First Evangelical Lutheran Church 305 West 5 th Street North Platte, Nebraska 69101 2018 Contact Us... Phone: 308-532-0250 Fax: 308-532-5291 Email: [email protected]www.firstevlutheran-np.com Dear Friends, As the saying goes, “the future is now!” I am reminded of that expression as I think about our worship services over the past few weeks. We have been blessed with lively and meaningful gatherings throughout the seven weeks of Easter (culminating on the 50 th day, that is, Pentecost). To my mind, every one of these weeks has been joyful and substantial as we have gathered around the living Word and abided together as branches in the vine. But, if one checks the attendance, our two largest worship services over this season were the ones highlighting graduations and confirmation. In other words, we have seen the most participation when young people are involved. This is not surprising, but it is important to underline: a vibrant church is one that doesn’t say “children and youth are our future”— it is one that knows “the future is now.” As we continue in transition, and look to the calling of a new pastor, we are grateful for the unique contributions of our younger households, and we need to re-dedicate ourselves to doing good work with children and youth (both current participants, and those who are around us in the wider community). Whatever age we have reached personally, the “now” of the upcoming generations is so vital for the life of the whole church. In that regard, thanks to everyone who has prepared quilts for high school graduates, participated in preparing for special services, and supported our Confirmation and youth ministry. As the summer is getting started, I want to share a word of gratitude and a couple of reminders: First, thank you to everyone who has been involved in renewing the ministry of the “sending of Communion” to those who are absent from our Sunday gatherings. I have heard once again that it is an excellent spiritual experience to bring Communion in this way. Various people have been involved in learning about this practice, and in mentoring one another in going out into the community. This is a blessing for the ministry of First Lutheran. Part of my call as a transitional pastor is to beat the drum for prayer: prayer for the church council and other leaders; for the call committee in its process of preparation, interviewing, discernment, and making a recommendation; for synod staff; and prayers for pastors who may be open to a potential call in this place. I believe that our prayers make a difference, and I encourage you to carry on with a spirit of openness to God and to the community’s call to witness and serve in Christ. Another reminder: Wednesday evening worship (an alternative to Sunday) will be taking a brief break at the beginning of June, but starting again on Wednesday, June 20, and throughout the coming months, we will meet for a half-hour Communion service on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. I have talked to a couple of younger families over the past week or so, and it is clear that some people will be away on many weekends over the coming summer. Don’t forget that we can still hear the Word and share in the Supper on Wednesday evenings, and thus continue in spiritual renewal and Christian growth over the summer. God’s peace to you all, Steve Berke, Interim/Transitional Pastor CONTACT NUMBERS: Transitional Pastor: Steve Berke, Pastor 303-709-8305 Church Council, President: Jerry Stoll: 534-2219 Custodian: Wes Thompson Financial Secretary: Claudette Nelson Music & Preschool Director: Gail Jensen: 534-4290 Office Manager: Olene Beck: 386-8677 Jr. F.L.Y.: Emily McCreery: 530-7175 Sr. F.L.Y.: Mindee Mohr: 539-8549 Sunday School: Heather Jensen: 650-0048 Monday - Thursday 9:00AM - 4:00 PM CLOSED: FRI-SUN
Transcript
First Evangelical Lutheran Church 305 West 5th Street North Platte, Nebraska 69101
As the saying goes, “the future is now!” I am reminded of that expression as I think about
our worship services over the past few weeks. We have been blessed with lively and
meaningful gatherings throughout the seven weeks of Easter (culminating on the 50th day,
that is, Pentecost). To my mind, every one of these weeks has been joyful and substantial
as we have gathered around the living Word and abided together as branches in the vine.
But, if one checks the attendance, our two largest worship services over this season were
the ones highlighting graduations and confirmation. In other words, we have seen the most
participation when young people are involved. This is not surprising, but it is important to
underline: a vibrant church is one that doesn’t say “children and youth are our future”—
it is one that knows “the future is now.” As we continue in transition, and look to the
calling of a new pastor, we are grateful for the unique contributions of our younger
households, and we need to re-dedicate ourselves to doing good work with children and
youth (both current participants, and those who are around us in the wider
community). Whatever age we have reached personally, the “now” of the upcoming
generations is so vital for the life of the whole church. In that regard, thanks to everyone
who has prepared quilts for high school graduates, participated in preparing for special
services, and supported our Confirmation and youth ministry.
As the summer is getting started, I want to share a word of gratitude and a couple of
reminders:
First, thank you to everyone who has been involved in renewing the ministry of the
“sending of Communion” to those who are absent from our Sunday gatherings.
I have heard once again that it is an excellent spiritual experience to bring
Communion in this way. Various people have been involved in learning about this
practice, and in mentoring one another in going out into the community. This is a
blessing for the ministry of First Lutheran.
Part of my call as a transitional pastor is to beat the drum for prayer: prayer for the
church council and other leaders; for the call committee in its process of
preparation, interviewing, discernment, and making a recommendation; for synod
staff; and prayers for pastors who may be open to a potential call in this place. I
believe that our prayers make a difference, and I encourage you to carry on with a
spirit of openness to God and to the community’s call to witness and serve in
Christ.
Another reminder: Wednesday evening worship (an alternative to Sunday) will be
taking a brief break at the beginning of June, but starting again on Wednesday,
June 20, and throughout the coming months, we will meet for a half-hour
Communion service on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. I have talked to a couple of
younger families over the past week or so, and it is clear that some people will be
away on many weekends over the coming summer. Don’t forget that we can still
hear the Word and share in the Supper on Wednesday evenings, and thus continue
in spiritual renewal and Christian growth over the summer.
God’s peace to you all,
Steve Berke, Interim/Transitional Pastor
CONTACT NUMBERS:
Transitional Pastor: Steve Berke, Pastor 303-709-8305 Church Council, President: Jerry Stoll: 534-2219 Custodian: Wes Thompson Financial Secretary: Claudette Nelson Music & Preschool Director: Gail Jensen: 534-4290 Office Manager: Olene Beck: 386-8677 Jr. F.L.Y.: Emily McCreery: 530-7175 Sr. F.L.Y.: Mindee Mohr: 539-8549 Sunday School: Heather Jensen: 650-0048
Monday - Thursday 9 :00AM - 4 :00 PM
CLOSED: FRI -SUN
Donations needed for the “ELCA Youth Gathering”
Monetary donations
Bottled water (12+ bottles/case)
Pre-packaged healthy snacks
(Due to the heat, please no snacks that will melt).
A donat ion box/cart wi l l be p laced in
the Narthex and church o ff ice !
DEADLINE: SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
MISSION STATEMENT: To make Christ known in our love for one another, by service to our neighbor, and in worship of God.
1. The First Lutheran Foundation/Finance Committee recently met and awarded two college scholarships (Wendeborn Memorial): to Morgan Hansen and Eleanor Aufdenkamp.
2. The Foundation/Finance Committee also discussed a possible vision for wise utilization of a portion of
the foundation dedicated to improving the church facilities. There will need to be further discernment to construct an annual plan.
3. The Caring Christians Committee met and developed a calendar of activities for the next several months. This includes "God's Work, Our Hands" Sunday on September 9. The Time and Talents report is still being worked on. Related to the use of time and talents, council member Steve Evans hopes to
soon begin to implement scheduling worship volunteers for the 10:30 a.m. service.
4. The council discussed looking more closely at the window on the north wall (resurrection window) to evaluate any moisture issues before determining the need to seal this wall.
5. The council approved the purchase of new fire extinguishers and a new fire alarm system in the gym/preschool area.
The next council meeting will be between services (9:30-10:30 a.m.) on June 17.
Full minutes and financials available in the narthex and office.
Congregational Counci l Meeting Highlights, May 13, 2018
Norman & Mary Sue Grabenstein have started a story Bible fund to be given to newly baptized children. Contact the church if you are interested in providing or using a memorial for the Bibles.
BELL CHOIR Holy Harmony: Resume in the fall
BIBLE STUDY Pastor’s Bible Study: Resume in the fall
BINGO 2nd Tuesday @ 2PM: Centennial Park
BIRTHS April 27, 2018 Hudson Ray Rudnick Parents: Daran & Tonia Rudnick
CIRCLES (WELCA) Board Meeting: 1st Wednesday @ 5PM Miriam Circle: No meeting in June and July Adah Circle: 3rd Tuesday @ 9:00AM Eve Circle: 4th Sunday @ 9:30AM
COMMUNITY COMMUNION 3rd Monday at Buffalo Bill @ 2PM 3rd Monday at Centennial Park @ 3PM
DEATHS None
DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY MEAL Thank you for signing up to help prepare or serve the Downtown Community Meal at the Episcopal Church.
Upwards of 100 people or more are served each Wednesday evening. Contact Shari Shore (Coordinator) @ 539-1715 if you wish to make any donations of protein for the meals, such as meat, sausage, or eggs.
Thank you!
GRACE MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY Friday from 1-3PM
FUNERALS None
QUILTS Quilting: Every Tuesday at 1PM Tie Quilts: 2nd Thursday at 1PM Quilting: Every Wednesday at 1PM
SOUND SYSTEM TRAINING
Please contact the church office if you would like to learn how to run the church sound system or create a service displayed on the screens!
YOGA Yoga every Tuesday at 6PM in the east Fellowship Hall. All ages are invited. For further information call Annie Pankonin at 308-539-2506.
PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS!
Heidi Criddle Lillian Higgins Doris Howard Amanda Janas Sheryl Janas Jon Petersen Phyllis Shavlik Rick Springer Wanda Tuenge
If you know somebody or would like to be added to the prayer list, please contact the church office @ 308-532-0250.
OTHER PRAYERS: Todd Chase, Eric Kocher, Samantha Schlaffman,
Evan Williams and all in the military.
If you would like to provide flowers for a “special occasion”, “in honor of”,
“in memory of” or “to the Glory of God”, please pick up a form in the office.
The cost is $35.00 for one pair of bouquets.
July 15 22 29
August 12 19
September 23 30
Oc tober 14 21
November 4 25
December 2 9 30
“The prayer of the righteous is powerful
and effective.” James 5:16
First
Lesson Psalm Second Lesson Gospel
June 3 Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Psalm 81:1-10
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Mark 2:23--3:6
June 10 Genesis 3:8-15
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1
Mark 3:20-35
June 17 Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15
2 Corinthians 5:6-10 [11-13]
14-17
Mark 4:26-34
June 24 Job 38:1-11
Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
Year 2018
Year 2017
Average Weekly
Attendance
97 116 May
Thanks to all my church family for all the prayers for my recent illness. I spent 2 1/2 months in the hospital and nursing home. Home now, recovering slowly but surely. ~ Arlene Jepsen
First Ev. Lutheran Church: Thank you all for your prayers. Thank you to Sandy Stoll for delivering the beautiful flowers. A special thanks to Pastor Berke for his hospital visit and uplifting my spirits.
Again thanks to all, Don Parrish
To my church family and friends: Thank you for the flowers which Claudette delivered and for the friends who delivered communion 2 Sundays while I was at the rehab center. It is comforting to have my church family. ~Joan Johansen
Thank you to Boy Scout Troop 81 for power raking the west lawn. The lawn looks wonderful! The leaders and boys appreciate the support and meeting place from the church. The troop will go to summer camp at Medicine Mountain Scout Camp in South Dakota June 24 - 30, 2018.
CCC (Caring Christian Committee) thanks those who shared their appreciation for Olene Beck by participating in Office Administration Week. Peace be with you.
Downtown Community Meal: Thank you for signing up to help prepare or serve the Downtown Community Meal at the Episcopal Church. Upwards of 100 people or more are served each Wednesday evening. Contact Shari Shore (Coordinator) at 539-1715 if you wish to make any donations of protein for the meals, such as meat, sausage, or eggs. Thank you!
Weekly devotional insert can be downloaded from the following website: http://faithformationjourneys.org/
We are in need of power-point volunteers! If you know how to make power-point’s or would like to learn, please call the church office @ 308-532-0250.
May 31 - June 2: Nebraska Synod Assembly, Kearney, Nebraska
June 3, 2018: One combined Worship Service at 10:30 am.
June 6, 2018: No Mid-Week worship services
June 13, 2018: No Mid-Week worship services
June 27, 2018 - July 1, 2018: National Youth Gathering in Houston
July 4, 2018: Independence Day, Church Office Closed
July 16-19, 2018: Vacation Bible School. Please consider helping with VBS this year. Watch for details.
Secretary and Treasurer Reports: Corrected minutes to a onetime memorial to the Salvation Army for
$150.00. Tammy Sanford read the treasurer report. Mary Johnson moved and Jill Falcon seconded to
approve the reports as corrected. Motion carried.
Correspondence: Received Salvation Army letter and Lutheran Journal.
Reports/Motions from Circles: Eve Circle volunteers served approximately 120 people May 4th
at the Salvation Army.
Old Business: Another part had to be ordered for the kitchen range.
New Business: Heather Jensen reported VBS will be Monday through Thursday, July 16-19 with the theme
“Camping”. She asked if the circles would be willing to serve the evening meals again this year. The circles
are to ask their members and report at the next board meeting.
There have been 28 tickets sold for the Mother/Daughter/Friend Event this Sunday, May 6th. Tomorrow is
the final day to purchase a ticket. There will be 4-5 church men serving the meal prepared by Luigi’s Italian
Restaurant. Heather Jensen will provide the table centerpieces for our event. Since this is a very busy time
of the year, Heather Jensen moved and Carla Jensen seconded to move next year’s event to April 22, 2019
at 6:00 P.M. Motion carried.
Bingo: May 8 – Pat Glass, Mary Johnson, Linda Lehmann, and Sandy Stoll
June 12 – Jane Ann Allen, Loretta Ellett, Carla Jensen, Bonnie Johnson, Linda Lehmann
Next Meeting: June 6th at 5:00 P.M.
Closed with the Lord’s prayer
Sharon Riley, Acting Secretary
Are you a new participant at First Lutheran Church? Or a young mother wanting to meet other Christian women?
Contact the church office and we will be happy to have one of our WELCA circle members contact you. Join in our fellowship, Bible study and service.
Liz Evans June 1 Michael Cimfel June 2 Don Shahan June 2 Megan Dahlgren June 3 Raymond Kampfe June 3 Fran Kempf June 3 Bridgett Knoll June 3 Kim Kujath June 3 Heidi Smyth June 3 Derek Gifford June 4 Bob Keller June 4 RaDona McDougall June 4 Charles Henderson June 5 Donald Parrish June 5 Becky Rossell June 6 Terry Barnason June 7 Bob Barrett June 8 Logan Courchaine June 9 Lauren Hubbell June 9 Donna Keithley June 9 Kaliann Wilcox June 9 Carrie Griesfeller June 10 Aleksander Lucas June 10 Genevieve Lucas June 10
Steven & Alnetta Effenbeck June 2 Kerry & Connie Murphy June 3 Ryan & Lauren Henry June 4 Jayme & Nicholas Smith June 5 Todd & Kim Aden June 6 John & Sandra Rowland June 7 Jason & Tisha Reed June 8 Jerry & Sandra Stoll June 8 Treg & Tracey Kearney June 10 Eric & Jill Hansen June 11 Jeffery & Kathy Bargell June 12 Gordon & Flo Gadway June 12 Rocky & Mary May June 14 Gerry & Cheryl Krueger June 15 Anthony & Emily McCreery June 15 Gary & Roxanne Thayer June 15 Norman & Mary Sue Grabenstein June 16 Darrell & Rojean Einspahr June 17 Cory & Ashley Johanson June 18 Kim & Nancy Kujath June 18 Douglas & Peggy Fisher June 19 Mark & Patricia Obermeier June 24 Benjamin & Michaela Rawalt June 24 Bill & Janelle Sellers June 25 Alan & Pamela Short June 30
Thank you to all members who have designated Thrivent Choice dollars to First Lutheran.
We are open to suggestions as to how to use this money. Contact one of the other members of the committee: Betty Hamit, Joan Johansen, Mary Johnson or Sandy Stoll. If you are a Thrivent member, you can designate your Choice dollars to First Lutheran Church by logging onto www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or by calling 800-847-4836.
Thrivent Choice has been sharing the gifts ...
Birthday & Anniversary: Please advise the church office of any errors/omissions on the Birthday & Anniversary Calendar.
Year 2018 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
Income $14,982 $15,069 $13,882 $24,301 $68,234
Expenses $21,882 $23,278 $23,816 $22,759 $91,735
Surplus (Shortfall)
Shortfall $(6,900)
Shortfall $(8,209)
Shortfall $(9,934)
Surplus $1,542
Shortfall $(23,501)
Higher income levels around Easter/Christmas.
Lower income levels typically received in the summer months.
Income excludes any donations received for “designated gifts”.
The expenses vary month to month, depending on the spending requests by the ministry leaders and committees.
Detailed financial reports are available in Narthex, council & committee mailboxes and office.
Year 2018 APRIL
ACTUAL MONTHLY
BUDGET
DIFFERENCE
YR. TO DATE ACTUAL
YR. TO DATE BUDGET
DIFFERENCE
GENERAL BUDGET OFFERING - INCOME
$24,301 $22,965 Over
$1,336 $68,234 $91,859
Under $23,625
2018 EXPENSES $22,759 $22,965 Under $206
$91,735 $91,859 Under $124
SURPLUS
(SHORTFALL) Surplus
$1,542 $0.00
Surplus $1,542
Shortfall $(23,501)
$0.00 Shortfall $(23,501)
Apri l 2018 F INANCIAL REPORT
Thank you for your gifts to God through First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Beginning balance 05/01/18 $5,079.19
Donation from Easter Egg Hunt: +$3.00 Gifts given: HS Graduation Quilt Material -$87.67
Ending balance 05/31/18* $4,994.52
*Approved, not removed from ending balance: $321.57
Sharon Kinsinger June 11 Katherine McClintock June 11 Richard Springer June 11 Lukas Fisher June 12 Brian Gifford June 13 Samuel Mohr June 13 Renee Piper June 14 Konnor Grigg June 15 Connor Henry June 15 Graham Henry June 15 Neal Criddle June 16 Sherry Janak June 16 Jerome Knoll June 16 Kathy Hinrichs June 17 Brandon Moore June 18 Mark Shaner June 18 Jace Aloi June 19 Mason Olson June 19 Sawyer Magnuson June 20 Quincy Chapman-Allen June 21 Shelby Smyth June 21 Janet Stutzman June 21 Matthew Shavlik June 22 Betty Bierbach June 23 Gary Thayer June 23 Megan Kujath June 28 Lowell Moore June 28 Rebecca Daniel June 30 Jerry Jensen June 30 Ruth Kempke June 30 Robert Petersen June 30
Daily Bible story Helping with recreation Helping in a classroom Help with decorations prior to VBS Preparing crafts ahead of time Help with clean-up following VBS Helping in the craft room Prepare snacks Donating snack ingredients Monetary donations
Kids will enjoy an
exciting week of fun and adventure
at this year's VBS! We'll have plenty of music and
crafts, exciting
Bible lessons,
games, and tasty snacks as we grow in our faith.
I’d like to volunteer to help with VBS! Call 532-0250 or stop by the church office.
Vacation Bible School July 16-19, 2018 Theme: “Camping”
June 6th
June 13th JUNE 3, 2018
10:30 AM Wednesday 6:00pm Service (June 20th & 27th): Worship with a simple spoken liturgical service, utilizing the Scripture readings and message from the previous Sunday. Normally, the sacrament of Holy Communion is shared.
Sunday 8:15am Traditional Worship: Traditional worship aims to faithfully and energetically carry forward the best of our heritage as Lutheran Christians. Using a variety of liturgies and hymns, we gather around Word and Sacrament with an order of service in the classic Western tradition of the church. The sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated on every Sunday.
Sunday 10:30am Contemporary Worship: Designed for those who love praising God in a spirited, contemporary worship format, the 10:30 service provides a welcoming blend of the familiar and the innovative. Each week the worship band supports our singing, and the pastor proclaims the good news of Christ. The service begins in an informal style with greetings and opening songs, and then moves to the scriptural Word (from the lectionary) and our sharing in the Lord's Supper each week.
