In The First Place - First Lutheran Church

In the First Place
“Learning the Way, Sharing the Journey”
November 19, 2014
Published by First Lutheran Church
Vol. 21, Issue 22
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH ARE REQUESTED FOR
THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE: Charlie Vaughn (KS Rehab Hospital),
Jerry Rus (Stormont Vail Hospital), Judy Hedeen (home), Judith Myron
(Rolling Hills), Bob Hogrefe (home), Diane White (home), Justin Lloyd
(Lisa Arndt‘s nephew), Howard Bay (Bangert‘s brother-in-law), Cole
Newstrom (Shirley‘s son), Dana Reynolds (Martha Donohoe‘s niece),
Raymond Carstensen (Wendy Sanders‘ grandfather), Braden Davis (friend
of Will Hess), Bill Jacobs (Cindy Crawford‘s uncle), Catie Wools (friend of
the Roark‘s), Floyd Eaton (Kevin‘s father), Steve Rexer (friend of the
Engelhardt‘s), Amy Shafer (friend of John Hanna), Bob Griffiths (Shirley
Brower‘s brother), John W. Hanna (John‘s father), Dean Carstensen
(Wendy Sanders‘ father), Annika Lundgren (friend of the Engelhardt‘s),
Bruce Baenig (former member), Pat Sanford (Ruth Denno‘s sister).
THE CHURCH OFFICE STAFF WOULD APPRECIATE
FAMILIES NOTIFYING THE OFFICE WHEN IT IS
APPROPRIATE TO REMOVE YOUR LOVED ONE’S NAME
FROM OUR PUBLISHED PRAYER LISTS.
OUR CONDOLENCES to Cindy Ronnekamp on the death of her
brother, Loren and Eileen Caspers on the death of her sister, Carola
Halderman and Susan Bales on the death of her mother, Betty Grieme.
The Finance Committee
NEEDS TO RECEIVE YOUR PROPOSED BUDGET PLANS BY
NOVEMBER 23rd.
Contact Karen Wollin, Finance Chair at 286-4530 or
ywollin@sbcglobal.net with questions or concerns. Thank you!
WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE
SATURDAY & SUNDAY November 8 & 9 and 15 & 16
ATTENDANCE TOTAL: 213
Tithes and Offerings:
Saturday: 24 Early: 56 Late: 133
$6,275.41
ATTENDANCE TOTAL: 201
Saturday: 24 Early: 41 Late: 136
Tithes and Offerings:
$4,492.85
DRIVE-THRU LIVING NATIVITY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
THE TRADITION CONTINUES!
Our congregational gift to the community of a Living Nativity only
happens with congregational support. With You!
We need children and adults to ―act‖ in each scene, chaperones, food
and workers for the kitchen and production set-up and take-down. See
the SIGN UP SHEETS at the Welcome Center for food and event
shifts.
We will be scheduling at least the first 2 shifts prior to the evening to
assist with a smoother start to the event. Please call Patricia Drake at
224-1265 to schedule a particular time, or if you prefer, we will assign
you a time when you arrive.
If the weather prohibits us from being outdoors, don‘t fear – we‘ll plan
on having a festive gathering for congregation members in the Parish
Hall.
DEADLINES
FOR THE NEXT “IN THE FIRST PLACE” ARTICLES
NOVEMBER 30th and DECEMBER 14th
CALENDAR DEADLINE FOR JANUARY IS DECEMBER 14th
The word ADVENT comes from the Latin ―to come‖ and speaks of
the ―arrival‖ or the ―coming‖ of the prophesied Messiah, our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ.
There are four Sundays in ADVENT’S season; they are the fours
Sundays before Christmas. The focus of these weeks often centers
on the stories of John the Baptist, who calls people to repentance of
sin in preparation for the one God will send; Mary, who is selected
by God through an angelic messenger, to be the bearer of his Son;
and Joseph, the carpenter, who is often the ―overlooked‖ individual
in the entire Nativity story.
The liturgical color for the season of ADVENT used to be the same
as Lent, purple, to reflect penitence (sorrow for sins) and the royal
color which kings often wore. With liturgical renewal a couple of
decades ago, BLUE was established as the preferred color for
ADVENT. Blue is the color of ANTICIPATION and HOPE,
major themes of this church season.
The theme of Christ‘s coming in this pre-Christmas season, however,
is not limited to our Lord‘s birth in Bethlehem. We also take comfort
in his coming today to be a part of our daily living and interaction
with others, while simultaneously looking forward to his coming
again to usher in his reign as King of eternal life.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Called by the Spirit, we serve Christ,
sharing God’s love with all.
CDO NEWS
“FRUIT OF THE VINE”
Pastor Luber’s Last Chapel
We have had our last Chapel with Pastor Luber. At Chapel, the
children presented Pastor with a banner of their handprints as a way to
say good-bye and thank you. The banner will be hung up with the
words to one of our favorite songs that Pastor Luber has taught the
children, ―Oh be Careful Little Eyes What you See.‖ A group hug with
each class and a blessing from Pastor made for a meaningful close to
Chapel.
We want to thank Pastor for his support of the Children‘s Day Out
Ministry these last seventeen years. His care and concern for the
children, their families and the CDO staff have been greatly
appreciated. We will miss you at CDO!
As of November 16th, we have received 79 pledges totaling $247,418
which is only 64% of the commitments made for 2014 ($384,866).
There are a lot more grapes that need to be picked so we need your
help! If you have not already done so, please consider what you can do
to help us meet our operating expenses for the upcoming year,
complete your pledge card, and return it to the church office by the
end of the month.
Thanking you again for all you do as stewards of what our Lord has
blessed us with.
Your Stewardship Committee
THE 2015 ALTAR FLOWER CHART IS UP and ready for folks to
reserve dates to honor special people or events in their lives. Please
consider helping us have fresh flowers on the altar. The altar flowers
cost $20.00 per vase equaling $40.00 for one week. This donation can
be made by one or two families. PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ON
THE CHART.
You MUST COMPLETE A FLOWER
ARRANGEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE for each Sunday in 2015 that
you sign up for because the florist needs your address and the church
office needs to know the message for the bulletin. These sheets are
located in the bin next to the chart. Please double check dates for
annual donations; if you need to be removed from the list, FILL OUT
A FORM. IF THERE IS NOT A FORM YOUR ORDER WILL
NOT BE PLACED. If you have any questions please call the church
office or contact Sara Aufdemberge at 256-2672 or
aufdemberge@cox.net. OPEN DATES FOR BOTH VASES (unless
indicated otherwise) ARE: 1/11, 1/25; 4/12, 4/19=1; 5/3=1, 5/10,
5/24; 6/7; 8/2=1, 8/9=1; 10/11=1, 10/18=1; 11/22=1, 11/29=1;
12/13=1, 12/24.
ETERNAL CANDLES can be found in both the main Worship Center
and our beautiful Chapel. In 2015 you may DONATE both candles in
remembrance or in honor of someone for the entire month. Please
contact LaDonna, in the church office, (785) 272-5302 to sign-up for a
month and give information that will be included in the bulletin. The
cost will be $20 for the month. Available months are: January,
May, and June.
DID YOU PICK UP YOUR ORDERS FOR THE DOORSTEP
FUNDRAISER OF CINNAMON ROLLS AND BIEROCKS?
CONTACT ANITA NELSON.
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
YOUTH ARE GOING ON A LOCAL MISSION TRIP
The 7th-12th grade youth will be going on a ‗local‘ mission trip
November 22nd from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They will be heading to
Children’s Memorial Lutheran Church in Kansas City to serve
lunch to the community there. Thank you to all who contributed to
this Mission Trip.
LIBRARY BOOK FAIR TO SUPPORT FLC YOUTH
COLLECTION—This Saturday while our youth are on their Mission
Trip to Kansas City serving others, we will have a book fair at Barnes
& Noble—the proceeds to serve them and their families. Come to the
store between 11:30 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. to shop for Christmas gifts or
buy a new book for our collection. There will be music from Peter and
Caroline Sandquist at 11:30, and after lunchtime, magic tricks from Joe
and Allison Montague and Alan Hageman. We‘ll end the afternoon
with songs from two of The Crew, Connor Montague and Michael
Wollin. Can‘t come to the store Saturday? Don‘t forget that you can
order at BN.COM/bookfairs from Saturday, through Thursday
11/27! Our book fair ID in-store and online is #11451655.
Library Task Force
THE UNITED ROCKS! COMMUNITY BENEFIT CONCERT
AND HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE. A Classic Rock Christmas
performed by December People is a benefit for the United Way of
Greater Topeka and the food donations will benefit Project Topeka.
DOORSTEP receives basic needs grant funding from the United Way
and is a recipient of Project Topeka donations at no cost to our agency.
The concert is November 22nd, 7:00 p.m. at the Topeka Performing
Arts Center. Tickets are $28 - $60 and available at the TPAC box
office or online at ticketmaster.com. Don‘t forget your food
donation! Support the community and Doorstep while enjoying a
holiday concert!
CELEBRATING PASTOR LUBER’S
MINISTRY and RETIREMENT
There will be ONLY ONE SERVICE THIS WEEKEND, ON
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd AT 10:30 A.M.
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL will be held.
WEAR RED (the color of church celebrations).
This year‘s JOINT THANKSGIVING SERVICE will be hosted by
Trinity Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 26th. Pastor
Donald Davidson from St. David‘s Episcopal will be the preacher this
year. Mark your calendar to join fellow Christians in offering thanks
and praise to God for the countless blessings we enjoy. The offering
collected at this service will be given to the Topeka Rescue Mission.
Countryside United Methodist Church (3221 SW Burlingame Road)
is hosting a ―1ST FRIDAY ART WALK‖ on December 5th from
5:30-9:00 p.m. Art Displays will be open from 5:30-7:15 and from
8:30-9:00. The highlight of the evening will be a concert by the
LAUDATE RINGERS BELL CHOIR from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Please
mark your calendars, and come enjoy a wonderful evening. For more
information, you may call 785-266-7541.
Hungry for lutfisk, potato sausage, ostkaka and Swedish rye bread??
Get a ticket and attend the OLSBURG LUTHERAN CHURCH
SWEDISH SUPPER on Saturday, December 6, 2014. Olsburg is
about 70 miles northwest of Topeka. The Swedish foods are served
from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. TICKETS are $15.00 for adults and $7.00 for
ages 6 to 12. Reserve your tickets by December 1st by calling Carolyn
Olson at (785) 272-6428. Hopefully this outing will fit into your
holiday schedule!
If you can help LET'S HELP on the third Wednesday of any month
please call Bob and Sara Aufdemberge at 256-2672. The next date for
helping is December 17, 2014.
If you might be interested in serving your church as CHAIRMAN OF
THE PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE, please contact Susan Schaeffer,
Patricia Drake, or Jill Loomans.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF THE PLANNING
FOR THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, CONTACT
TED ENSLEY OR BILL BARKER.
DOORSTEP
Red poinsettias may be ordered now for the
Chancel area for the Christmas Eve, December 24th
worship services. Plants are $6.80 each and come
in a 6½ inch pot with 5 to 6 blooms.
The deadline to order is Sunday, December 7th.
Poinsettias may be picked up after the 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve service. Person donating poinsettia
is responsible for picking it up.
Tear off and return to the church office or place in
the offering plate.
-----------------------------------------------------------Name __________________________________
Number of poinsettias _____________________
Amount Enclosed ________________________
In Memory of ____________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
In Honor of _____________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
The holiday season is upon us this month it is time to look ahead to
helping our neighbors in need again. Families and individuals will
begin signing up for the CHRISTMAS BUREAU this month in hopes
of being adopted for Christmas. These families and individuals have to
qualify by income and provide documentation for all household
members when signing up. Doorstep will again adopt 250 households
with approximately 750 individuals to help at Christmas. We do not do
this alone… we need your help again this year with gifts, money and
time. Doorstep provides gifts and new clothing for each person in the
household, a blanket or quilt for each household, health kits and a food
basket. With big sales starting please look at our Christmas Store Flyer
and see how you can help. We need monetary donations to purchase
the food and to buy clothing and gifts where we are lacking in
donations. Please bring donations to Doorstep (10th & Buchanan)
Monday-Friday from 8am to 3pm. Another way to help which you will
find heartwarming and rewarding is to help escort our adopted families
around and help them shop. Last year we severely lacked in escorts
and we need your help. CHRISTMAS STORE dates are December
14th – 18th. The flyer will let you know what opportunities are
available each day, or download the flyer from our website,
www.doorsteptopeka.org.
DOORSTEP NEEDS
Canned Tomatoes, Mixed Beans, Chicken Noodle & Vegetable Soups,
Spaghettios, Mixed Vegetables, Jelly, Peanut Butter, Cold Cereal,
Dried & Canned Milk, Oatmeal, and Tuna.
Hand Held Can Openers. Plastic or Paper Grocery Sacks.
Men‘s Clothing and Shoes. Children‘s Winter Clothing and Shoes
sizes 2 and up. Women‘s Clothing, Blankets, Household Items, etc.
We do not have room to save summer clothing, so please focus your
donations on warm, winter clothing.
LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
KANSAS (LCM-KU) is an exciting and expanding outreach ministry
for KU students and the college community. LCM-KU is currently
looking for 3 volunteer board members with communication and/or
organizational skills to help the ministry continue its mission with
young adults. We are also looking for a treasurer to assist with the
management of the organization's finances. The LCM-KU board meets
monthly to every other month in Lawrence; the treasurer is needed
approximately 5 additional hours a month. For more information, or to
offer your help, please contact Becky Foerschler at
lutherancampusministryku@gmail.com; or 785-766-6891.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY CHANGES BETWEEN
SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 and NOVEMBER 19, 2014
TOPEKA OR KANSAS CHANGES
Deines, Bonnie
1952 SW Regency Parkway Drive
Topeka KS 66604-3515
Jurgens, Justin & (Ashley)
732 Rittgers Lane
Salina KS 67401-9170
Lewis, Kyle & (Allison)
((Abigail, Kendall))
3109 SE 28th Terrace
Topeka KS 66605-1801
Little, Jacob & (Kellie)
13231 West 108th Terrace
Lenexa KS 66210
Liskey, Henry
1913 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka KS 66604-3726
Macfee, Cady ((Liam))
725 SW Morningside Road
Topeka KS 66606-2317
Papp, Bob & Karen
(785) 271-2802
Welch, Byron & Sara
2837 SW Bluestem Drive
Topeka KS 66614-6028
DEATHS
3/4/14 Frank Hoshour
(FLC not informed until 9/29/14)
9/30/14 Emma Weber
PLEASE PUT THIS IN
YOUR DIRECTORY