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The beginning of a new school year is a full of excitement and anticipation for students, their families and
teachers. The new school year brings so many new possibilities, new choices, and in result we feel ready
to conquer a new world!
At Lamb of God, we are gearing up for our 4th school year as an early learning facility for children ages
birth through 5 years. Our mission at Lamb of God has always been to provide high quality early child-
hood education for our community and equip our students with the tools needed to be lifelong learners and
self-discoverers. Daily lessons planned by our teachers are intentional to encourage and challenge children
to learn all they can about the world around them. Learning through play is viewed as the cornerstone of
our curriculum. Our teachers support the development of the whole child including social emotional, lan-
guage and literacy, fine and gross motor, cognitive, and spiritual growth. Our program offers a wide varie-
ty of learning experiences and also works to instil a love of Jesus Christ into the hearts of our young stu-
dents.
Our center has an enrollment capacity of 23 children- a total of 7 infants and toddlers and 16 preschool
aged children. Currently, we have a full Infant and Toddler classroom with an admissions waitlist that ex-
ceeds 10 families. Our Preschool is still enrolling for the upcoming school year. Our preschool has full
time and part time options available for children to develop socialization skills and gain experience in a
school setting. Our Academic year begins on September 2nd through the end of May.
If you, or someone you know is interested in learning more about our program, I encourage a visit to our
center for a tour of our classrooms!
How You Can Help- Our center is seeking people who enjoy working with young children and would
like to volunteer in one of our classrooms this school year. Additionally, our program accepts donations of
school supplies (please see donation list) as well as “Thrivent Choice Dollars”. For more information
about how to support Lamb of God School, please see Director, Jessica Prockish in the church office.
Lamb of God Donation List Disinfecting Wipes Tissues Baby Wipes Paper (Craft paper, construction paper, cardstock, recycled paper) Plastic Organizers (shoe box size) Stickers/Craft Supplies Dry Erase Markers Washable Paints Playdoh Dry Snacks (crackers, cereals, etc.)
Back to School for Lamb of God School
By Jessica Prockish, Director of Lamb of God School
The Library Ministry? Is that what you thought our church library was? It was only when Kyle asked me to
write this article - on ‘the Library Ministry’ - that I started to think about it as exactly that. Updates have been
made to the library recently, and we have brought some of it a little closer to you – all done because we know that
the library can and does minister to you in a variety of ways, even if you, or I, hadn’t thought of it quite that way
before.
Hopefully you have noticed the bookshelf placed in the connecting hallway of the church last fall. If not, stop by
for a look – books rotate frequently and you might find something waiting for you to pick up and read right there
in one of the chairs, or to take home for a few days. And what might one of those books be? Well, what’s your
current interest? Or maybe a need right now?
Something light and fun? How about Garrison Keillor’s Life Among the Lutherans? Or, Scandinavian Humor.
Lessons from Lucy about Loving God is a small, quick-read, with very cute illustrations – but don’t let that mis-
lead you! This book is heart-warming and thought-provoking, even if you don’t have a dog like Lucy.
Does your soul need something special? Walking with God in America contains beautiful photography accompa-
nied by scripture passages and quotes by sometimes unlikely people.
Ready for something deeper? Martin Luther’s The Will of God or Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Disciple-
ship.
Men? A different kind of meditation? Battlefields and Blessings. Letters from WWII soldiers.
These are some of the things that have been on the downstairs bookshelf over the last few months.
But go on upstairs. Did you know the real church library is on the second floor? What are you looking for?
Straight ahead as you enter the library are devotional or inspirational books, coping with illness or grief, parent-
ing, caring for aging parents, growing older. To the right are children’s books. Under the window is some Chris-
tian fiction.
To your immediate left as you come in the door are reference books – commentaries, Bible dictionaries and ency-
clopedias, various Bible translations, things to enhance your study and deepen your knowledge. Keep going to
the right for books on the life of Christ, prayer, church history, theology, Luther. Go see what else you can find.
You will notice there are many books there that have stood the test of time. A good read doesn’t have to be brand
new, but everything there was new once, and ministered to someone just like you. Sit and read awhile at the ta-
ble, or leave the card on the desk and take a book home with you. Things in the library are usually in a state of
transition - but you are welcome to look at anything you find.
On the bookshelf in the connecting hallway – the part of the library we have brought closer to you - we will con-
tinue to showcase new titles, seasonal books, or things related to what’s going on in the life of our congregation.
Keep watching that.
What kinds of things can we add to our shelves that would meet you where ever it is you are right now and minis-
ter to you in a way that you may have needed but haven’t yet found? Please let me or Kyle know.
We will continue to tell you about new books we’re adding, or draw your attention to others. Keep Reading!
The Library Ministry
By Karen Jerabek
Going back to school after a long summer break is a sign that fall is approaching with new adven-
tures ahead. Parents are relieved and, at the same time, sad to have the summer end. Students look
forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. It is a scary and yet exciting time to progress
to a new grade with new teachers and classes.
For some students, however, the journey back to school is much different. The struggle for survival
– to eat, be clothed and have shelter, trumps the joy of learning and meeting new educational chal-
lenges. In our region, one in seven of the population receives emergency food assistance from food
pantries, mobile food pantries, kitchens and shelters – with 20.2% (2660) being identified as chil-
dren.
Three thousand of USD 383’s seven thousand students have been identified at enrollment as being
below the poverty level. Every school day the school district identifies more homeless students and
early indicators are that the homeless and migrant children in our schools are increasing more than
last year with enough at this point to fill an entire school.
A year ago, we developed the Patchwork Ministry to address clothing and other needs for students.
Our congregation has been one of the most generous in its giving to the school district and the Head
Start program. We will start collecting for fall and winter in September. Many of the community’s
churches have come together to help the schools meet the needs of their poverty level and homeless
students. The system, however, has become overwhelmed and all our students will suffer if the
schools are the only places that children can find food and clothing.
A community-wide effort is being formed to help the schools and I pray that we can come together
to find a solution to this issue so that all of our children can look forward to an exciting time in their
educational process.
Can we at First Lutheran join in this effort to make a difference in so many lives?
THE BACK TO SCHOOL JOURNEY FOR ALL STUDENTS
By Kathryn Focke, Director of Evangelical Outreach
Going back to school in Minnesota always took place after Labor Day. Growing up in a small
farming community it also meant that the start of the school year was just as important as harvest
season.
When I think about my most memorable "back to school" experience it really didn't have to do with
school itself but rather with the preparation that began as the exciting first day of school ap-
proached. Being the only girl in a family of all boys I remember back to school as a time of bond-
ing for my Mom and I. There are things that you do with girls that boys don't really care
about....such as shopping for new school clothes!! My mom always set aside a day where just the
two of us would go to the nearest "big" town and get all the things needed for school. It was a
much anticipated trip and I loved having Mom all to myself.
Having six brothers has always been and continues to be a blessings in my life. However when I
think of the approach of fall and "back to school" I have precious memories of time spent with
Mom.
~First Lutheran Church Member
My most memorable Back to School event was my first year as a teacher, which was the same year I became the Director of Lamb of God School. It may not be well known but I have been with Lamb of God since its start in 2011. At that time, I was a new college graduate and was undertaking my first “real job” as Lead Teacher and Director of First Lutheran’s new early childhood program. Before the school year began, I spent time planning to host a Back to School Night event where parents and children were invited to “Meet and Greet with Ms. Jessica”. I wanted parents and chil-dren to come and feel acquainted with their new classroom. I spent many days prepping and prepar-ing Parent Packets and setting up my classroom to perfection. Finally when the day of the event rolled around all I can remember are the nerves that I felt. So many questions went through my mind as parents and children began to arrive, “Am I ready for this? Do I have enough copies made? Are the toys and books arranged neatly? Will they like me?” It took a few deep breaths, a silent prayer, and a tiny smile from a bashful child that quickly put me at ease. Also, the presumed probability that many of the children I was about to meet were entering preschool for the first time brought me solace. It wasn’t long before my teaching instinct kicked in and I was able to comfort and reassure many of them that it was my first time in preschool too- and it was nothing to be scared of! ~Jessica Prockish, Director of Lamb of God School
Memorable Back To School Experiences
By Sarah Diamond, Director of Congregational Life
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No.531
Manhattan, KS 66502
Return Service Requested
First Lutheran Church 930 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone:785-537-8532
Fax: 785-539-3507
Email: [email protected]
We’re On The Web!
Www.Firstlutheranmanhattan.org
“Rooted In Christ, we are growing in faith to bear fruit in the
world.”
Pastor Bill George
Interim Pastor
Kyle Olson, AiM
Director of Spiritual Growth
Sarah Diamond
Church Admin./Dir. Of Congregational Life
Kathryn Focke
Director of Evangelical Outreach
Becky Marsh
Communication Specialist
Susan Schindler
Bookkeeper
Classifieds
LCM Meals
Do You Know CPR?
Family Ministry Pumpkin Patch
Stewardship
Coffee Fellowship
FALL EVENT: Pumpkin Patch,
October 17-18. First Lutheran food
booth. Will need food and work-
ers. Proceeds go to First Suppers.
More later.
Dance your way to a health heart,
mind, and body! Physical activity
combined with cognitive challeng-
es is a path to a healthy, long life.
Line dancing promotes both and is
fun. You may come on Monday
mornings (beginning Sept. 8) from
10 to 11 a.m. in the Fellowship
Hall. The lessons are for beginners
of all ages and no partner is need-
ed.
Coffee Fellowship after the Sunday
service will continue in the fall; how-
ever, in order to do so, we need your
help! Please consider hosting one of
the fellowship times after
church. The coffee fellowships can
be held on west patio of the church or
in the parlor - weather permit-
ting. The sign-up is in the nar-
thex. Please contact Sarah Diamond
in the church office with any ques-
tions. Thank you!
Time to Boogie
Luther Campus Ministry is commit-
ted to helping each student grow to-
ward wholeness; physically, mental-
ly, socially, spiritually, and academi-
cally. Opportunities to assists in
reaching these goals include weekly
worship services, Holy Communion,
fellowship meals, spiritual growth
retreats, forums and open discus-
sions, bible study, and community
service projects.
One way First Lutheran is a part of
this ministry is by providing simple
evening meals that allow students to
assemble together to enjoy good food
and Christian fellowship prior to Sun-
day worship. If you would like to
prepare a simple meal in September,
November, January, March, or May,
there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex.
Thank you for helping to support this
ministry. If you have any questions
please contact Larry and Laurel Er-
ickson.
Ministry Fair! When?
One of our BIG events is right
around the corner!!!! What HUGE
event could it be?? The Ministry
Fair of course!!! Mark your calen-
dars for October 12. More details
and information will come in the fol-
lowing weeks and months.
Short-term classes for family are now available! Examples of a few classes are: Holding Your Family Together, Raising a Healthy Baby, Bible Reception, Confirmation Preparation. Please contact Kyle Olson, AiM, Director of Spiritual Growth at [email protected] to sign up or learn more!
The Health ministry is starting a sign-up sheet for an upcoming CPR class. The interest form is in the narthex. Please sign-up!
When it comes to our faith, we typi-cally think of stewardship as it re-lates to time, talents and treasures but how about our health?
Certainly we know about healthy eating, but we should also be aware of what we can do for improved mental as well as physical health. For example, do we ever take a walk on a beautiful spring day in Kansas and enjoy the gifts that God has giv-en us. As stewards we could en-hance our mental health as well as physical.
Choirs Beginning
Chancel choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and sings at the Sunday morning worship ser-vice. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome! The Chancel Choir will first meet on Sunday, September 7. The Handbell Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, September 3. For more information contact Greg Knittel at 537-1748 or [email protected]. Hope to see you there!
First Meals
Our community meal outreach min-
istry is scheduled to start on Thurs-
day, September 4th. Volunteers are
still needed. Please contact Linda
Davis, Susan James or Janet Stark
to become involved!
Caring and Sharing
Birth We rejoice with Brent Kolterman and Kallie Couse on the birth of their daughter,
McKenzie Renee Kolterman, born August 21.
Overseas We remember Jamin Williamson, Adam Collins and Roger Williams who serve in
the military and recently were sent overseas.
(Because of privacy concerns, we print the names of those who are ill only when requested to do
so by the individual.)
Our Work as Mission Partners
Our Financial Gifts
July Income $ 30,147.39 Income YTD $ 331,138.89
July Expenses $ 44,423.56 Expenses YTD $ 324,319.48
July Budget $ 42,560.00 Budget YTD $ 297,864.00
Get to know Pastor Bill George
I married to my wife, Carla, for 48 years. We retired to Kansas City in 2008.We have one
daughter who lives in Kansas City, MO with her husband, Steve, and our one grandson, Ben.
My ministry included hospital chaplaincy and parish ministry. I have served two Intentional
Interim Pastorates in the Kansas City area.
As an Interim Pastor I will focus on the process and procedures of the congregation. I will be
asking you questions to assist you in self-discovery. The goal is to prepare you for your next
pastor. With your self-awareness you will be able to discern the pastor who will be the best
fit. My schedule at First Lutheran will be from Wednesday afternoon until Sunday afternoon.
My activities will include conducting worship services, pastoral care, pastoral duties and
working with staff to accomplish the mission of First Lutheran Church.
