Historic First Lutheran Church will install Reverend Marcello Gomez as its Associate Pastor for Hispanic Outreach on Sunday 8 July at 1:00 p.m. A native of Mexico, Pastor Gomez has been on the staff of Historic First Lutheran part-time for the past three years. He has grown the Hispanic department from nothing to what it is today. The installation service will be entirely in Spanish, although English-speakers will be able to follow. A carne asada barbecue will follow the installation. For more information, contact 626.793.1139.
Sunday 1 July 2007
Historic First Lutheran Church will celebrate the 231st birthday of the United States of America with patriotic services at 10:00 a.m. in English and at 1:00 p.m. in Spanish. Sunday School and Bible class is offered at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is invited. For more information, contact 626.793.1139 or historicfirstlutheran.org
Father's Day is Sunday 17 June. Everyone is invited to worship with Dad, as we thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of fathers!
Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., will celebrate Father's Day this Sunday with a "Hymn Sing" (worshipers may select their favorite hymns to be sung) an by praying "The Amidah," an ancient standing prayer. Staff pianist Patsy Acheson will provide music. Pastor Christopher Schaar will deliver the sermon.
Monday, June 04, 2007
The Saints of Historic First Lutheran Church
c/o The Reverend Christopher Schaar
808 North Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91104
My dear friends in Christ:
Greetings to you and grace from the Babe of Bethlehem, the Christ of the Cross; the Savior of the empty tomb!
It has now been 24 hours since Pam and I returned home from our wonderful and all-too-short visit with the fellowship of Historic First Lutheran. As has been our habit, on the way back we discussed what we had seen and heard during our time with you. Although it would be impossible in this short letter to list the many things that touched us, it would be equally intolerable not to share a few of the impressions you gave to two outsiders.
First and foremost we were convinced that my sermon was absolutely unnecessary. There was nothing that I shared, which you did not already know already. Indeed, you are not only moving forward, you are convinced and proud that the Holy Spirit is in control of your frontward momentum. Your trust that God has a purpose for you permeates every conversation we had, every action we saw, every song sung, every smile and handshake given. You may think such things are the normal fare at Christian congregations. Please accept our word when we say they are not.
Second, we give thanks for your dedication to mission. Your pastor, your lay-leaders, your Hispanic mission are committed to sharing the Savior’s story of salvation in the community where Historic First has been planted. While you have a great appreciation of your past and the people who began your parish, we detected no glassy-eyed desire to return to the “good old days” of the past. Indeed, everyone with whom we visited seemed convinced that these were the good old days. May God keep you steadfast in that belief.
Third, I was amazed that you didn’t feel committed to doing things the way they have always been done. Although I get to many churches in many locations, I have to share that you allowed me to experience a number of ‘firsts.” It was the first time I had been at a two hour service (and the congregation didn’t turn ugly); it was the first time I had a congregation pray for me when I stepped into the pulpit; it was the first time that I have seen a congregation which embodied Paul’s words: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 3: 28)
For all of these reasons, and many more, I commend your young pastor who has a vision and insight which is far greater than his years in he ministry. If I can speak any words of encouragement to him and you, it is this: continue to move forward, sharing the Savior’s story of salvation as often as you can, to as many people as you can, in every way you can.
With much appreciation and thanksgiving,,
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus, pastor
Ephesians 3: 7-9
Pastor Christopher Schaar challenges everyone to a "Healthy Summer Challenge." Trying to lose weight? Do so in competition with Pastor Schaar and with members of Historic First Lutheran. Starting Sunday 10 June, confidential weigh-ins will happen after every worship service. The competition will continue through Labor Day, with prizes awarded for the greatest actual weight loss and for the greatest percentage weight loss. Recognition will be made to ALL who lose at least 5 pounds.