Inside: Sunday worship time changes to 9:15am this Sunday, Sanctuary Book Discussion, Bible Bits and Bible Readers

Inside: A Time To Mourn Memorial Service, Food Drive Fridays, Pentecost Project

Inside: Grad Recognition & Cupcakes THIS Sunday, Blood Drive this Monday, & Virtual Memory Cafe

So first, the how-to: A good starting point is our website. The easiest way to find our live streaming page is to go to 1stlu.org/live. On this page you’ll find several things, but the main thing is this: you can actually watch the live stream right there, on our site. No need to have an account on another social media platform, the live stream is right there for you to watch. But part of worship is the social aspect of it, so if you do have an account on Facebook or YouTube, you might want to watch there, as you can chat with other members who are watching.

Sisters and brothers in Christ,

Since suspending in-person worship in March, First Lutheran has continued to worship twice a week, provide pastoral care, serve the community, teach our kids and so much more. Our staff and membership have boldly accepted the challenge to be God’s Church even when we can’t gather in a church building. Thank you for continuing to engage in the ministries, participate in worship and gift the church with your financial generosity. It continues to make a difference!

Inside: Mission trip & confirmation camp cancelled, Virtual Springfest, Grad Recognition

There were no voice recorders in the 1500s, so we don’t know whether Luther really said it or whether it is simply attributed to him, but here’s the quote so many love, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” It is a hope-filled statement of defiance in the face of certain hopelessness. It would look foolish to the world. But… it is also an act of faith. That even amidst a ‘world going to pieces’ there will be a time when apples will come in handy.

May is one of my favorite months. My daughter Sarah was born this month; Mothers Day and my anniversary are this month. People are enjoying the outdoors, grilling, playing in their yards, walking, running and having graduation parties. Just a year ago, Perry and I had two weddings to attend and a graduation of a niece. We usually find time in May to camp for the first time in Bayfield, WI, with my brother and sister-in-law. This is usually a great month to connect with people and enjoy the outdoors.

April 12, 2020, those words were from my heart. April 22, 2020, and they still are heartfelt. I have been awed by so many people who are loving their way through this unprecedented time. I think of my grandparents often, members of what is called the Greatest Generation. I wonder what they would say and think and do. I think they would be afraid but would pull on their experiences of war and tell us we do this thing together, it is the only way. We pull together, we encourage each other through the fear and we sacrifice things we never considered sacrificing—like our ability to move freely around the world, our vanity, our wealth or our way of life.

INSIDE: Blood Drive, Friday Food Drives, OWLs Virtual Potlucks

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Inside: 4:10 Prayers, Virtual Springfest, Blessing Graduates, Blood Drive

Inside: scholarship deadline extended, OWLs Virtual Potluck, HLC Food Pantry needs, and sidewalk chalk art wanted

Inside: Cinnamon roll Sunday THIS Sunday, Apr. 19, scholarship deadline extended, virtual Memory Cafes.

NOTE: Since we are not worshipping in-person, we are not printing paper bulletins, and in turn not creating a PDF of the publication. All current announcements are listed below.

NOTE: Since we are not worshipping in-person, we are not printing paper bulletins, and in turn not creating a PDF of the publication. All current announcements are listed within.