OUR WHITE PARAMENTS The beautiful white paraments adorning our altar, lectern and pulpit were lovingly donated in memory of Paul W. Daniels, 1923 - 1984. White is the color for purity, holiness and righteousness. Our particular parament set is called “The Great I Am.” The altar parament includes the Cross in the center, surrounded by the words “I Am,” a reminder of many of Jesus’ claims about Himself. A “Chi Ro” rises out of the top of the Cross, representing the first two Greek letters of the Name “Christ.” On the extreme sides of the altar parament are the Greek letters “Alpha” and “Omega,” reminding us that Christ is the Beginning and the End. The lectern parament contains the combined Cross and “Chi Ro” seen on the altar parament. The pulpit parament contains the Alpha and the Omega seen on the altar parament. Particularly designed for the Easter Season (although also used for Christmas and Epiphany), our parament set contains what looks to be lightning flashes, reminding us of the brilliance of the Christmas Star and the Resurrection of Jesus.
REPORT ON OUR BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS On Saturday 16 April we sponsored our Second Annual “Blessing of the Animals.” Due to the hot sun and high temperatures, we switched locations from the Center Courtyard to the shade of the trees on the church field. In total, twelve dogs and nineteen humans attended this special service!
DOGGIE MINISTRY Members and visitors alike are reminded about our “Doggie Ministry” held the first and third Saturdays every month, at 8:00 a.m. on the church field, located at 851 N. Oakland Avenue (enter through the North Parking Lot). Turn your dogs loose with others for an hour of free play time doggie park style on our two acre field. Human parents stand around and visit and enjoy watching their dogs play. All dogs should have all current inoculations and licensing.
DON’T LET NEXT SUNDAY BE “LOW” SUNDAY! Many people decide to take a week’s vacation from church the week after Easter. You won’t want to do that next Sunday! Our powerful guest preacher is The Rev. Dr. John Arthur Nunes, President / CEO of Lutheran World Relief, Baltimore, MD. A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Dr. Nunes has served as a parish pastor in downtown Lutheran churches as well as a professor at Concordia University Chicago. He is a published author and a sought-after speaker. He is a founding member of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches. Also next Sunday, handbell soloist extra ordinaire Linda Krantz will again amaze us with her God-given talents. Want a lift??? Don’t miss next Sunday!
HAVE A CARE OR CONCERN? Historic First Lutheran sponsors a 30 minute prayer service every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. If you are unable to attend, please communicate your need for prayer to Pastor Schaar.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #6: Kevin Baumgartner, Daniel Hendry, Steven Hendry, James Price.