdays

6:15-6:45pm

Room 9 Angela Wright

October 2020

Praiser Bells Grades 3-8

Wednesdays

5:15-5:45pm

Sanctuary Angela Wright

October 2020

Children’s Choir

Pre-K through Grade

5

Meet during FROG & Sunday School

Amanda Lewis

October 2020

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12

CONFIRMATION NEWS

Confirmation in September

As a start-up for the Confirmation program at First Lutheran, we will seek

to implement the follow schedule.

Dates Confirmation Event

Wednesday September 9 Final Confirmation Class for

9th Graders

Wednesday September 16 Confirmation Orientation for

8th Graders and their Parents

Sunday September 20 Affirmation of Baptism

Service at 8:45 for Students

and their Families

Wednesday September 23 Confirmation Orientation for

7th Graders and their Parents

Wednesday September 30 Confirmation Orientation for

6th Graders and their Parents

Wednesday October 7 Beginning of Confirmation

Classes

We ask that as is the practice in KPS schools, masks be worn, and hand

sanitizer be used.

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13

A Message from the Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults

Welcome Pastor Elisabeth!

If you want to get in contact with Elisabeth at the church office (308) 237-5544 or email her at [email protected]

Hello, First Lutheran!

I am excited to begin my ordained ministry in your midst! I will

be sharing my time with Campus Lutheran, and journeying with

youth and young adults in faith and life. God is persistent in

showing up on the journey, and I’m looking forward to the

surprises and gifts that unfold along the way.

My son Jens (pronounced “Yentz” and rhymes with fence… it’s

Scandinavian) and I arrived in Kearney mid-August and are

settling into our new home on air mattresses and folding chairs.

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of husband/dad Jacob at the

end of August and the moving truck shortly after. Jacob is looking

forward to joining us in person after wrapping up real estate and

moving logistics in Madison, WI, and will begin his new job as an

architect at Wilkins ADP in September.

Jens is 8 years old and majoring in Minecraft and front flips on

the trampoline. He attends 3rd grade at Park Elementary and has

discovered the joys of riding his scooter to Harmon Park from our

house.

For the faithful high school youth and fearless leaders - I am

looking forward to our first FLY gathering together on September

2 @ 7pm! As you prepare to send Keith with pizza and a blessing

at the end of August, I too give thanks to God for Keith’s

significant role in the lives of young people in this place! Thank

you for your leadership, Keith!

I am looking forward to getting to know the people and place of

First Lutheran, Campus Lutheran, and the community of

Kearney!

In Christ’s abounding hope,

Pastor Elisabeth

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14

F i rst

Lutheran

Youth

SUNDAY MORNINGS TOGETHER 9:50-10:30AM

LOWER LEVEL YOUTH ROOM

JOIN DAVE BEHLE AND FRIENDS

BEGINNING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH JOIN PASTOR ELISABETH FOR

FELLOWSHIP!

We would like to wish a warm thank you to Keith Powell for all his help, support and leadership during this time of transition. You are truly a blessing, and we are thankful you are a part of First Lutheran Church! A THANK YOU pizza party will be held on Wednesday, August 26th at 7pm at the church.

Wednesday Nights Together 7:00-8:15pm

Come get to know Pastor Elisabeth on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7:00pm at the church. Pizza will be

provided!

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15

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

Hello First Lutheran Church! This year we are starting a little later to give us time to prepare our classrooms with the materials for an extra safe school year. We have purchased masks that are so cute, face shields, thermometers and we are making plans on how to keep all our materials germ free. We start Sept. 8th for PreK & the Tuesday/Thursday preschool class and also the 9th for the Monday/Wednesday preschool class. Mrs. Judy will be sending out a video soon talking about the handbook and our classroom Covid-19 plans. Then each teacher will have a zoom meeting to answer any questions and talk about a typical day in our classrooms. Lastly, we will have small groups come and tour their classroom shortly before we start. This way we can start to get to know each other and the students can see our fun classrooms!

Mrs. Amanda and Mrs. Lora’s room sustained a little water damage due to a storm that came through in June, but the walls have been fixed, painted and now it is time to start decorating! The room looks even brighter and better than before! The roofing company’s insurance paid for the repairs that needed to be made and replace the materials that were destroyed by the water. Thank you, Complete Roofing, for all your hard work during the unexpected storm and trauma to the building! Lastly, we wanted to let you know that Judy’s mother passed away in early August. Please keep her and her family in your prayers during this tough time.

Have a blessed September! Judy O’Donnell, Sonya McLeod, Amanda Lewis

& Lora Messbarger

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20

First Lutheran Church, ELCA

3315 G Avenue

Kearney, Nebraska 68847-3699

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

RECEIVING GOD’S GRACE

SHARING GOD’S LOVE

UNITING IN CHRIST

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2020

3315 G Avenue - Kearney, Nebraska 68847

PLEASE JOIN US AT ONE OF OUR WORSHIP TIMES

SATURDAY

6:00 PM

See page 2 for details

SUNDAY

8:45 AM

Worship radio and online

11:00 AM

See page 2 for details

LIVE VIDEO STREAM BROADCAST SUNDAYS AT 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM

LIVE RADIO BROADCAST SUNDAY MORNINGS 8:45 AM ON KXPN 1460 AM

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

M A

Y

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 155

Kearney, NE 68847