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THE MESSENGERAUGUST 2017

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

W W W. F I R S T L U T H E R A N K E A R N E Y. O R G

Messages from the Pastor............2-3

Office Updates…..............................4

Worship Themes........…...................6

Adult Education & Fellowship...........7

Outreach Opportunities........................8-9

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

Making a Difference.......................11

Music Opportunities.......................12

Announcements.............................13

Preschool…….……...…..................14

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

“LIKE” us on Facebook!First Lutheran Church - Kearney

View our Event Calendar!www.firstlutherankearney.org

Sign up for FLC E-mail updates!Send request to:

mmcguire@firstlutherankearney.org

Back to Youth Ministry!

With summer quickly winding down and back to school preparations beginning, First Lutheran Church is excited to welcome our youth back for fall programming! Registration forms are located at the welcome stations or are available to fill out on the church website at www.firstlutherankearney.org. Please fill out one form per child. The following are important dates for you to know:

• August 12/13, 2017 - Blessing of Backpacks for students during services- Kids of all ages bring your backpacks to be blessed for a new school year and receive a prayer tag

• August 12/13, 2017 - Sunday School/FROG/Pre-school Teacher Installation during services

• August 23, 2017 - Confirmation Orientation for parents of all 6th, 7th and 8th graders 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

• August 30, 2017 - First day of Confirmation, please note: Confirmation only begins on this day

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A M E S S AG E from the PA S TO R

Grace and Peace to You from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

It is good to be here… or almost here. I am writing from Gettysburg, PA in the midst of downsizing, packing and saying good-bye. Yet, in the whirlwind of activity, we are eagerly anticipating our arrival to the heart of Nebraska!

The weekend that Rick and I preached and presided at First as part of the call process I took the picture that is below. It is a stunning work of art. I sent it to my sister immediately as she is a quilter and loves to see new ideas and designs. As I have learned from watching my sister, quilting is not a quick activity. It involves choosing fabric and thread colors. It is pieced together until it looks the way the quilter wants or follows a particular design, and then it is tacked down and sewn together with the backing. Finally, the edging is finished. Time and attention to detail are gifts of the quilter.

I find quilting to be a helpful metaphor for what it means to be church. Each of us is one of the fabric pieces – varying in who we are as children of God. Our congregation is sewn together by threads of history. It is a history of members, moments and ministers. As no two quilts are exactly alike, so no two congregations are alike (and no two pastors are alike, either).

When we all participate with our gifts which God has given us, we energize the body of Christ. That same body of Christ that brought God into this world in the flesh. That same body of Christ that healed, taught and proclaimed God as his Father. That same body of Christ that was nailed to the cross. That same body of Christ that defeated sin and the grave. That same body that blew the Holy Spirit upon the first disciples so they would never be alone in their work of spreading God’s word and caring for all of God’s children. That same body we receive in, with, and under the bread and cup at the Lord’s Table.

Pastor Rick and I are looking forward to joining the quilt that is First Lutheran Church in the mission field of Kearney, Nebraska.

God’s peace be with you all,

Pastor Michelle

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O t h e r Pa s t o r N e w sGuest Pastor Juliet Hampton

Coming August 26/27

Rev. Juliet Hampton is a life long Lutheran that grew up in the eastern United States and did undergraduate and graduate work in Special Education. After teaching Special Education at a private boarding school near NYC she moved to Gettysburg to attend seminary. She did her First Call in Genoa, NE and now works with 80 ELCA congregations in eastern NE as one of three Assistants to the Bishop for the Nebraska Synod. On staff her three areas of priority are congregational relations, call process and First Call Theological Education. She lives in the Fremont area with her young son.

Rev. Megan Morrow grew up in Lincoln at Grace and First Lutheran Churches. She graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Music Education and Music Therapy. She was a music therapist in the public schools in Chaska and Chanhassen, Minnesota for a few years before going to seminary at Luther in St. Paul. She has served 3 calls in Nebraska: Adullam/Immanuel in Bertrand, Southwood in Lincoln and Grace in Lexington. As an Assistant to the Bishop, she relates to ELCA congregations across southeast NE, coordinates the synod’s Essential Boundaries for Wise Leaders program and planning of the synod’s annual Theological Conference. She lives in Lincoln with her father.

Guest Pastor Megan Morrow Coming August 19/20

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O F F I C E U P DAT E S

Church Officeoffice@firstlutherankearney.orgPastor Sylvia KarlssonTransition Pastorsylviakarlsson@firstlutherankearney.org

Carol BosshardtVisitation Lay Ministercarol bosshardt@firstlutherankearney.org

Mike McGuireExecutive Directormmcguire@firstlutherankearney.orgKandy BaconAdministrative Assistantkbacon@firstlutherankearney.org Marti BrockmeierBookkeepermartibrockmeier@firstlutherankearney.org

Natalie RadcliffeWorship Music Coordinatornatalieradcliffe@firstlutherankearney.org

Judy O’DonnellPreschool Directorjudyodonnell@firstlutherankearney.orgDon DuffieChurch Custodiandonduffie@firstlutherankearney.org

FLC STAFF E-MAIL ADDRESSES

USE OF OFFERING ENVELOPES

Thank you to all those who regularly make use of the weekly offering envelopes. It may not be possible to keep an accurate recording of your contributions if you do not use your envelopes. If you choose to contribute by check without using the envelopes, please write your offering envelope number on your check. This will enable us to record your contributions accurately. Any loose checks that are received without an envelope number noted may not be reflected on your contribution statement.

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

If you are not receiving offering envelopes and would like some, please contact Marti in the church office. Thank you for your help!

VIDEO BROADCASTS AVAILABLE ONLINE

Unable to make it to church? Watch a LIVE web broadcast of our Sunday Morning Worship Services 8:45 am and 10:30/11:00 am. A link for the live stream is available at: www.firstlutherankearney.org

LIVE RADIO BROADCAST

Live radio broadcast of our Sunday Morning Worship Service can be heard on KXPN 1460 AM at 8:45 am. The cost to sponsor a radio broadcast is $165.00 per week. If you would like to help sponsor a radio broadcast, please contact the Church Office at 308-237-5544.

SUBMISSIONS FOR NEWSLETTER & PROJECTION ANNOUNCEMENTSThe deadline for weekly announcements is Wednesday at 4:00 pm. The submission deadline for the monthly newsletter “The Messenger” is the 15th of the prior month. Submit to: office@firstlutherankearney.org or call the church office at 308-237-5544.

JUNE FINANCE REPORT Ministry Budget: June 2017 YTD '16-'17 YTD '15-'16Budget Supporting Revenue $ 40,184 $ 40,184 $ 45,538 Budget Related Expenditures $ (53,690) $ (53,690) $ (58,499)

Total 2016-2017 Ministry Budget: $709,339 Facilities Budget: June l 2017 YTD '16-'17 YTD '15-'16Revenue $ 5,063 $ 5,083 $ 6,180Expenditures $ (3,953) $ (3,953) $ (2,552) Total 2017-2018 Facilities Budget: $45,000

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CO U N C I L & T E A M U P DAT E SGreetings from your Church Council, Here’s an update on the latest happenings and discussions within First Lutheran Church.

At our JULY meeting, we took action on the following:

• Appointed council reps to each Ministry Team

o Mission Outreach: Rachel Leach

o Memorials and Budget Teams: Wendell Wessels

o Witness & Members: Lanny Gerdes

o Stewardship: CJ Sabah

o Imaging & Technology: Kyle Means

o Care & Growth: Keith Powell

o Preschool Board and Personnel Teams: Myron Riddle

o Worship Life: Gary Anderson

o Property & Management: Mark Kottmeyer

• We decided to approve our ministry partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). After some preparation of meeting space, this group will begin using First Lutheran as its host location for regular meetings. This is an exciting opportunity for FLC to be more visible in the community, while serving a local organization in faith.

• We approved a Property & Management request to have the pews and choir chairs professionally cleaned. The expense for this will be about $2,336. The funds will come from the regular maintenance budget.

• We appointed and tasked subcommittee to work on organizing events to celebrate and honor the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. This group will be led by Natalie Radcliffe. These events will take place in October. More info coming soon.

We also discussed the following topics:

• Kyle informed the team about important dates related to Pr. Sylvia’s departure and the new Co-Pastors’ arrival.

. Pr. Sylvia’s last weekend will be August 12-13. The Carlsons will each preside the last two weekends of August (we have guest preachers scheduled already). Then both Pr. Rick and Pr. Michelle will preach/preside together starting the first weekend in September.

. We will plan a welcome event on September 10, as part of “God’s Work, Our Hands” day, with a special potluck dinner after the late service.

• We discussed the next steps of the “Let Your Light Shine” fundraiser. We are exploring options for special envelopes along with a full communications plan.

• Finally, we discussed an idea of creating a new photo-book that would show names and faces of each member. This book would be given to the Carlsons as a way to help them get to know members faster. Logistics would be challenging, but we see value in trying to pull this together.

The council is very grateful for the work that Pr. Sylvia did as our Transitional Sr. Pastor. She was able to use her gifts to help position us to call a new pastoral team. We wish her the best of luck in her next step. And now, we look forward with great excitement as Pr. Rick and Pr. Michelle begin their call with us. God has blessed us greatly, and we will continue to use our gifts to be a blessing to others.

Peace be with you all,

First Lutheran Church Council

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W O R S H I P T H E M E SAUGUST 5-6LECTIONARY 18ISAIAH 55:1-8; PSALM 145:8-9,14-21; ROMANS 9-1:5; MATTHEW 14:13-21. In today’s first reading God invites all who are hungry or thirsty to receive food and drink without cost. Jesus feeds the hungry multitude and reveals the abundance of God. At the eucharistic table we remember all who are hungry or poor in our world today. As we share the bread of life, we are sent forth to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry.

AUGUST 12-13LECTIONARY 191 KINGS 19:9-18; PSALM 85:8-13 ROMANS 10:5-15; MATTHEW 14:22-23.Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.

AUGUST 19-20LECTIONARY 20ISAIAH 56:1,6-8; PSALM 67; ROMANS 11:1-2A, 29-32; MATTHEW 15:[10-20], 21-28.In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel.

Megan Boyer Lanny GerdesMark Kottmeyer Kyle MeansJen Puls

Kyle Means - PresidentGary Anderson - Vice President Wendell Wessels - Treasurer Rachel Leach - SecretaryLanny GerdesMark KottmeyerKeith PowellMyron RiddleCJ Sabah

Contact information for our Congregational Council

Representatives, Ministry Site Profile Team and Call Committeeare available in the lobby

or the church office.

Steve BoyerGary BuehnerPam EpleySuzette EpplerBill SchmidtAngela WrightJohn Brockmeier

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL

MINISTRY SITE PROFILE TEAM

CALL COMMITTEE

HAVE QUESTIONS?

The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.

AUGUST 26-27LECTIONARY 21ISAIAH 51:1-6; PSALM 138; ROMANS 12:1-8; MATTHEW 16:13-20.In Isaiah the people are bid to look to their spiritual ancestors as the rock from which they were hewn. Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith. God’s word of reconciliation and mercy are keys to the church’s mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world, but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ. From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed.

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MEN’S STUDY GROUPThis study is based on the Master Builders Bible for Men. Join us on Saturday mornings from 7:45-8:45 AM in the Conference Room. For more information, contact Brent Whitefoot at whitefootbd@hotmail.com.

SATURDAY

MARTIN & KATIE’S COFFEE HOURPlease join our seasoned and sensational members and friends in the Café Thursday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am for delectable delights and candid conversation. All are welcome for this great time of fellowship.

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

Thank you!

First Lutheran Council

A D U LT E D U C AT I O N & F E L LO W S H I PAdult Education and Fellowship opportunities are in abundance at First Lutheran Church. If you are curious about any of the programming we offer and want more information, please contact the church office at: 308-237-5544 or just show up!

SUNDAYSUNDAY MORNINGCOFFEE FELLOWSHIPSundays 9:45-11:00 am in the Café

MONDAYGRACE BIBLE STUDYLadies interested in joining a monthly Bible Study are invited to attend. Regular meetings are on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Chapel. Please come and invite a friend!

SUNRISE PRAYER & STUDY GROUPThis group meets at 7:00 am on Tuesday mornings in the Fellowship Hall. This study takes a look at the upcoming gospel text from the lectionary and discussion is centered around how this applies to our lives today.

TUESDAY

DRINKING FROM THE WELL. . . is a new ministry from Seeking the Spirit Within: The Nebraska Synod Institute for Spiritual Direction Formation. It is a unique opportunity to learn from spiritual directors from around the Nebraska Synod ELCA and grow in your experience of the Divine.

Participants will have access to an online instructional webinar each month and will meet one time a month with a small group. If we have individuals from the Kearney area who register for this program, Connie Stover will facilitate the small group meetings at First Lutheran Church.

For more information about this new ministry and get the instructions on how to register, go to seekingthespiritwithin.org or contact Connie at 308-440-4450 or conniestover@nebraskasynod.org. Registration is not limited to members of ELCA congregations, so we encourage you to share this information with any of your friends who might be interested in participating!

Registrations are now being accepted for the class beginning this September and going through April, 2018.

WORSHIP TIMES

SATURDAY6:00 PM...............TRADITIONALSUNDAY8:45 AM..............TRADITIONAL10:30 AM............WORSHIP & PRAISE

LIVE VIDEO STREAMSUNDAYS 8:45 AM & 10:30 AM/11:00 AM

WWW.FIRSTLUTHERANKEARNEY.ORG

LIVE RADIO BROADCASTSUNDAYS 8:45 AM ON XPN 1460 AM

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H.A.T.S.Do you know someone who needs a visit, or would you like to help us visit our seniors and shut-ins. This summer we started visiting on the Third Thursday afternoon at 1:15 p.m. as well as the First Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Join us either day in the CAFÉ for devotions before partners head out to visit one or two people. Call Carol (308-440-8422) if you know someone who could use a visit or want more information

MEDIA BOOTH VOLUNTEERSVolunteers are needed for sound, projection and video. Currently looking for volunteers for the 2nd Saturdays of each month for the 6:00 pm worship service. Training is available. Contact the church office at 308-237-5544.

WANT TO LEARN TO KNIT OR CROCHET???We have free yarn and easy Prayer Shawl patterns or you can use your own. We would love for you to join us during our summer schedule, the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the coffee area. If you have any questions, need a ride or have a prayer shawl request, please give Theress Bricker (308) 233-2469 or Carol Bosshardt (308) 224-3734 a call.

S E R V I C E O P P O R T U N I T I E S

FIRST LUTHERAN FAMILY SNAPSHOTSA photo book to help the new pastors get to know us.

With the current directory getting outdated, we would like to create a simple photo book with pictures and names of our current members. This will be a great way to help the new pastors match names with faces. This is not intended to be a “new directory,” rather, it’s intended to be a resource and guide for Pr. Rick and Pr. Michelle.

Please send a current family photo with names to the address below. We will also have photo stations set up in the narthex during upcoming church services. More details to come.

Send photos to: photos@firstlutherankearney.org

We’re also looking for volunteers to assist with this project. If interested, please contact the church office or send an email to the address listed above

Thank you!

First Lutheran Council

PRAYER REQUESTSYou can pray for folks listed on the Worship Outlines each week. For additional prayers, join an email, text, or telephone prayer chain. Telephone Prayer Chain leaders are Jeanette Andersen (237-3634), Marlene Kotrc (234-3293), and Mary Lu Mintling (237-5716). Request text and email prayers through Carol Bosshardt (308-440-8422 cbosshardt@hotmail.com) or Theress Bricker (308-233-2469 tmbricker4@gmail.com).

COMMUNION ASSISTANT SUBS NEEDED

Communion Assistant subs are needed for all services. If you would be willing to serve in this way on an occasional basis, please notify the church office, or if you have questions, please call Monie Karschner at 236-8550 or e mail her at karschner@charter.net.

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W I T H I N O U R C H U R C H FA M I LY

Prayers of sympathy and comfort for:

Brad and Jo Schwartz on the death of Jo’s mother, Adeline Ballou

Vera Lee Brodine and family on the death of Vera Lee’s sister, Nancy Ann

Matzner.

Lois Walters and family on the death of Lois’ son, Mike Walters.

Joan Smallcomb and family on the death of Joan’s husband, Kent Smallcomb.

The family of Jessica Dorn who passed away on July 8th

Joan Smallcomb and family on the death of her brother-in-law, Dale Smallcomb.

Heath and Amanda Smallcomb and family on the death of Heath’s uncle,

Dale Smallcomb

Lutheran World Relief Baby Care KitsThank you to everyone who has already donated to the Baby Care Kits.

This project is Special because it is a way for us to touch a Baby and their Family in a very personal way. We may not know the individuals, but we are doing God’s Work “in helping some of the least of these”.

Our Congregation has taken on sponsorship of this proj-ect for our Fall “God’s Service, Our Hands” project in September. This is exciting for me as this is a mission close to my own heart after working with young children for much of my life. I would like to mention how the proj-ect is reaching out to others. One special young lady is personally making a baby blanket to be in one of the kits and she wants to be involved in assembling the kits. This is my hope to reach more people to do more. In the future we plan a time to assemble kits.

Please pick up a list at the bassinet display and prayer-fully consider donating any of the items listed. Garage Sales are wonderful place to look for gently used baby clothes at fantastic prices. T-shirts and pants in a variety of sizes from 3-6 months up to 18 months to 24 months. We try to vary sizes in each kit if possible.

Thank you in advance for your gifts.

Contact Person: Alicia Tracy 309-293-7676

OUR MISSION & CORE VALUESOur Theme: Receiving...Sharing...UnitingOur Mission: Receiving God’s Grace. Sharing God’s Love. Uniting in Christ.Our Purpose: Uniting as one to worship God, to follow Christ, and to share a spirit of love and service to others.Our Core Values:Inspiring Worship that connects us to God and others.Engaging Discipleship that invites us into a committed relationship with God and others.Compassionate Service that empowers us to be the body of Christ in our community and the world.Radical Hospitality that welcomes others as Christ welcomes us.

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W O M E N o f t h e E LC A

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:Rosemary Miller Judy NiemannPresident-Elect:Betty KempfSecretary:Deanna SchwartzTreasurer:Megan Boyer

ABIGAIL CIRCLE (SEPT.–MAY)9:00 am—3rd ThursdayCo-Chairs: LaVon McLane (308-293-1882) and Jill Johnson (308-234-1659)

DEBORAH CIRCLE7:00 pm –3rd MondayCo-Chairs:Alicia Tracy (308-234-4793) and Jo Smallcomb (308-234-3053)

GLORIA CIRCLE12:00pm—3rd ThursdayCo-Chairs: Judy Workman(308-237-2781)and Pearl Baumgartner (308-234-3459)

NAOMI CIRCLE7:30pm—4th Thursday (3rd Thurs. in Nov.)Chair: Mildred Bliefernich (308-236-9266)

REBEKAH CIRCLE9:00am—3rd Tuesday

SARAH CIRCLEGibbon group—Time VariesChair: Bev Vacha (308-468-6239)

Did you know? Naomi circle takes pictures for the baptismal board in the front of the sanctuary. Take a minute to look at pictures of our newly baptized members.

Gloria circle collects and donates items to the Jubilee Center and Crossroads Center.

Women of the ELCA, First Lutheran Church, met July 10. Officers for the following year were elected. These officers and other committee members will be installed September 3, 2017. The meeting was followed with a presentation by Sister Ruth on her recent trip to Tanzaania. Chairman – Betty Kempf

President-Elect – Judy Workman

Secretary – Deanna Schwartz

• • • Installation of officers September 3• September 11 Board Meeting/Pot luck Fellowship Hall• 13th Biennial Convention Registration – September 28 –

September 30 Carol Joy Holling Camp• Fall Gathering September 28-29 “Changes, Challenges,Choices”

Business meeting, September 30. Music, creative arts, outdoor adventure, yoga, Bible study, prayer and more Carol Joy Holling Ashland. www.nebraskasynod.org/ministries/women

• Saved to Serve1. Spirit of Grace August 25-26, 2017 - Holdrege2. UNL Lutheran Center – October 20-22, 2017 - Lincoln

All women of First Lutheran are assigned to work groups to help with funerals and Lenten suppers. In order to keep the list updated, please inform the church office or Rosemary Miller 627-1804 if your phone number or address changes.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

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M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C EWatering God’s Garden

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 37b-38 NIV

I watered squash plants as I transplanted them, but when I went back outside in the afternoon, they were so wilted, I didn’t know whether they would live or die. This reminded me how important it is to water and feed my soul each day, not just on Sunday or once or twice a month.

Here at home I’ve enjoyed watering my spirit with Connie Stover’s 7 Ways to Pray lessons. Body prayers help my spirit dance with joy. Breath prayers and “Grateful Living Prayer Practices” center my thoughts on God’s blessings in my life and in our world. They help me look at individuals and projects God calls me to serve.

As I write this devotion, I just returned from the Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA. My week with more than 3,300 women from every state in the US and 12 other countries also watered my spirit and challenges me and encourages me to look again and again at what God is calling me individually and us as a congregation to do to grow spiritually so “rivers of living water will flow from [us].”

Kelly Fryer, author of Reclaiming the L Word and other devotional texts challenged the Women of the ELCA to start being “good” rather than “nice” sisters in Christ. First we need to recognize our racist attitudes toward refugees and others in need. Then we need to act to empower Jesus’ justice in our hometowns as well as the world. Fryer told of a white attorney at a $300 a plate fundraiser who suggested a black, female university professor and her daughter should serve the desserts at their table and refused to back down when he was told that was a racist suggestion. Fryer reminds all of us that the attorney’s expectation of service from a black female wasn’t the only racist action. The “nice,” silent onlookers at that table also failed to support Jesus’ justice for all people.

How will you seek and share “rivers of living water” this month? Will you start with a breath prayer, or will you speak up when a friend or family member makes a racist comment? Right now I’m going to thank my loving partner for the spiral notebooks he bought for LWR backpacks while I was in Minneapolis.

Then I’m going to call on one of our shut-ins before I start sewing a LWR quilt top.

By the way, two of those almost dead squash plants are now blooming and God is watering them this afternoon.

Carol Bosshardt

Amanda Lewis, Volunteer of the Month This month, the council is pleased to recognize Amanda Lewis as the volunteer of the month. “Miss Amanda,” as she’s known by the kids at First Lutheran, is a high-energy, enthusiastic volunteer who gives of her time and talents throughout the year. She leads the children’s choir, helps at FROG, plans the Christmas program each year and much more. Additionally, she was once again a Vacation Bible School leader. Her love of Christ really shines, and seems to impact the kids in such a positive way. She also recently accompanied our middle school students at confirmation camp. Based on a few photos we saw, it looked like everyone had an amazing experience.

First Lutheran is very fortunate to have someone as passionate as Amanda Lewis. The work she does with the kids is a tremendous blessing for all. So the next time you see her, please tell her ‘thanks’ for all her efforts in the name of Christ.

A ministry for members to care for one another has begun again at First Lutheran Church! The ministry’s purpose is to provide a meal to members who have been in the hospital, had a new baby, lost a loved one, etc. Volunteers are needed to provide these meals. If you would like to share God’s love with another, please consider being a part of this important ministry. To participate, call the church office at 237-5544. Please contact Megan Boyer at 308-440-0501 or Cheryl Gerdes at 308-627-7588 with any questions.

CARING & SHARINGM I N I S T R Y

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: LOVE EACH OTHER, just as I have loved you,you should love each other.” — John 13:34 NLT

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M U S I C O P P O R T U N I T I E S

All choirs will start up again in September.

R E S O U R C E S

http://www.firstlutherankearney.org308-237-5544

http://www.elca.org800-638-3522

http://www.nebraskasynod.org402-896-5311

http://www.nlom.org402-944-2544

http://www.lwr.org800-597-5972

First Lutheran Church hasmany music ministries available and

invites you to become involved in one or more. Contact chuch office

for a list of groups.http://www.nelcm.com/

(308) 234-1828

WORSHIP TEAMSThese groups sing year round for the Contemporary Worship Service. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays5:30 PM in the Sanctuary

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C O M PA N I O N S I N C H R I S T

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

PRE-K CLASSROOM NEWS

Greetings to all!

The classrooms have been getting a little active in July and will be very busy this next month. We have sent out the Orientation Night and supply lists to all the parents and now we are getting the rooms all set up for the 2017-2018 school year!We will be holding Orientation Night on Thursday August 24th and we will begin classes the following week. Ms. Amanda and Ms. Lora will start on Monday Aug. 28th for the Mon./Wed. 3yr old group, and their Tues./Thurs. 3yr old group will start on Tuesday Aug. 29th. Mrs. Judy and Mrs. Sonya Pre-K Morning and Afternoon classes will start on Tues. Aug. 29th.We are looking for a few more subs to help us out this coming school year. If you are interested or know of someone who may be please let us know. You would have a background check done and then you would be put on our Sub List. A sub may be asked to work when a teacher is ill or on vacation. You are given pay for the sessions worked which comes out to $10.00 per hour. It is a fun environment to work in when subbing. Please e-mail me at judyodonnell@firstlutherankearney.org if you are interested and I will get you set up. Thank you!

Enjoy the rest of your summer and God Bless!

Mrs. Judy

3/4 YR. OLD CLASSROOM NEWS

Hello First Lutheran Church!

August is here! It is time for us to get all prepared for school! We can’t wait to get to meet our new classes. Orientation and our first days of school will be here before we know it. Mrs. Lora and I have been gradually making lists of things we are going to do to make this year even better, which we both agreed last year was amazing! It was my first year, but those kids had fun and learned lots!

We hope you are enjoying your summer and finding time for family and friends! God Bless!

Mrs. Amanda & Mrs. Lora

SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY E-NEWSIt’s easy to join our weekly email list!

Keep up to date with activities at First Lutheran Church — sign up for our weekly e-mail! You will receive a weekly update of upcoming events, special notices, and access to our weekly and monthly newsletters. You will be able to remove your name from this list at any time and we will not provide your e-mail address to anyone else.

Text: FIRSTLUTHKRNY to 22828 to get started,or visit our website:

WWW.FIRSTLUTHERANKEARNEY.ORG

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C H I L D R E N / M I D D L E S C H O O LAnswer: D

YOU’RE INVITED TO ATTEND:

SUNDAY SCHOOLWILL RESUME ON SEPTEMBER 10th

Please submit one registration form per child and return to the church office.Additional copies are available in the lobby or on our website.

— F.R.O.G. —FULLY RELY ON GOD

Wednesday Night Programmingfor children Pre-K through 5th Grade

WILL RESUME ON SEPTEMBER 6TH

PLEASE NOTE: FROG students will now be dismissed at 8:00 pm instead of 7:45 pm. Please plan to pick up your children in their classrooms at 8.

Confirmation Families Save the date for Confirmation Orientation. It will be August 16, 2017 at First Lutheran Church. Please complete the registration form before this meeting. A Registration form will be available online in the near future.

August 30, 2017 - First day of ConfirmationPlease note: Confirmation only begins on this day

Looking ahead . . . Mark these dates in your calendar for September!

• September 6, 2017 – Return of the following: Praiser Bells – 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. Feeding the Flock – 5:45 – 6:15 p.m. Heavenly Treblemakers – 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Fully Rely On God (FROG) – 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

• September 10, 2017 – First day of Sunday School/Open House - 9:55 – 10:50 a.m.

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S E N I O R H I G H Y O U T H

SUNDAY MORNINGSTOGETHER

9:50-10:30 AM LOWER LEVEL YOUTH ROOMJoin Dave Behle, Scott Darveau,

Keith Powell & FriendsCome for the fellowship, learning and faith sharing. Come for the friends and Food!

Chill, talk and grow your faith.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS TOGETHER

7:00-8:15 PM FLY DOWNSTAIRS IN THE YOUTH ROOM

Come join us to strengthen your faith andbuild your connections to Christ, the church,and one another.

We give thanks to Keith Powell for his connections with the youth. If you want toget in contact with Keith here’s his cell #(402) - 270 - 4914kcp12001@hotmail.com

New Fire pit!!!

ELCA YOUTH GATHERING (MISSION TRIP) Houston, Texas | June 27-July 1, 2018Join 30,000 Christian youth from around the

world in Houston as we praise God together and serve the Lord with gladness. Mark your calendars NOW. More information to come. We need a $200 deposit by August 15, 2017.Houston – people might know it as Beyoncé’s hometown, others as the world hub of the energy industry, some for its prominence as the flight-control center for NASA’s manned space missions, but we know it best as the host city for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering! We also know Houston is a diverse, multicultural metropolis with thriving performing arts and culinary scenes, more than 55,000 acres of green space, a large and growing international community, and so much more.More details will be shared once they are available.

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T H E N E X T S T E P

TO: Members of First Lutheran Church

Praise God! We have called a new pastoral team. In August, Rev. Dr. Rick Carlson and Rev. Dr. Michelle Carlson will begin their service at First Lutheran Church.

With this news, it’s important to note that we’re in an overlapping phase of transition. Pr. Sylvia is ending her time of transitional ministry with us, while we are about to welcome the new pastors and a new era of ministry. We have to take the wisdom we’ve learned during the call process and continue to apply it to our ministry in the future. At the same time, we must not dwell on the past or try to recreate something that happened long ago. What do we mean by this? In the spirit of making all things new, just as Christ does for us, we should follow the new path that God has set before us, without turning around or choosing our own, familiar path instead.

As Pr. Sylvia shared with us at the last council meeting, we learned that way back, people would make a “marker” on a road or pathway by piling up large stones together. Stones would also be used for building materials and even for cooking over fire. So, metaphorically, we are now in the time of throwing away some “stones” and gathering other “stones” together. Pr. Sylvia noted stones to throw away and stones to gather:

STONES TO THROW AWAY• Anxiety for the future • Second-guessing changes made during transition • Unhealthy communication patterns, factions or triangles.• Disappointment in the past; not to forget, but to let it be over. • Comparisons with other pastors, liked or disliked, whether at First or elsewhere.• Wanting our own way; turning on ourselves as a church

STONES TO GATHER TOGETHER• Resistance to old conflicts, which might come up again. Address them directly. • Prayerfulness in every decision, putting God’s purpose first• Listening well in each interaction• Council leadership to build up unity among the “three congregations.”• Honesty about where we’ve been, without dwelling on it. • Healthy communication in both easy and difficult conversations.• Continue the connection that has been built with the Synod.

As a church, we are poised to do amazing things in the name of Christ. Our foundation is strong. New leadership will ignite enthusiasm within us. As long as we stay focused on God’s plan for us, we will have a lot to look forward to together.

Please feel encouraged to volunteer in the church. Now is a great time to get involved! Join a Ministry Team, teach Sunday School, help serve meals at “Feeding the Flock,” help in the sound booth during service, participate in Habitat 4 Humanity work days, or whatever God is calling you to do. Doing so will help strengthen your connection to Christ, and offer a wonderful service to the church at an important time in our history.

Blessings to all,

Sincerely, First Lutheran Council: Kyle Means, Gary Anderson, Rachel Leach, Wendell Wessels, CJ Sabah, Keith Powell, Myron Riddle, Mark Kottmeyer, Pr. Sylvia Karlsson

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A N N O U N C E M E N T SKeeping Our Church Directory Updated

If you have any changes in your email, phone num-ber or address, please let the church office know as soon as you can. We have really worked to get this updated, and it’s up to YOU to keep it that way. And - if you could use a printed copy of the updated church directory, just let us know in the church of-fice, and we can do that for you. We are not sending it out electronically for personal information security reasons as we currently don’t have the capability to keep it secure. Call in at 308-237-5544 or email at office@firstlutherankearney.org.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Please join FLC Prayer Shawl Ministry Wednesday August 9th & 23rd from 7pm to 8pm in the coffee area. You are welcome to stay the whole time or just for a few minutes. Our Prayer Shawls touch many lives in many ways. We are taking Prayer Shawl requests at this time. If you are interested in becom-ing a part of the ministry , please contact Theress Bricker at 308-233-2469 or Carol Bosshardt at 308-224-3734.

New Council Members

My name is Mark Kottmeyer and my wife, Eileen, and I have been members of First Lutheran since the early eighties. Eileen and I have three children, Ann, Ben, and Lee. Ann is married to Kane Shirley and their son, Korbin, brings even more sunshine, laughter and joy to our lives.

My activities at First Lutheran include being a long time confirmation teacher and serving on the church council in the nineties. I am currently completing my 38th season as a self employed crop consultant that works with area farmers in corn, soybean, and alfalfa production. I am excited to see where God is leading our congregation to serve. Please cover your church council members with your prayers!

New Council MembersGreetings! My name is Rachel Leach. I have been a member of First Lutheran for 18 years. For the major-ity of those years, I could be found with many differ-ent hats with our youth. I have been a lesson leader, a rec leader and a co-coordinator for our Wednes-day night program. I taught Sunday School for many years and led confirmation classes for seven years. Vacation Bible School is one of my favorite weeks of the summer and have enjoyed many summers with that program. I have served on the Preschool Board and the Care and Growth Committee.

I am married to Shawn Leach and we celebrate our 11th anniversary this month. We have a total of four children between us. Brianna is 21 and will gradu-ate in December from UNK with her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Theater and minor in Dance. Ryan is 16 and is a sophomore at KHS. Bailey is 19 and a sophomore at Wayne State. KayLynn is 17 and a senior at KHS. I am the Administrative Assistance/Facility Rental Advisor for the City of Kearney, Park and Recreation Department. I am about to embark on my 19th year with them.

My passion is my children and following them around to their many activities. I am huge concert lover, I love to travel and love attending live theater produc-tions. I recently took up golf to have as a past-time during the start of the empty nester years.

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A U G U S T

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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH3315 G Avenue - Kearney, Nebraska 68847

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 155Kearney, NE 68847

First Lutheran Church, ELCA3315 G AvenueKearney, Nebraska 68847-3699

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

LIVE VIDEO STREAM BROADCAST SUNDAYS AT 8:45 AM & 10:30 AMLIVE RADIO BROADCAST SUNDAY MORNINGS 8:45 AM ON KXPN 1460 AM

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

SUNDAY

8:45 AM Worship with Communion (Traditional)

10:30 AM Worship & Praise with Communion

SATURDAY

6:00 PMWorship with Communion (Traditional)

PLEASE JOIN US AT ONE OF OUR WORSHIP TIMES

AUGUST 2017

RECEIVINGGOD’S GRACE

SHARINGGOD’S LOVE

UNITINGIN CHRIST