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The monthly newsletter of First English Lutheran ChurchChurch - Appleton, WI
First English
Love Jesus. Live your call.
www.felc.com
January 2013
News
Vol. 4 Issue 1
FELC Outreach Through Building Use
First English is blessed to own two beautiful buildings which meet the congregation’s needs so
well - from the wonderful Downtown Site Choir Room to the spacious Activity Center at the
North Site. These wonderful spaces have not gone unnoticed or unused by the greater Appleton
area community. In addition to the benevolence funds FELC contributes to the community, we
extend the use of our buildings to other local non-profit groups. Many of these groups would
find it financially crippling to have to pay usage fees for meeting space and are surprised at the
generosity of our congregation as we open our doors to them. Some groups send a small stipend to compensate for the usage, most do not. But all are very thankful. Some examples of
non-profits using our buildings on an ongoing or periodic basis are local Boy and Girl Scout
troops, Easter Seals of Wisconsin, Christian Family Radio’s Christmas Care Campaign and Help
for the Homeless, Christian Co-operative Preschool, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin,
Appleton Area School District, Lutheran Social Services, ESTHER, Bible Study Fellowship, Feed
My Starving Children, the Lawrence Girl Choir, and the VSA Choir. This is just one example of
the way First English Lutheran Church is reaching out into the community to “Live your Call.”
First English
Lutheran Church
Website: www.felc.com
Email: [email protected]
Downtown Site
Corner of North & Drew streets
Phone 920-733-2303
Office Hours:
M-Th: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Service Times:
Sunday 8, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m.
Learning Time: 9:15 a.m.
Nativity Displays at
Advent Tea
Thank you to all who shared their
Nativity sets at the Advent Tea on
Sunday, Nov. 25. There was a wide
variety of shapes, sizes, materials
and nationalities of beautiful displays - 42 sets in all. First English
member Connie Krueger shared a
Nativity scene (below), about which
she has written a lovely poem. She
shares the poem with us below.
North Site
Corner of Broadway & Ballard Road
Phone 920-882-7942
Service Times:
Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Learning Time: 9:35 a.m.
Echoes
Phone 920-882-8172
First English Pastoral Staff
Jeff Tengesdal
Mary Bauer
Bryan Schmidt
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
First English Support Staff
Anita Damon
[email protected]
Julie Doerfler
[email protected]
J. Blake Doss
[email protected]
Jeanne Gronholm
[email protected]
Donna Haberland
[email protected]
Kathy Hoffman
[email protected]
Kristy Howard
[email protected]
Meri Hujet
[email protected]
Jenny Jamison
[email protected]
Jennifer Leahy
[email protected]
Zay Lenaburg
[email protected]
Jean Monson
[email protected]
Kirsten Owens
Dale Rude
Cindi Schwab
Steve Sieck
Brenda Smongeski
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Newsletter Deadline: All submissions for the
February, 2013 issue must be emailed to
[email protected] by noon on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
16.
Special thanks to all those who contributed photos for the newsletter.
2F
Crèche Bandits
I left the kids with Granny,
and traveled off with Paul.
A conference way out West for him,
for me, the shopping mall!
My mission was to find a crèche…
the Christmas Story tell
to grandkids who’d be showing up
with thoughts of jingle bells.
I found a beauty, made of wood,
carved by the man who sold it.
I knew at once this was the one,
as he, his story, told it.
Grandkids, ages three and four…
oh, how they loved that crèche!
They told the story o’er and o’er,
each time ‘twas new and fresh.
Two days after they arrived,
I noticed that the horns
of both the cows were missing!
And in my heart grew fears…
…that two small boys had done
this crime,
and spoiled my newest treasure!
So I began to question them,
and found new ways to measure.
“The cows had horns so very
sharp!”
they started with their tale…
“They’d hurt the Baby Jesus!”
and they both began to wail….
So after that confession made
with two such tender hearts,
I chose to not reveal their crime.
The story this imparts….
…is of those tiny, loving hands
that saved the Baby Jesus,
and will forever help us see
as those young hearts would lead
us.
-Connie Krueger, 2012
www.felc.com
Thank You to the Many Volunteers who Serve at First English
Thank you to all First English volunteers and staff who helped reach out to others with special events, programs,
projects and worship services during the Christmas season, including but not limited to:
♦♦♦ The many worship volunteers who helped make each service so meaningful each week but especially during the
busy Christmas season; greeters, readers, ushers, communion assistants, acolytes, television/sound/media technicians, soloists, musicians, choir members, special music musicians, and worship assistants. ♦♦♦ The dedicated volunteers who
assemble our weekly bulletins and always come through during
the Christmas season. ♦♦♦ The office volunteers who help answer
phones and provide a welcoming presence to the office during
this busy holiday season. ♦♦♦ Echoes volunteers, customers and
donors for creating a festive Christmas atmosphere with wonderful displays and Christmas spirit. ♦♦♦ Volunteers who helped
make the “Advent Tea” a success plus The Waupaca High School
Madrigal Singers who provided wonderful entertainment to enrich our time together. ♦♦♦ The families who donated their nativity sets for display. 42 sets were on display. ♦♦♦“The Progressive
Dinner” organizers and participants who created such a wonderful spirit of fellowship. Thank you especially to the host families
in 2012. ♦♦♦ ALL FELC Bell-ringers for the Salvation Army’s Red
Kettle Campaign; those who rang bells on the three First English
dates but everyone who rang bells at any time to help support
the Salvation Army. ♦♦♦ FELC members who helped plan, organize, cook, set up/clean up and bake for the annual Dec. 13
“Waiting with a Sure and Certain Hope” Worship Service and
Lunch, and Elizabeth Mazurak and Jennifer Johnson for sharing
their musical gifts to create a memorable morning. Thank you
to all who donated sweets for the 2012 cookie exchange.
♦♦♦ Steve Sieck, Parish Choir Director for his wonderful contribution in creating the Advent Vespers service that was held on
Dec. 12. Thank you all the volunteers and musicians who assisted in providing an evening of pure Advent joy. ♦♦♦ ALL the
bakers who provided so many treats throughout Advent and
Christmas. ♦♦♦ Everyone who blessed the staff with sweets,
cards and greetings. ♦♦♦ Cooks, decorators, servers and
cleanup crews who assisted with the multiple programs
throughout Advent and Christmas. ♦♦♦ Early Risers Bible
Study for making krumkake and delivering it to FELC homebound plus sharing the treat at the 50+ Cookie Exchange.
♦♦♦ The Sunday School children and teachers for sharing messages about Jesus’ birth. ♦♦♦ Preschoolers for songs about baby
Jesus. North Site Sunday School children for their beautiful
Christmas program, “ Follow the Star”, and Downtown Site Sunday School children for their joyful music in the Christmas message, “Shepherds, Sheep and a Savior." ♦♦♦ Children who made
Christmas cards, decorated cookies and sang Christmas carols.
♦♦♦ All who brought donations for the WEMI Christian Family Radio’s Care & Share program and food items for St. Joseph Food
Program. 58 Care and Share boxes will bring joy to others this
Christmas. ♦♦♦ All choir members and those providing special
music for their spirited singing in this season of joy. ♦♦♦ Those
that participated in the “Fill the Trailer” food drive and associated
activities collecting food for the less fortunate. ♦♦♦ Those who
supported the Alternative Gifts Market by purchasing Christmas
presents. ♦♦♦ Those who participated or helped with set up for
the “Longest Night” service on Dec. 20. ♦♦♦ To those who gave their time and talents to decorate the sanctuaries at
both sites. ♦♦♦ Bruce Jahnke for donating the beautiful Christmas trees and greenery at both sites. ♦♦♦ Those assisting in tree delivery, set up and take down of the Christmas trees. ♦♦♦ All who purchased poinsettias to complement
the sanctuaries, and alternative gift chicks in memory/honor of a loved one. ♦♦♦ The Christmas offering organizers
and counters.
January 2013 Newsletter
3
From the Desk of Pastor Jeff
“The eyes of all . . . were fixed on Jesus” (Luke 4:20).
We are going to fix our eyes on Jesus in January.
We are going to fix our hearts on the things that matter
to
his heart: “. . . to bring good news to
the poor . . . to proclaim release to the
captives and recovery of sight to
the blind . . . to let the oppressed go
free” (Luke 4:18,19).
Sunday, Jan. 6, is a very special day in
the life of our congregation. It is Sign-up
Day for our Unbinding Your Heart study
scheduled for Lent (Feb. 10 - Mar. 24).
The study is designed to unbind, free,
and release our hearts to be in a deeper
relationship with Jesus, and I want
EVERY person in our congregation to be
in a study group, and every homebound
person in prayer. For the six weeks of
Lent we’ll offer our whole selves to God.
In fact, we’re canceling all regular meetings, including Church Council and Ministry Teams, so that all worship, Confirmation and prayer can focus on what
we’ll be studying. Be sure to worship on Jan. 6 so you
won’t miss learning more about this.
Sunday, Jan. 13 will introduce us to the Adoption Ambassador Program of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Guest preachers and
forum leaders will be at both of our sites to tell us about
this program. I met with Jay Fulkerson two months ago.
He is one of many LSS Adoption Ambassadors, and he
explained how LSS has partnered with the Adoption
Board in Manila to place orphaned Philippine children
in stable, loving homes. His own
personal stories of Manila from last April
inspired me to the point I wanted his
message heard by all of First English.
Sunday, Jan. 20 marks the kick-off of next
summer’s Feed My Starving Children
(FMSC) event. There has been hardly
any down time since last summer’s
event. Christians from many community
churches have been meeting monthly to
plan for our fourth annual event. The
hundreds of thousands of FMSC meals
which have been and will be prepared
are “good news to the poor.”
Sunday, Jan. 27 will introduce us to representatives from Crossways Camping
Ministries (CCM), including its Executive
Director John Meachen. I’m hoping this
Sunday will foster support for CCM and
encourage many of our families and children to register
for summer Bible Camp. One of the surest guarantors
for keeping our children’s eyes fixed on Jesus, especially
into young adulthood, is an experience at camp.
January is going to be a great month together as
we move further into our congregational mission:
Love Jesus. Live your call.
~Pastor Jeff
Worship and Music
2013 Altar Flowers Sign Up
FELC is pleased to have a local floral designer design the altar flowers that are arranged in
honor of or in memory of a loved one. The cost is $50. Please sign up on the special Altar
Flower calendar and send your payment to the church office. Wedding couples are welcome to
leave altar flowers behind, if they so wish just inform Kristy in the office so you can be acknowledged in the Sunday bulletin. For Downtown Site flowers, sign up in the Gathering Area. For
altar flowers at the North Site, please contact Kristy Howard in the church office (733-2303 or
[email protected]).
Sermon Schedule for Winter and Spring 2013
You may have noticed the pastors will usually preach the same sermon two weeks in a row, giving it once at each
site. While this can be repetitive if you want to travel freely between both sites, this actually encourages unity between the two sites at First English. If you meet someone who typically worships at the opposite site, you know that
they are learning the same things and being challenged in the same ways that you are. And if a pastor has a sermon
that they feel meets a need for the entire congregation, they can be assured that most of the church will hear it. To
see a calendar that will let you know when a sermon is a repeat of a previous sermon, go to www.felc.com under the
calendars tab, and click Sermon Schedule. If you have questions or comments, please contact Pastor Jeff, Pastor
Mary or Pastor Bryan.
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www.felc.com
Learning
Children's Learning Time News
Confirmation News
Continue exploring the weekly Sunday School Bible story at
home using the Family Page available online at
www.felc.com. This month the Bible stories are:
• 9th Grade Confirmation Meet-
Jan. 6
Jesus’ Baptism Movie
Luke 3: 21-22
Jan. 13
The Wedding Banquet
Matthew 22:1-14
Jan. 20
Jesus Feeds the 5,000
John 6: 1-14
Jan. 27
The Greatest
Commandment
Matthew 22: 34-36
Parenting Workshops
First English is pleased to host the following parenting
workshops, which are sponsored by Parent Connection, of
Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin and open to the
community. The cost is $5 per person per workshop. Reg-
830--6877.
ister in advance by calling ThedaCare at 920920 -830
Scholarships are available by calling 739-4226 ext. 108.
• 1-2-3 Magic: Parents, learn how to STOP the behavior you don’t want and
START the behavior you do want on Thursday, Jan. 24 and 31 from
6-8 p.m. in Room 218 at the Downtown Site.
• Two Homes, No Battles: This workshop suggests successful co-parenting
skills for divorced or separated couples. Discover practical ideas and skills
to create a more nurturing environment. Learn what parents can do to
make the transition less traumatic on Thursday, Feb. 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. in
Room 110 at the Downtown Site.
• Terrific Twos: This one night workshop explores the world of two-yearolds! Topics include typical behavior, stages of development, creating a
safe, learning environment, and the importance of routines on Thursday,
March 14 from 6-8 p.m. in Room 110 at the Downtown Site.
• Let’s Get This Potty Started: Learn the signs for toilet readiness and
stress-free toilet learning techniques on Tuesday, March 5 from
6-7:30 p.m. in Room 110 at the Downtown Site.
ing: All 9th grade confirmation
students and their parents are
required to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday,
Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship
Hall. Details and schedules regarding the students’ last semester of confirmation will be discussed so please bring your family calendar along with you; this
will include specifics about the
FELC new member five week series that all 9th grade students
will participate in. Don’t forget
that, if you wish, the LIFT meal is
served from 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
on Jan. 2; just make a reservation
by Friday, Dec. 28 at noon.
• “New & Review” classes begin
Jan. 6 or Jan. 9: All 9th grade
Confirmation students will begin
their second semester with New
& Review classes. These classes
are to be attended with a parent
or other guardian. Students are
to attend either a Sunday or
Wednesday class for each week
of the series. Sunday classes will
be from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday classes will be during the
regular Confirmation class time,
6:30-7:45 p.m. New & Review is a
five week series beginning Jan. 6
and ending Feb. 6.
Family Pizza and Veggie Tale Movie Night
Sedgewick, and George (Larry the Cucumber, Mr. Lunt, and Pa Grape) are all
busboys at the Pieces of Ate Dinner
Theater, and all long for the day when
they can cease cleaning tables and step
into the spotlight. If Elliot could overcome his timidity, Sedgewick could
muster some motivation, and George
could only boost of self-confidence a bit,
perhaps their dreams of starring in the
big pirate show could finally come true. When a mysterious artifact known as the "Helpseeker" falls from the sky
searching for three heroes to embark on a treacherous
quest back to the 17th century, Elliot, Sedgewick, and
George must choose between traveling back in time to
rescue a royal family from a dangerous despot or spendEveryone's favorite produce pals set out to seek their for- ing the rest of their lives lazily lounging around on the
tune on the open seas in this animated adventure. Elliot, couch.
Mark your calendars for Friday evening,
Jan. 25 for a night of fun, fellowship, and
food! All families with children ages preschool-grade 6 are invited to the Family
Pizza and Movie Night in Fellowship Hall
at the Downtown Site. We’ll enjoy a
pizza dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. and
we’ll watch the Veggie Tales movie, “The
Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” after
dinner. Bring your favorite blankets,
wear your slippers and be prepared to laugh as your favorite Veggie Tales characters are dreaming of being pirates. Please sign up online at www.felc.com for the dinner and to bring a dish to pass. Arrgh Mateys – hope to
see you there!
January 2013 Newsletter
5
Learning
Men's Bible Studies
All of FELC’s Men’s Ministry groups welcome visitors. You’ll find a support
group, time to discuss current events, friendship, fellowship and mentoring.
No need to register, just come and visit one of these weekly small groups.
• Tuesday morning men’s ministry meets at 6:30 a.m. at the North Site Office.
• Wednesday men’s ministry meets at 7 p.m. at the Downtown Site Office.
• Tuesday men's ministry meets at 7 p.m. in the Downtown Site Lounge.
• Friday morning men's ministry meets at 6:30 a.m. at the North Site Office.
Sunday Adult Learning Time
Women of the ELCA
9:15 a.m. Downtown Site
Starting Jan. 6, the study “Jesus
Christ: A Portrait of God” meets
weekly at 9:15 a.m. in Room 221 at
the Downtown Site. In this new
year, may Jesus help us see His reflection in each person we meet.
Have you ever been so busy you don’t have time even to eat? In January, the
monthly study looks at the disciples who’ve been away on a mission trip,
back and eager to tell Jesus what they have done, but with so many people
clamoring around them, they hardly have time to eat. Jesus calls them to
“come away . . . and rest a while.” Visit one of these women’s small groups
and take time to rest. Contact Anita Damon in the church office for more
information.
• The Judith Circle meets at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8 in Room 114 at the
Downtown Site. Ruth Rucks is the Bible Study leader.
• The Miriam Circle meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Please contact
Anita Damon at 450-1196 for the location.
• The Sarah Circle meets Wednesday, Jan. 9 at Ann Erickson’s home, 430 W
Park Ridge Ave, Appleton. Appleton. Regrets only to 733-4631.
• The Young Moms Group meets Wednesday, Jan.16 at 9 a.m. in the Nursery
at the Downtown Site. Children are welcome to come and play while
mom’s share a study. Please contact Jen Wagemen at
[email protected] or by cell: 920-636-8121 with questions.
Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring
the Fruit of The Spirit Bible study,
by Beth Moore, provides a personal
study experience plus a video group
session. A Spirit-filled life truly results in living beyond yourself.
Starting Sunday, Jan. 6, at 9:15 a.m.
in Room 114; Annette Ford is the
facilitator. The book will be available at class for $15.
9:35 a.m. North Site
Starting Jan. 6, join a discussion of
Faith Lens, a weekly Bible study
which connects world events with
the Bible, faith, and everyday life.
Jen Wageman is the facilitator.
Early Riser’s Women’s Group
This group resumes on Thursday,
Jan. 10 in Room 114 at the Downtown Site.
The Thursday 9 a.m. Bible Study
This study group resumes their
weekly study on Thursday Jan. 10 in
the Lounge at the Downtown Site.
This study is open for new participants as we study the Gospel of John.
Barb Mattheis is the facilitator.
Every Sunday
we celebrate
the
Resurrection.
6
Today’s Events are Tomorrow’s History
From the very beginning, CHART’s mission has been to organize and preserve records of events significant to FELC. In keeping with this mission, we
are looking for photos of the FELC float from the Appleton Christmas Parade. If you have any photos to share of the float construction or during the
parade, we would be happy to add them to the FELC historic collection. We
are also interested in photos from this year’s Progressive Dinner (or years
past). If you have any extra photos from either event, please drop them off at
the office or contact Anita Damon at 733-2303 or Julie Nussbaum at 7313645.
The CHART History Team will be meeting Downtown in Room 221 on Jan. 10
and Jan. 24 at 10:30 a.m. We will continue to work on the photograph sorting/identification project and archiving documents.
Baptismal Workshop
The next Baptismal Workshop is at 6 p.m. (please note the
time change) on Tuesday, Feb. 5, in Room 110 at the Downtown Site. Families wishing to have a family member baptized
will learn about the very special gifts God gives us in baptism
- we are named and claimed as children of God, promised forgiveness of sin and eternal life, and given the gift of the Holy
Spirit. Baptism is truly a faith milestone. Details of the baptismal service will
be discussed. Please RSVP by calling the church office and indicating if child
care is needed. If you have not attended a Baptismal Workshop in the last
four years, please plan to attend a workshop before scheduling a baptism.
www.felc.com
Learning
Church Library
Is one of your 2013 New Year's
Resolutions to read more and view
inspiring DVDs? Could you share a
Christian book with your child or
grandchild? Available for you in
the church libraries are over 3,000
books, CDs, DVDs and videos.
FELC Book Club:
New Look, New Name!
Every month there are gifts to the church library. These
can be placed in the bottom drawer on the right side of
the desk at the Downtown Site. If they can be valued
additions to our libraries, they will be entered into the
computer and available to be checked out. If the item
is not needed, it will be donated to Echoes.
Two of the recent additions are:
• Gift from Judy Snavely: When Cancer Strikes a Friend
by Bonnie E. Draeger (616.99,Dra) The author said
that there are numerous books for patients, immediate family members, and primary caregivers, but
"Where is the book for friends?" In her research, she
learned that cancer experiences are as unique and
varied as the individuals who struggle with the disease. She gives guidelines to help you find countless
ways to demonstrate your care and support throughout the cancer journey.
• Gift from Elayne Lastofka: 90 Minutes in Heaven by
Don Piper (231.7,Pip) From a car accident, Piper experienced the glories of heaven, awed by its beauty
and music. Now he shares his life-changing story with
you. (A copy of this book is already at the North Site.)
Are you a solitary creature who lives in constant danger
of being crushed by a stack of books? When company
comes, do you have to move books off the sofa so they
can sit down? Or maybe you're an avid reader looking
for other avid readers in a culture that seems uninterested in reading anything more complicated than a cereal box? If so, you've come to the right place. Nancy
Ashland and Donna Haberland invite you to join them
the last Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in
Room 114 at the Downtown Site. Come and make some
new friends, share a laugh, enjoy tea and treats, talk
about all types of topics and generally just have a good
time. Oh - and we do discuss the book we’ve read, too!
Our book selection for January is A Secret Gift by Ted
Gup. Feel free to contact Donna Haberland in the
church office (733-2303) with any questions. We hope to
see you on Jan.29!
Congregational Life
All Pro Dad
Zumba Fitness is an exhilarating, effective, easy-tofollow Latin-inspired, calorie-burning, dance-fitness
program! Join this high energy fitness party and find
yourself looking forward to your next workout. Winter
session begins Monday, Feb. 4 with registration starting
at 6 p.m. The 16 class (8 week) session is held on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Session
fee remains $40 and is payable at registration by check
or cash. Dependent children age 14 and older are welcome to join their parent(s) for FREE. No babysitting is
available. Comfortable gym clothes, shoes, towel and
water bottle are all you need!
Where: First English Lutheran Church Activity Center
6331 N. Ballard St., Appleton
January 2013 Newsletter
Join Dads and their kids of all ages for
celebration in the Word and a meal.
First English chapter of All Pro Dad
meets the 2nd Saturday of the month
(September through May) at the Perkins West on College Avenue at 8 a.m. The breakfast is
geared to school age children, but all dads and their
children are welcome. Our next breakfast is on Saturday, Jan. 12. If you would like to join us, please sign up
at www.felc.com under the forms tab, or for more information contact Mike Schmid at [email protected].
Used Cell Phone Fund Raiser
Support the youth going on the 2013 Mission Trip by
bringing your used cell phones to church and dropping
them off in the Gathering Area. Please tell friends about
this fundraiser and bring their phones as well. The used
phones will be turned in and the FELC youth group will
be paid cash depending on the make and model of the
phone.
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Unbinding Your Heart:
A Congregation-Wide Lenten Study
Feb. 10-Mar. 24, 2013!
Lent 2013 will be a unique time for First English, as our congregation will participate in a very special, all-church
Lenten study entitled Unbinding Your Heart. This study provides for 40 special days of prayer, supported by weekly
worship services and small group gatherings that will be about an hour long. Unbinding Your Heart is about developing a deeper relationship with God, a rich and meaningful personal prayer life, and a new sense of God’s activity
in our lives. People are saying they can be more ‘real’ with others as their relationship with God grows … and that
this extends to relationships within their families and with people in every area of their lives.
This study is taking such a high priority in our church life that all meetings (with only very few exceptions) will NOT
be taking place starting on Feb. 10, after the annual meeting. The February ministry teams will move to Tuesday,
Feb. 5 and not meet at all in March. Congregation Council will meet immediately after the annual meeting on
Feb. 10 but not again until Holy Week.
Sign-up for a study will begin on Jan. 6, 2013 with a wide variety of times and places to select from. Unbinding
Your Heart books will be available at the time of sign up. Child care will be provided at some of the Unbinding Your
Heart study times. The goal is to have 100% participation within the congregation. Adult, teen and children (grades
1-6) versions of Unbinding Your Heart will be offered at many different times such as Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday. You can share in the group experience with no pressure to “do” anything other than:
• Worship on Sunday and/or Wednesday Lenten Worship
How is Jesus
• Read each week’s chapter, and attend the six weekly discussions
• Pray, guided by daily prayer exercises in the book
Calling You?
• Enjoy the fellowship and bonding that will naturally happen
Sign up for a small group meeting day and time at www.felc.com, in the Gathering Area starting Jan. 6, or by calling
the church office 733-2303. Childcare needed? Request childcare by calling the church office by Jan. 31, 2013. What
an exciting time in the life of First English.
reFUEL Unbinding Your Heart (Grades 99--12)
Interested in learning more about prayer? How
about learning how prayer shapes your faith on a
Mark Your Calendar!
daily basis? Or, maybe you just like books with
large purple ribbons on them….
March 24, 2013
Unbinding Your Heart
Gratitude Breakfast
Palm Sunday
Downtown Site and North Site
8
If so, starting in early February, the Wednesday reFUEL group will join the rest of the congregation in
exploring Martha Grace Reese’s Unbinding Your
Heart: 40 Days of Prayer and Faith Sharing. This sixweek study is both a captivating and challenging
resource that encourages you to pray, to talk about
your faith, and to share your faith beyond the walls
of the church. Sign up begins Jan. 6. Please see Julie
or Pastor Bryan if you have any questions about this
study.
www.felc.com
Summer Intern News
Now Hiring Summer Interns; Application Deadline: Jan. 7
Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 Summer Intern Staff. The First English Lutheran Church Summer
Intern Program exists to provide faith formation and vocational discernment for college-aged men and women. This
is accomplished through working together in an intentional Christian community. Each intern is assigned a ministry
focus, but the interns work as a team to carry out these ministries. The ministry areas are elementary age youth, middle
school youth, high school youth, art, worship, music, member care/communications and outreach. There are 12 positions in all. If you or someone you know would be interested in this wonderful opportunity, an application form can be
found on the First English website (www.felc.com) under the resource tab→employment. Applicants must have completed one year of college or be of the equivalent age and life experience. The deadline for applying is
Monday, Jan.7, 2013.
2013 If you have questions, contact Julie Doerfler at [email protected] or call 733-2303.
January 2013 Newsletter
7
The annual Make an IMPACT! Fundraiser for Summer Intern Ministries
will be held Friday, Mar. 1 from
6:30 - 10 p.m. at Liberty Hall in Kimberly. If you have attended the event in
the past, you know what a festive evening it is. If you haven’t been before,
mark your calendar now so you don’t
miss out on the fun!
The auction will have all of the traditional components including the silent auction, live
auction, raffle, and fellowship, along with a surprise or
two (who can forget last year’s
“Polka with the Pastor”?). In
addition, the evening will include an hors d’oeuvres style
dinner, cash bar, entertainment, and many opportunities
to explore how you can make
an impact on this communitywide ministry.
Tickets for the event will be $20 and will go on sale in
early February.
Individuals, church groups, businesses,
and others are encouraged to make
donations for the auctions and raffle.
All donations are greatly appreciated
and are tax deductible. Donations
might include but are not limited to
weekend getaways, boat trips, homemade dinners, hand-made items, new
jewelry, electronics
and furniture. (We
ask that all donations be new and
unused.) Cash donations would be
appreciated as well. (A donation
form is available below; you may
also donate online at www.felc.com/
impact. Meri Hujet can be contacted
by email at [email protected] to collect your donations, or if you have
questions.
This is sure to be an evening to remember and an opportunity to make an impact on the
lives of youth and young adults, our congregation and
our community.
Auction Donation Form
Yes! I have an item/service to donate to the “Make an IMPACT!” fundraiser held on
Friday, Mar. 1, 2013, to support First English Summer Intern Ministries.
Your Name/Group ___________________________________________________________________________
Email address ___________________________________________ Phone ____________________________
Item to be auctioned/description ______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of donor (if different from yours)__________________________________________________________
Minimum bid desired_______________________________ Value of donation __________________________
Please describe your donation exactly as you would like it to appear on the Donated Item Card at the auction. Be as specific as possible about the donated item or service(s) so people know what they are bidding
on. Please also include dates and times or a window of time to redeem the service if applicable. If you would
like to include the value of the donation, please feel free to add that as well. You may also submit your donation online at www.felc.com/impact. Thank you for your generous support of this ministry!
10
www.felc.com
January
2013
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Prayers are with you
as you begin this new year.
May God bless
you and
may you be a blessing
to others!
Christmas blessings to you from your pastors, the FELC youth staff and the
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FELC HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP GRADES 9-12
Wednesdays!
• reFUEL Sunday Edition NS
Grades 9-12
9:35-10:30 a.m.
Office Area—NS
• reFUEL Sunday Edition DS
Grades 9-12
9:15-10:15am
Youth Room—DS
Drop-in with Pizza
Grades 7-12 5:30-6:30 p.m.
reFUEL Wednesday Edition
Grades 10-12 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Discussion, study and fellowship
FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP
2013
IT’S MOVIE TIME!
JAN. 6
YOUTH ROOM DS
During reFUEL
For all high school youth
from both sites.
Don’t miss this opportunity
for fellowship, fun
and GREAT FOOD!
Bring a friend!
PRAY DAILY
January 2013 Newsletter
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Hey youth grades 7-9!
Come to the North Site on
Jan. 20 3-5 p.m.
for a great movie, great popcorn
and great fun!
Sign up on the
FELC website.
“Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for
the believers in your speech, your conduct,
your love, faith, and purity.”
11
JANUARY SCHEDULE
Jan. 2
Youth Drop-in (Grades 7-12) 5:30-6:30 p.m. DS Youth Room
9th Grade mandatory second semester meeting with parents 6:30 p.m. DS
Confirmation general session (Grades 7-8) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS
reFUEL - Wednesday Edition (Grades 10-12) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS Youth Room
Seraphim Choir 7:45-8:15 p.m. DS Choir Room
Jan. 6
Worship
Sign up begins for Unbinding the Heart
Seraphim Sings 8 a.m. DS
Sunday School (Grades 7-8)
reFUEL - Sunday Edition (Grades 9-12) Kick-off Breakfast 9:15-10:30 a.m. DS
Mission Trip Meeting 10:30 a.m. DS
New and Review— Option 1 (Grade 9) Noon—1 p.m. DS
Jan. 7
Intern applications due
Jan. 9
Youth Drop-in (Grades 7-12) 5:30-6:30 p.m. DS Youth Room
New and Review—Option 2 (Grade 9) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS
Confirmation general session (Grade 7-8) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS
reFUEL - Wednesday Edition (Grades 10-12) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS Youth Room
Seraphim Choir 7:45-8:15 p.m. DS Choir Room
Jan. 10
BAC at Apple City Restaurant 6:15 a.m.
Jan. 13
Worship
Sunday School (Grades 7-8)
reFUEL - Sunday Edition (Grades 9-12)
9:15 a.m. DS and 9:35 a.m. NS
New and Review— Option 1 (Grade 9) Noon—1 p.m. DS
Jan. 16
Youth Drop-in (Grades 7-12) 5:30-6:30 p.m. DS Youth Room
New and Review—Option 2 (Grade 9) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS
Confirmation general session (Grade 7-8) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS
reFUEL - Wednesday Edition (Grades 10-12) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS Youth Room
Seraphim Choir 7:45-8:15 p.m. DS Choir Room
Jan. 17
BAC at Apple City Restaurant 6:15 a.m.
Jan. 19-20 Seraphim trip to Minneapolis
Jan. 20
Worship
Sunday School (Grades 7-8)
reFUEL - Sunday Edition (Grades 9-12)
9:15 a.m. DS and 9:35 a.m. NS
New and Review— Option 1 (Grade 9) Noon—1 p.m. DS
Faith and Fellowship 3-5p.m. NS
Jan. 23
Youth Drop-in (Grades 7-12) 5:30-6:30 p.m. DS Youth Room
New and Review—Option 2 (Grade 9) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS
Confirmation general session (Grade 7-8) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS
reFUEL - Wednesday Edition (Grades 10-12) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS Youth Room
Seraphim Choir 7:45-8:15 p.m. DS Choir Room
Jan. 24
BAC at Apple City Restaurant 6:15 a.m.
Jan. 27
Worship
Sunday School (Grades 7-8)
reFUEL - Sunday Edition (Grades 9-12)
9:15 a.m. DS and 9:35 a.m. NS
New and Review— Option 1 (Grade 9) Noon—1 p.m. NS
Jan. 30
Youth Drop-in (Grades 7-12) 5:30-6:30 p.m. DS Youth Room
New and Review—Option 2 (Grade 9) 6:30-7:45 p.m. NS
Confirmation general session (Grade 7-8) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS
reFUEL - Wednesday Edition (Grades 10-12) 6:30-7:45 p.m. DS Youth Room
Seraphim Choir 7:45-8:15 p.m. DS Choir Room
12
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Congregational Life
Wednesday LIFT at the Downtown Site
Wednesday LIFT (Living in Faith Together) activities are available for all
ages to help people keep Jesus Christ at the center of their life. Develop relationships and dig more deeply into faith, scripture and God’s work in our
lives. Wednesday LIFT goes beyond church membership into real discipleship. Child care is available with advance RSVP to the church office
733-2303. Small groups meet on Jan. 2-30 and Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.
in Room 114 at the Downtown Site for John Ortberg’s study and DVD Start
Becoming a Good Samaritan. Live out Christ's love in world-changing ways
right where you live. Becoming a Love and Logic Parent, a 6 week class, is a
way of working with children that puts parents back in control, teaches children to be responsible, and prepares young people to live in the real world,
with its many choices and consequences. Join Jen Kennedy, Jan. 2-Feb. 6, at
6:30 p.m. in the Lounge. Register online at www.felc.com or on the bulletin
board.
January Schedule
4-5 p.m.
5:15-6:15 p.m.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
6-6:30 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
6:30-7:45 p.m.
6:30-7:45 p.m.
6:30-7:45 p.m.
6:30-7:45 p.m.
6:30-7:45 p.m.
6:30-7:45 p.m.
7-8 p.m.
7:45-8:15 p.m.
Start Becoming a Good Samaritan, Room 114
LIFT meal, Fellowship Hall
Youth Drop-in grades 7-12, Youth Room
Musikgarten, Room 220
KidsLIFE grades 1-6, Room 014
Confirmation grades 7-9
Start Becoming a Good Samaritan, Room 114
Becoming a Love and Logic Parent, Lounge
Child Care in Nursery with Advance RSVP
reFUEL - Wednesday Edition, Youth Room
Parish Choir, Choir Room
Men’s Ministry Bible Study, Library
Seraphim Choir, Choir Room
In the Footsteps of St. Paul
Spaces are filling up for the summer 2013 tour to Greece and Turkey with
Pastor Jeff and Barb. In order to ensure a space for yourself, and for planning purposes, it is important to get registration forms and deposits in as
soon as possible. Please check out the information sheets in the Gathering
Area, click “Forms/Sign-ups” on the First English website, or talk to Pastor Jeff
or Barb, for more information. They hope you will join them on this journey of
faith and history, in the footsteps of St. Paul.
Fundraising Opportunity
for First English: Shop.com
First English is participating in an exciting fundraising program. FELC has a
link to a shopping website featuring thousands of partner stores like Walmart, JCPenney, Best Buy, and more. When you make a purchase through the link
as a Preferred Customer, FELC receives royalties and you earn cash back on qualified purchases. Go to “Shop.com” under the Resources tab of the FELC website, or
contact Earl Green at [email protected] or 735-6096 for more information.
January 2013 Newsletter
Wednesday LIFT
Meal Registration
• Jan. 2: Zuppa’s
•
•
•
•
Variety of wraps (veggie included),
chips/dip, veggie tray
Jan. 9: Mary’s
Broasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy
Jan. 16: Schreiner’s Diner
Turkey and mashed potatoes
Jan. 23 Schweitzer’s
Taco Buffet
Jan. 30: LIFT Volunteers
Pizza Night
Enjoy this time of food and fellowship! What a blessing to have these
delicious dinner options available
during our hectic Wednesdays.
Make your reservations by Monday
noon at www.felc.com→forms/sign
up→Fellowship→LIFT meal registration. Meals are served from
5:15-6:15 p.m. $5 per person, under
age 5 free with family/household
maximum of $20. Payment collected
on Wednesdays.
“For where two or three are gathered
in my name, there am I among them.”
- Matthew 18:20
November Baptisms
•
•
•
•
•
•
Henry Rohlf Holden
Elin Dolores Ulness
Lena Lorraine Ulness
Morgan Marie Schauske
Grant Thomas Neuwirth
Ruby Kay Clifford
November Funerals
• John Belling
• Lois Derber
January Anniversaries
• James and Susan Rouse cele-
brate 35 years together on Jan. 1.
• Jeffrey and Frances Eckes cele-
brate 45 years together on Jan. 14.
• Richard and Virginia Lecker celebrate 45 years together on Jan. 20.
13
Congregational Life
Thrivent Choice
Save the Dates:
Making a Choice for the Best Transition - How
to Clear Out 50 Years of Possessions
Guest Speaker: Jean Long Manteufel, Long’s Senior
Transitions
When: Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m.
Where: Downtown Site Fellowship Hall
Who: Open to all ages of the congregation; guests and
family. Parents and adult children are encouraged to
attend together - great opportunity to share in the conversation.
Info: Jean Long Manteufel moved back to Appleton in
1987 and started working for A-1 Moving. “Jerry Long’s”
A-1 Moving and Storage, Inc. is now in its fourth generation of professional moving. Jean Long Manteufel, CEO
of Long's Senior Transitions in Appleton, writes a Post
Crescent column on the first Sunday of each month
about baby boomers, their aging parents and the transitions they're facing. When the time comes to movewhether to a new house, an apartment or even assisted
living, you can often be overcome with where to start.
Come listen to Jean offer some initial steps in beginning
the process of downsizing to avoid the task of moving
becoming overwhelming. For planning purposes sign up
in the Gathering Area or register online at www.felc.com
(under the forms tab) or by calling the church office by
Monday, Jan. 14.
Annual Soup Buffet
When: Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 6
Where: Downtown Site Fellowship Hall
Who: Open to all ages of the congregation; caregivers,
guests and family.
Info: Start your recipe search for a new soup or stew.
Luncheon includes a variety of homemade soups
around a Valentine’s Day theme.
14
Thrivent Choice, the charitable grant program from
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, continues to be a welcomed funding source for First English. If you are a
member of Thrivent Financial, you likely are aware of
this easy, convenient way to help support what matters
most to you. The Thrivent Choice program offers two
ways members can recommend where Thrivent grant
funds are distributed each year - through voting events
or through Choice Dollars, which eligible members
themselves direct. Contact your local Thrivent representative or visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice for more
information.
Be a Prayer Partner
The Confirmation Prayer Partner Ministry is looking for
30+ volunteers to simply offer the gift of prayer for a
confirmation student. The prayer partner program has
been a long-standing tradition at FELC.
Here’s how it works: each volunteer will be assigned to
a current confirmation student (current 8th and 9th grade
students were likely assigned last year, so the majority
of assignments will be 7th graders). The volunteer will
be provided some basic information about his/her student, but the identity of the volunteer is not made
known to the student. This way the prayer partner becomes a “secret pal” to the confirmation student.
We ask that you include your assigned student in your
prayers. Young people face difficult choices every day.
Your thoughtful prayers for God’s guidance as they navigate this difficult path will be one of the greatest gifts
you can give to them. It is an important time in their
faith development. In the past, many partners have
sent an occasional card to their students reminding
them that someone is praying for them. Reminders and
some cards will be provided. Prayer partners are revealed to the students at their confirmation reception.
To volunteer, register online at www.felc.com under the
forms tab or contact Kathy DesRochers at
[email protected] or 993-9529. In the past, most volunteers have not personally known their assigned student,
and the relationship has been initiated and developed
through prayer. However, if you know a child currently in
confirmation, feel free to make that request. Likewise, if
you have a preference for a girl or boy, or for a specific
grade, those requests may be accommodated as well. All
we ask that you keep your partner in your prayers throughout their confirmation journey.
www.felc.com
Congregational Life
First English Lutheran Church
Annual Meeting
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013
Downtown Site Sanctuary
At Noon
Soup Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. in the
Fellowship Hall before the meeting.
2013 New Member
Sponsor Ministry
In conjunction with the 2013 “New and Review” series
(see back cover), the Congregational Growth Ministry
team and Pastors would like to encourage current FELC
members to become a new member sponsor in 2013. As
a sponsor you would be asked to act as a shepherd,
mentor and friend as our guests and visitors become
more familiar with First English. This match would ideally begin in early 2013. If you are interested in partnering with a new member or new member family please
contact Jen Wageman ([email protected] or 920730-8043) or Jean Monson ([email protected] or 7332303).
Staff Welcomes Dale Rude
First English is happy to announce the addition of Dale
Rude to the lay staff of
FELC. Dale recently accepted
the part-time position of
Handyman and has been diligently attending to our beautiful buildings. Recently retired
from Air Wisconsin, Dale
brings a wealth of maintenance experience to First English. Also, as a retired U.S.
Marine he brings with him a
sense of teamwork essential to
the church.
Dale and his wife Tami have been members of First
English for ten years. They have three children; Erik and
Marda who are students at Appleton North High School,
and Samantha, a 2012 summer intern, is a Sophomore
at St. Olaf College. He has been an active volunteer at
both the Downtown and the North Site.
Please take a moment to thank Dale for his continued
commitment to First English.
2013 Ministry Team Meeting
Dates and Sites
Expectations of New Member Sponsors are:
• Connect on a monthly basis with your new member
(phone call, note, invite to FELC activity, etc.).
• On Saturday, Feb. 9 attend the new member breakfast
reception
• Optional - since all the congregation is welcome to
attend and participate in the five new member
classes, sponsors are welcome to attend “with” their
new member.
Ministry team members mark
your 2013 calendars with the
following dates and meeting
locations. All ministry team
meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Remember that Ministry Teams
and Congregation Council move
to the Downtown Site in January. Also, because of the special
emphasis on Unbinding Your
Heart the February ministry team meeting will move to
Feb. 5 with no meeting in March.
Seraphim Choir in January
This study is taking such a high priority in our church
life that all meetings (with only very few exceptions) will
NOT be held beginning Feb. 11 through Palm Sunday.
Julie and Meri invite all Seraphim alumni to sing with the
choir on Sunday, Jan. 6. Hopefully many alums will be
home on winter break and will be able to sing! Please
come to our rehearsal on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 7:45 p.m. in
the Downtown Site Choir Room. If you can’t make that,
join us at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6 in the Downtown
Site Choir Room to rehearse for singing at the 8 a.m. service. Rest assured the song will be easy enough to catch
on to that morning! Contact Julie at [email protected]
with questions.
January 2013 Newsletter
January through June meetings are held at the
Downtown Site.
• Jan. 8, Feb. 5, no March Ministry Team Meetings,
Apr. 9, May 14, June 11.
• No July Meetings.
August through December meetings are held at the
North Site.
• Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 3 (changed
to first Tuesday for December).
15
Congregational Life
Outreach
Ministry Scheduler Pro
Ministry Scheduler Pro has been in use
at First English for six months. The sign
up option for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was a great way for volunteers
to accept worship roles for the service of
their choice. The next worship volunteer
schedule will be from Mar. 3- May 26,
remember to enter your conflicts by Friday, Feb. 8.
Sub/Swap Requests
One area to focus on is the response time to volunteers
who are looking for a sub or wish to swap. For example,
a 7th grade parent (who is new to MSP) has tried to request subs and trades through the system but has not
heard back on any of their requests. She was questioning whether or not the system was working or was she
doing something wrong. If you can, please offer to help
each other out when a sub is requested. This particular
situation was NOT a last minute request, but she
wanted to take it off her “to do” list. Take a moment to
review these requests and your calendar to see if you
can assist someone in need. As we all know, everyone will
need someone to fill-in for them at some point in time.
Do not merely look out for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others.
-Philippians 2:4.
Latest/Most Current Schedule
The most current schedule can be found on the church
website www.felc.com→calendars→worship volunteers.
The MSP software makes it possible to have the most up
to date schedule available to anyone with Internet access. If in doubt on a Saturday about whether or not you
are scheduled; check out the church website link.
Almighty God, help us to receive your word with
believing hearts, so that, confident in your promises, we may have hope and be lifted out of sorrow
into the joy and peace of your presence. Amen.
Reminder Emails
Remember you can modify your personal profile to receive your reminder email for when it works best for you.
14 days ahead? 6 days (our default)? or 2 days? – you
have the capability to receive the reminders when and
where you wish to see them. You can also enter multiple email addresses if you wish.
January 6
Remember to bring your calendars to church.
Sign up begins!
16
Collect Your
Campbell Soup Labels
The Navajo Indian Mission is Rock Point, Arizona is one
of the poorest tribes in the nation. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could help them without spending ANY
money? Well, you can simply by saving Campbell Company labels - any Campbell product. All you need is the
UPC code - the little boy's picture isn't important. The
latest news is that with three million labels the Mission
can get a 15 passenger van! There are very poor roads
in that area which makes it hard on the cars.
There is a poster on the bulletin board in the Gathering
Area with a pouch in which to deposit your labels. Please take the time to save them. They will be
collected periodically and mailed to the Mission.
Thank you for your participation.
www.felc.com
Outreach
To All Who Love Making a
Difference - We Thank You.
Serving at the Fox Valley
Warming Shelter
Did you know that thanks to our
work together, small-scale coffee, tea and cacao farmers are
working with renewed dignity
and making their communities
strong?
Hold the dates: Feb. 1010- 16, 2013
Over the past 15 years, more
than 23,000 congregations and
places of worship have joined
hands with farming families on
the mountains of Latin America,
Africa and Asia. In 2011 alone,
groups like ours bought enough
coffee to equal the entire year’s harvest of 377 family
farms – that’s over 31,400,000 servings! By selling this
coffee directly and on fair terms, farmers have gained
control, earned better income and made strides in community services together.
Through holiday bazaars, regular sales and sharing a
cup during fellowship hour, you and thousands of people of faith across the country are putting your excellent
values into action. With every bag of coffee and every
chocolate bar, you make a difference in the lives of farmers across the globe who are rebuilding their communities, educating their children and protecting their forests and rivers.
Last month FELC realized sales of over $500, selling our
fair trade items! Many thanks to all of you who have
supported this project. Jan. 6,
6 will be our next LWR Coffee Project sale day. We should have a full supply of
coffee, tea, chocolate bars and Geobars.
First English will have the opportunity to serve meals and
help provide overnight hospitality for the Fox Valley Warming Shelter again this winter.
Our week in 2013 is
Feb. 10-16. If you have helped
at the shelter in the past, you
know what a rewarding and informative experience it is
to work with the shelter guests and staff. If you have
never helped out at the shelter, mark your calendar and
plan to join us in this important community outreach
ministry.
We will be providing more information, menus and sign
-up schedules at both of our FELC locations in January.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, if you have
a favorite dish you would like to prepare, or if you would
like to coordinate one of the evening meals, please contact Dick Gamble ([email protected]) or Kris Meinert ([email protected] ).
(As a reminder, volunteers must be age 18, except youth
aged 14-17 who are accompanied by a responsible
adult. Children under 14 are not allowed to volunteer
in any capacity at the Shelter.)
Feed My Starving Children 2013
(Event Number 1307-77)
Care and Share Boxes
Thank you to everyone who put together Care and Share
Boxes in December for WEMI’s annual program. FELC
contributed 58 boxes! All the 3,445 gifts/boxes collected
were distributed to local crisis agencies and emergency
rooms for people in crisis.
January 2013 Newsletter
Jan. 20, 2013: The Feed My Starving Children Kickoff
takes place during the coffee hour at both sites. Mark
your calendars for “Sweetroll Sunday”. A freewill offering will be accepted for the sweet of your choice. All
proceeds will benefit our 2013 MobilePack (1307-77)
that will be taking place on July 22-24. The next planning meeting for the 2013 “Feed My Starving Children”
MobilePack will be held on Monday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at
the North Site. Representatives from other congregations have already agreed to work with us to assist in
planning, organizing and fundraising for the 2013 effort.
If you are interested in being involved or know of another congregation who may want to partner with the
group, please contact Jean Monson (733-2303 or [email protected]) or Rachel Nutini (996-0430 or [email protected]).
17
Stewardship Corner
Called to Serve in Love:
Time, Talent & Treasures
Greetings to you this winter. I hope you and your family enjoyed celebrating Christmas and Christ’s birth!
Many blessings in 2013 is my prayer for you.
Thank You to all who participated in our Stewardship
Campaign this fall. We received some great feedback,
especially the Live Your Call section. Finally, I want to
personally THANK YOU again for sharing and agreeing
to Live Your Call and Serve One Another in Love.
I want to take this opportunity to recognize our Stewardship Committee, and those who volunteered to
make this year’s campaign a success. It is an honor to
serve with them and I appreciate all of their hard work
and dedication.
Our 2013 Stewardship Campaign has been very successful, with over 347 First English families making a
financial pledge representing over $877,000, an increase of over $52,000 or +6% vs. last year! An exciting fact is that 75 families have pledged for the very
first time and 116 families have increased their pledge
over last year. Additionally, in 2012 we paid all of our
mortgage interest through the general fund and we
were current with our Benevolence Giving to the
Synod throughout the year. Pastor Bryan joined Pastor Mary and Pastor Jeff to shepherd our congregation
and round out our very talented pastoral team. God is
with us and good things are happening at First English!
As we begin this New Year with continued focus on
“Love Jesus, Live Your Call,” I am reminded of our calling from a devotion I read from Christ In Our Home by
Jennifer Doerr, a congregational deacon from Upper
Manhattan, NY.
The Poor Widow
She out of her poverty has put in everything she had.
-Mark 12:44
The poor widow, whose small offering became the
starting point of a great lesson for Jesus’ disciples, did
something extraordinary in giving out of her poverty.
She demonstrated what is truly valuable to God. It’s
not what’s easiest for us to give or what we have in
great abundance. Jesus says that what is of greatest
value is the thing that is most precious and dear to
us—in other words, the thing that’s hardest for us to
give away. Someone with a hectic schedule can give
out of his or her poverty by spending more time with
God. A shy church member can offer to use a hidden
talent. Someone with weak leadership skills can learn
how to support those at the helm of a meeting or
event. A parishioner consistently in the spotlight can
take a step back and work behind the scenes.
When we Christians remain solely in our comfort
zones, we may fail to give all that we have to God. The
impression that the poor widow made on Jesus is a
testament to how each of us can strive to honor God
with our worship—by giving our all. In what way can
we give “out of our poverty?”
Loving God, help me give my very best to you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
To this end, our Stewardship Committee will continue
working diligently to keep a focus on Stewardship
throughout the year. We remain committed to the
10:10:80 Principle, as outlined below:
• Give God 10% of your earnings—this is called a
“tithe”
• Give 10% to your future in the form of savings/
investment
• Live within your means on the remaining 80%
www.kickdebtoff.com/the-10-10-80-principle/
We will be offering Educational Seminars covering different topics that relate to this subject. Stay tuned for
more information in the months ahead. Also, we encourage you to participate in the upcoming Lenten
Study, “Unbinding Your Heart.”
Thank you for keeping First English in your hearts!
Your continued commitments of time, talent and
treasures help make the mission and vision of First
English a reality. Your generosity makes a difference
for so many areas of First English ministry.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Luke 12:34
May God richly bless you, your family and friends and
our church.
Sincerely,
Lance Schmidt
Stewardship Committee Chair
Thought for the Month: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
18
www.felc.com
Council News
FELC Congregation Council
Meeting Minutes!
Minutes!
Nov. 27, 2012
Council Members Present: Jeff Cieslik,
Kristi Picken, Pete Vandenberg, Dean
Haas, Terry Maves, Sara Van Beek, Rick
Sather, Aaron Douglas, Steve Ford, Jennifer Johnson, Jim Mariano, Tom Kent
Council Members excused: Kay
Eggert, Lance Schmidt, Dan Grawe
Guests Present: Pastor Jeff, Pastor
Bryan, Pastor Mary, Brenda Smongeski,
Gordy Jeppson
I. Devotions - Tom Kent.
II. Approval of Minutes - approved.
III. Executive Committee Report A. Personnel Budget: Updated figures
show a $22,000 increase from 2012
budget.
B. Posting council minutes/agenda:
Will be posted the weekend prior to
the council meeting at bulletin
board at both sites and on website.
C. Other: Interviews have started for
the handyman position. Snow services are contracted out with Jack's
Lawn and Landscaping.
IV. Ministry Team Reports/Committee
Reports A. Strategic Planning (Steve Ford): Met
with ministry teams for November
meetings to discuss the new mission statement. Committee is working on the policy statement as to
how funds will be distributed and
application for funds. Further update in December.
B. Ministry team for council's information (no action needed currently):
1. Congr. Growth: Handicap access
at NS, stand-alone cross at NS,
update graphics on DS parking
lot sign. Possible need for paid
nursery staff. (Kudos to the team
for the FELC Christmas parade
float!)
2. Congr. Life: Council will attend the
new member breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Mark your calendars, please.
3. Worship: Reupholstering the chairs
will need to be included in a new
capital appeal. $30/chair to reupholster - 300 chairs.
C. Echoes Task Force (Jeff Cieslik): Meeting regarding tax-exempt status.
Checkbook is being transferred to
Echoes board responsibilities. Board
member job descriptions are still a
work in progress. Will report to
Brenda the $10,000 community donation from Echoes by Dec. 17.
V. Pastors’ Reports - accepted.
VI. Treasurer’s Report - accepted.
A. Stewardship Update: As of Nov. 20,
2012, we are getting close to last
year's pledge amounts. 96 m e m b e r s
who pledged last year have yet to
pledge. The stewardship committee
will contact those members in December.
B. Budget: Dean Haas presented proposed budget for 2013. With current
number, net is negative $50,822.00.
Support will meet on Dec. 10 for
budget balance. Support will present
Council with new numbers after Dec.
10 meeting. Council members will
come with ideas for budget balance
at Dec. 18 meeting.
VII. Old Business A. Constitution/By-laws (Steve Ford): 50
members present at Nov. 11 meeting.
Constitution has been updated with
proposed amendments. Vote will take
place at the annual meeting in February to ratify the amended version.
B. Unbinding the Gospel (Pastor Mary):
Offerings - November 2012
$25,784
$15,098
$26,759
$14,399
Total November Offering
$82,040
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Budgeted Offering for November 2012 $86,808
Ψϭ͕ϬϲϬ͕ϬϬϬ
YTD TOTAL INCOME* YTD EXPENSES
$1,116,933
$1,150,090
$1,063,980
$1,091,144
VIII. New Business A. Capital Campaign (Gordy Jeppson):
Presented information about the
current campaign and ideas for future campaign. Current campaign
ends May 2013. 60% of "We Are
Called" campaign went toward debt
reduction. Should we have another
capital campaign? Discussion to be
included at the annual meeting in
February. Annual report should
include an accurate report of the
current campaign. Will move ahead
to meet in January with current donors and receive feedback.
B. Steve Ford shared a Live Your Call
moment he witnessed. How can we
share more of these moments?
IX. Official Acts - accepted.
X. Motion to adjourn - adjourned at
8:54 p.m.
Next meeting: Dec. 18, 2012 at
6:30 p.m. at the North Site. !
Ψϭ͕ϭϲϬ͕ϬϬϬ
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
YTD Budget
YTD Actual
Pastor Mary is leading the leadership team for the Lenten E-vent.
Targeting 600 people besides confirmation students. Feb. 10 to Mar. 23,
2013. Gratitude breakfast on
Mar. 24. Hoping for 50 groups of
12 members each. Looking for lay
leaders to share testimonials during
Lenten services with a focus on how
Unbinding the Gospel has transformed their lives.
C. Nominating Committee (Pete Vandenberg): John Zweig and Pete have
met and are putting together a list
of people who would be eligible for
council. Targeted number of nominees is 10.
Ψϭ͕ϭϰϬ͕ϬϬϬ
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*Budgeted average revenue of $1,116,933 for the first 11
January 2013 Newsletter
19
A Fabulous Float!
The Congregational Growth Ministry Team wants to extend a huge thank you to Timm and Abby Vanderloop for
donating their time, their heated shop, materials and truck and trailer for the FELC float in the Appleton Christmas
parade. Another big thank you to Matt Heckel for helping construct the float and to everyone who decorated and
sang. It was a great success and a lot of fun.
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12-17-2012 16:53:51
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A 4C 01-1140
12-17-2012 16:53:51
PRST STD
U.S. Postage
.
Return service requested
January 2013
PAID
.
First English Lutheran Church
326 E. North Street
Appleton, WI 54911
Appleton, WI
Permit No. 38
What’s Inside
Thank You Volunteers!...................…....3
From the Desk of Pastor Jeff….………..4
Family Pizza and Movie Night………....5
Unbinding Your Heart….....…………...8
Now Hiring Summer Interns..…………9
“The Outlet” Youth News………………...11
Be a Prayer Partner……………………...14
Council Minutes………………..…........…19
.
Stewardship Corner…………………..…..18
2013 New Member Series: “New and Review”
•
•
•
•
Are you interested in becoming a New Member at First English?
Have you visited either one of the sites and wish to learn more?
Do the weekly class topics intrigue you?
Are you a current member who wishes to refresh your faith life?
If you are a recent guest or visitor and are interested in joining First English or are a current member who wishes to
learn more, please plan on attending the annual “New and Review” series. This 5 week series is open to anyone to
attend. An hour-long class will be offered for five weeks on either Sunday or Wednesday. Child care is provided. For
planning purposes, please register online at www.felc.com/newreview or contact the church office (733-2303). Class
topics will include: The Mission and Ministry of First English, Lutheran Theology, Intentional Living, “Love Jesus.
Live Your Call” and Bible Basics.
Wednesday (6:30(6:30- 7:30 p.m.): Jan. 9 at Downtown Site
Sunday (Noon - 1 p.m.): Jan. 6 at Downtown Site
Jan. 16 at Downtown Site
Jan. 13 at Downtown Site
Jan. 23 at Downtown Site
Jan. 20 at Downtown Site
Jan. 30 at North Site
Jan. 27 at North Site
Feb. 6 at North Site
Feb. 3 at North Site
Prior to the new member series all are encouraged and welcomed to participate in any and all ministries at First
English; this includes ministry teams, Sunday School, confirmation, Bible studies, teaching, baking, etc. Your name
will be added to our database so you will receive our monthly newsletters. As you read the newsletter or bulletin
and see something that interests you, give us a call or send an email to learn more. If you would like to enroll in
Sunday School or Confirmation or receive envelopes just contact the church office at 733-2303 or [email protected].
For more information please contact Pastor Jeff Tengesdal, Pastor Mary Bauer or Pastor Bryan Schmidt.
*Wed. option: LIFT meal (5:15(5:15 -6:15 p.m.) and Wednesday new member class to follow. RSVP by Monday noon for the meal at
www.felc.com→forms/signup
forms/signup→fellowship
www.felc.com
forms/signup fellowship→LIFT
fellowship LIFT meal sign up.