ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by the Altar Guild in celebration of Pastor Schaar’s 15th year in the ministry and as Pastor of Historic First Lutheran. Thanks be to God for Pastor Schaar.
A REMINDER OF GOD’S PROVISION AND LOVE The extra bouquet of roses on the altar are from the 140+ roses around our church campus. They are a reminder of God’s eternal love for us.
SPECIAL THANKS! Thanks are due to Pastor Stan Quebe and his wife, Dolores, for being with us today to celebrate Pastor Schaar’s 15th Anniversary! The Schaar family has known Pastor and Mrs. Quebe since 1979, when Pastor Quebe was pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in Fresno and welcomed Dennis and Karen Schaar onto the ministry staff at Emmanuel. Pastor Quebe confirmed Pastor Schaar in his Christian faith in 1982 at Emmanuel and later preached the sermon at his Ordination Service in 1994 at the Worship Center at Christ College Irvine. On their way to San Diego for a family graduation, we are most happy the Quebes spent the weekend in Pasadena to celebrate with us! As a side note, this year marks Pastor Quebe’s 55th Anniversary in the Holy Ministry!
OUR RED PARAMENTS The red paraments adorning our altar, lectern and pulpit are gifts in loving memory of Lola Headrick. They are red for Pastor Schaar’s Anniversary. Red is the color of fire and also symbolizes the presence of God. It is considered the color of the Church since red also symbolizes the blood of the martyrs. Our particular parament set is called “Divine Love.” The altar parament includes seven tongues of fire, symbolic of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The tongues of fire are flanked by two doves, each surrounded by a nimbus and carrying an olive branch, symbolic of the Holy Spirit and the peace He brings. The pulpit parament is almost a mirror image of the altar parament. The lectern parament also contains the seven tongues of fire, superceded by the Cross, a reminder that the job of the outpoured Spirit is to lead people to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
“MORE THINGS ARE WROUGHT BY PRAYER THAN PEOPLE DREAM” Those poetic words are quite true. Prayer not only help us solve personal and family problems, but can also help us adjust our attitude and give us the light to see God’s will and the strength to follow it. We invite you, if possible, to join us in prayer for your own needs and those of family, friends, loved ones, neighbors and those with sickness or dealing with grief. Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. we gather in a circle at the foot of our chancel to pray and remember all of you. Consider joining us with Pastor this coming Wednesday. You will be better for it. We all will be better for it. And our world will be a better place to live in. We sing a hymn, read a portion of scripture and pray. Our prayer service lasts one-half hour.
REPORT ON THE PAST 15 YEARS Since Pastor Schaar’s arrival here in 1994, Historic First Lutheran’s Parish Register has recorded 92 baptisms, 80 Confirmations, 33 marriages and 186 funerals. In addition, 68.6% of those on the church membership roll today have either joined or rejoined Historic First Lutheran during the past 15 years.
NEXT SUNDAY Bring your “Mighty Mite Boxes” filled with coins and bills for missions. You may pick up a “Mite Box” today from the table in the Narthex. Return it next Sunday filled with change.
BANNER The banner hanging above the piano was made by Mrs. Lois Giordano for Pastor Schaar’s confirmation in 1982. The banner proclaims his confirmation verse, Joshua 1:9.
TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY You won’t want to miss Debbie and Brian Hooper’s moving testimony, to be shared during our 10:00 a.m. worship service.
PORTALS OF PRAYER The July-September issue of Portals of Prayer are available in regular or large print from the Information Rack in the Narthex.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #7 – Gerald Freeny, Michealene Melus and Carol Schlichting.