ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Marilyn Plummer in thanksgiving to God for the safe arrival of her Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Bob Bixler from Texas and cousins Linda and Mark Fitzpatrick from Virginia, along with all family members coming together this afternoon. Praise to our Heavenly Father as He joins as an honored guest, always providing His love, guidance and protection.
DID YOU KNOW? There’s probably much about Historic First Lutheran that many of us do not know. Watch weekly bulletins for “I DIDN’T KNOW,” a weekly historical or interesting tidbit of information about Historic First Lutheran.
I DIDN’T KNOW! The mosaic on the altar is not original to the church building. Instead, the iconic mosaic was commissioned in 1998 to replace a piece of fabric which would be changed frequently to reflect the color of the season. The mosaic was designed by Judson Studios, the company that originally made our stained glass windows. It was made in Italy and shipped to us in a sand-filled crate. The mosaic was a gift from Hilda Opel Lemke Nichols, to honor her parents, Otto Adam and Caroline Schmutzler Opel, her brothers Walter Andrew, Herbert Alfred and Arthur William Opel and celebrating 40 years of marriage to Edwin Henry Lemke.
A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY! Forty years ago, in time to celebrate Historic First Lutheran’s 75th Anniversary and the 30th Anniversary of the present Church building, our Rueter pipe organ was constructed and installed. Word came that the 40-year-old electronic tracking system is starting to fail and needs to be upgraded. Cost for this project is estimated to be $20,000.00! A special gift from the Hilgendorf family has already provided us a $1,500.00 start to this project.
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP Don’t forget about our next women’s gathering on Saturday 3 March. Our special presenter is Conni Schramm, a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange and a recognized speaker on how to study your Bible. Reservations to Carol Numrich are necessary by 28 February.
115TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE All people interested in helping plan our 115th Anniversary Celebration in June are encouraged to express their willingness to serve to Pastor Schaar.
AN OMISSION ON OUR CALENDAR Our February newsletter calendar did not include midweek Lenten services on Wednesday 28 February at 12 noon and 7:00 p.m.
BLACK MINISTRY In honor of Black History Month, here is a look at an important area of ministry within The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod - Black Ministry. Black Ministry is a programmatic board of The LCMS that develops policies to assist congregations in reaching out more effectively with the Gospel of Jesus Christ among African Americans. It evaluates the effectiveness and administration of plans and programs designed to coordinate and expand Black Ministry in the Synod and functions in cooperation with the convocation of Black Lutheran congregations, appropriate boards, and the President of the Synod. It represents the interest of Black Ministry throughout the Synod. Black Ministry in particular has 300 congregations, 104 African American pastors active and retired, 100 white pastors serving in predominately African American congregations, 25 involved districts, an estimated 70,000 African American Lutherans (not including 2nd generation African Immigrants), and a 133-year history with The LCMS. In 2007, LCMS will be 160 years old. Dr. Jeff Johnson's book, Black Christians, the Untold Lutheran Story, depicts the history of the 300-year development of Black Lutherans. Black Ministry is within The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, not outside. Congregations in Black Ministry are scattered over the nation and in 25 of the 35 Districts of the Synod. Members serve in many ways: as Circuit Counselors, Vice Presidents, members of boards of directors, on boards, committees, task forces, and on faculties at our colleges and universities. The Board for Black Ministry Services in no way supplants this service. On the contrary, it enhances, strengthens, and empowers every dimension of it.
IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING Around the entire perimeter of our property, and in some places dissecting our property, are a whole series of spray paint marks. These markings have been placed by public utility companies to show the location of underground utilities that need to be avoided during our recently started electrical upgrades project. The project, at a cost of $235,000.00, will upgrade and replace the majority of our electrical service on campus, some of which dates back to 1913. Keep watching for additional updates on our electrical upgrades project.
A MUSICAL CHALLENGE Again this year, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has graciously consented to match dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,300.00, any special gifts to our Music Endowment to offset additional salary and benefit costs for Karen Murphy, Mark McCormick and Patsy Acheson. You are encouraged to make special gifts to this appeal, clearly marking your gifts “Music Endowment.”
GET FED THIS SATURDAY! Our monthly “Bible/Prayer Breakfast” is scheduled for this Saturday at 8:00 a.m. in the Green Room. Our study is about repentance and the season of Lent. A suggested $5.00 free-will donation covers food cost. The Bible Study is free.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #5 – Ocilda Files, Rudy Melinat, Lisa Morita and Scott Vila.
Posted by Pastor at February 18, 2007 8:03 AM