september 2020 the messenger...2 days ago · long as everyone has a face covering, the...
TRANSCRIPT
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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
Pastor Rick Carlson
Co-Lead Pastor
Pastor Michelle Carlson
Co-Lead Pastor [email protected]
Elisabeth Himmelman
Assoc. Pastor for Youth & Young Adults
Kandy Bacon
Administrative Assistant
Marti Brockmeier
Bookkeeper
Natalie Radcliffe
Worship Music Coordinator [email protected]
Adam Eilers
Maintenance Coordinator [email protected]
Judy O’Donnell
Preschool Director
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.
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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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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
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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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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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!
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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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