1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Messenger
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH [ MANITOWOC WI USA
With the New Year comes new opportunities as the New Year
beginnings it is as if the board has been wiped clean and the
window opened to allow the fresh wind to blow. (But not if its
below freezing)
As you make resolutions for this new beginning be sure to make
some regarding your faith in the Child of Bethlehem and your
community of faith, First Lutheran Church.
Be willing to express the JOY & HAPPINESS that is yours as
you experience Godʼs Love and Forgiveness.
Make it a practice to worship regularly and to share in our ministry by participating in one/several of our opportunities to serve
(remember the great number of ministry possibilities shared with
you during the Stewardship Emphasis).
The New Year brings the opportunities; its up to you to make use
of them!
Have a healthy & Happy New Year!
Pastor H.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING JAN. 25
If you haven't done so yet
please use your 2015 commitment card to make your
pledge of giving (regular &
First for God) at this time.
The proposed budget will
be voted on at the congregational Meeting. Sunday
January 25th 10:15am
(following worship )
A ‘town hall ’ style meeting
is scheduled to discuss the
budget on Sunday Jan. 18
during fellowship time in
the Fireside room.
If all goes according,
copies of the budget will
be available on Sunday
Jan. 18.
**Should the congregational meeting be postponed
due to winter weather, it
will be held the following
Sunday Feb. 1st.
Our GodGod - given mission
at F irst Lutheran is to…
Gather in the name of the
Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit,
Grow in faith & love, and
Go out to serve and invite
others to faith in Christ.
Audrey
Koch
5TH GRADE STUDENTS (AND PARENTS). . .
SAVE THESE MONDAYS IN MARCH!
First Communion instruction classes with Pastor
Harswick, will start in March for students in 5th
grade, and older youth who have not yet participated
in this class. If your child wishes to begin participating in the sacrament of Holy Communion they must attend these classes. A parent
or another adult is expected to attend with the student. Classes
begin March 2,9,16,23 at 6:30pm. Fir st Comm union wi ll be on Sun day April 12 . Any questions please call Pastor Harswick @ 682-7742
Your Dinner is Served . .
A New Year lies before us, Lord –
We wonder what it holds;
We place our future in your hands,
We’ll watch while it unfolds.
~~~
Lord, we pray that all your children
Would say a prayer for peace;
Would love their neighbors as themselves,
Then maybe wars would cease.
~~~
If we would start and end each day
With words of prayer to you;
There’d be a feeling of good will
In everything we’d do.
~~~
Lord, fill our hearts with peace and love,
Help us this love to share;
It feels so good to pass it on,
Like answering a prayer.
~~~
We pray the New Year brings good things
To those both near and far;
Dear gracious God, we humbly pray,
Please love us as we are.
Happy New Year!
Elaine Kestly
January/2015
First Lutheran will be serving the Sunday
Supper at Lakeshore United Methodist
Church (formerly Wesley U. M.) located
at 1130 S. 9th St. Manitowoc.
The community offers a free supper every last Sunday of the month. Everyone is
invited! Good will offering accepted,
but not required.
The dinner is served at 5pm.
If anyone would like to
volunteer to help with
food prep, baking
cupcakes, serving or
clean up, please
call Sue Oxton
@920-905-1150.
Thank you!
See more on page 6
Messenger
...all things designed in a spiritual manner
to grow closer to God, and therefore, closer to Serenity ...
“Jack" - Golly, could
I ever use a pick-meup...these short winter days
and long cold nights are really
hard to get used to...and winter can seem like it lasts forever! I sure miss running up
and down the hill, "fetching our pails of water", don't you Jill?
“Jill" - Yes Jack, I miss that too...and I even
struggle at this time of year with the blues.
Winter can make me feel so isolated. I really miss being with people and being outside,
"tumbling after". But, I did hear of this opportunity through Church. It's a group
called SOS. Have you heard about it?
“Jack" - No, Jill...I haven't. Fill me in...
sorts of different things ...they talk,
pray, learn about great things like
meditation, have book studies, yoga
lessons, watch movies, laugh,
etc...all things designed in a spiritual
manner to grow closer to God, and
therefore, closer to Serenity
...Serenity of Soul...get the idea? Oh, and
they often have snacks, desserts and coffee,
tea and hot chocolate and...the list goes on
and on. It sounds so peaceful, relaxing and
fun; I can't think of a single reason why we
shouldn't go!
“Jack" - Well, I can't either Jill. How do we
sign up? Does it cost anything?
“Jill" - I heard we don't even need to sign
up. We just come whenever we are able,
completely at our own option! And very
rarely do they ever do a project that has a
cost associated with it. If they do, it is made
known in advance.
“Jill" - Well, I heard that SOS stands for
Serenity of Soul. It is a non denominational group for men and women that meet
twice a month, typically on the 2nd and 4th
Monday nights of the month at First Luther- “Jack" - Sounds Great! But, how do we
an Church from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. They do all know for sure the sessions will be taking
Sunday school News
Thank you for everyone who contributed to all the special activities during the
Advent and Christmas season: The Advent Festival, Christmas caroling, the
Christmas program and Jesus’ Birthday
Party.
We pray these events helped
to make for a very special celebration of
Jesus’ birth
for all families.
Regular classes resume on January 4.
In chapel time we will begin preparing for
our 3-5K students to sing in church on
March 8 & May 10.
Students in grades 1-6 will have the opportunity to lead much of the worship service
on April 19.
We are grateful for our teachers who continue
to guide our students every week. There is a
strong sense of community forming in the classes this year and we pray that would continue!
Kristine Jacobson,
SS Coordinator
January 2015 * First Lutheran Church
place, or that something hasn't changed?
“Jill" - We can watch the Church bulletin for
dates and times, as well as the Church Messenger. The gal who organizes the sessions
is Shannon Weber. She doesn't even mind if
you call her at home, 683-8477, to ask her
questions about the meetings. That's really
nice, huh?
“Jack" - Well, thank you Jill. I am really glad
you told me about this. We should go together to the next session and invite our
neighbor to come too. Humpty Dumpty has
had a rough time of it lately...fallen heart
they say. Maybe he could really benefit from
a group like this.
“Jill" - That's great thinking Jack...I think
you're on to something. Let's go find out for
ourselves what this is all about, then we can
share the news far and wide. I think that is
something Jesus would want us to do. In fact,
knowing that makes me feel better already
and not so blue. Serenity of Soul ...sounds
like the journey for me!
By Shannon Weber
4
FIRST LUTHERAN’S WINTER
WIN TER
WEATHER POLICY
FIRST LUTHERAN FOLLOWS THE MTWC
CO. PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTʼS POLICY
ON DECISIONS REGARDING CLOSINGS &
CANCELLATIONS (DUE TO IMMEDIATE/
APPROACHING WEATHER).
So...If schools are closed/closing or
canceling evening activities; FIRST LUTHERAN is closed/closing as well(church
& office). No need to wonder, no need
to get all bundled up. Simply put- stay
put! Please listen to WOMT 1240am for
all cancelations.
What about Sundays? If the worship service
needs to be cancelled due to inclement
weather, it will be announced on WOMT1240am ASAP. When in doubt itʼs best to use
your judgment- it may look nice on your side
of the tracks, but the other side may have
heaps of that white stuff.
FIRST
PSALM
SECOND
GOSPEL
Jer 31:7-14
147:12-20
Eph 1:3-14
John 1:[1-9] 10-18
11
FIRST:
PSALM
SECOND
GOSPEL
Gen 1:1-5
29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11
18
FIRST
PSALM
SECOND
GOSPEL
25
FIRST:
PSALM
SECOND
GOSPEL
1 Sam 3:1-10[11-20]
139:1-6, 13-18
1 Cor 6:12-20
John 1:43-41
Jonah 3;1-5,10
62:5-12
1 Cor 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20
NEW & OLD
There is One Name—Jesus
Name Jesus
Max Lucado
Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Resurrection
and the Life, Alpha and Omega. Phrases that
stretch the boundaries of human language in an
effort to capture the un-capturable, the grandeur
of God. They always fall short. Hearing them is
somewhat like hearing a Salvation Army Christmas band on the street corner playing Handelʼs
Messiah. No names do God justice!
But there is one name. Jesus. A name so typical,
if He were here today, his name might be John
or Bob or Jim. He was touchable, approachable,
reachable. “Just call me Jesus,” you can almost
hear Him say. Those who walked with Him remembered Him not with a title or designation,
but with a name—Jesus! Itʼs a beautiful name
and a powerful name. The day is coming when
at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and
every tongue will confess that He is Lord!
From ʻIn the Mangerʼ By Max Lucado
Maxlucado.com
M e m o r i a l R ep o r tt::
Memorial Gifts
11/1/2014 – 11/30/2014
ALTAR GUILD
In Memory of Betty Alecksen
From: Elizabeth Foster
UNDESIGNATED
In Memory of Betty Alecksen
From: Gundersen Lutheran
ORGAN FUND
In Memory of Betty Alecksen
From: Michael & Simone Dorcas,
Mary Meser
In Memory of Jill Harris
From: James & Annette Brown,
Roberta Klaeser, Robert & Deanne
Vollendorf,
Offering$
According to historians, the celebration
of the New Year is the oldest holiday. Ancient
Babylonians first observed it in the spring
about 4,000 years ago. In 153 B.C., the Roman Senate declared January 1 as New Yearʼs
Day.
The early church started to hold religious observances that coincided with pagan celebrations. Some denominations still mark Christʼs
circumcision on New Yearʼs.
The tradition of making resolutions dates back
to the Babylonians, who often promised to
return borrowed farm equipment. Using a
baby to symbolize rebirth and the new year
dates back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.
Reg Giving
Modern-day New Yearʼs customs often focus
on prosperity. In Spain, people eat 12 grapes
at midnight, hoping to have 12 happy months
to come. The Dutch eat donuts because another year has come full circle.
Expenses
One of the best ways to start off the New
Year is by spending time in prayer. Look back
on Godʼs many blessings during the completed year and ask for his guidance in the one to
come. Also consider starting the tradition of
praying for people around the world on New
GIFT SPONSORSHIPS
Help support these ministries for First Lutheran
church that continue to
be uplifted, supported, and/or sponsored;
our weekly Sunday Radio Broadcast on
Your gift sponsorships can be acknowledged in our weekly ʻLife at Firstʼ insertDeadline for announcements: is 3:30pm
Tuesday prior to the Sunday of choice.
Any questions please call the church
WOMT, & Altar Flowers, for the Sackʼs
office 682-7742 for assistance.
daily Missionary work in Japan, and our
*If mailing your form, please mark
Prayer Shawl ministryʼs yarn. These are
the suggested donated cost of each of the
sponsorships; however we accept any
desired donation amount for these missions.
2014 - $326,103.78
2013 - $321,720.19
2014 - $460,007.34
2013 - $419,279.77
Many thanks for your
ongoing offerings to FLC
FYI: Youth fundraising
Formula created!
The Board of Youth has created a
fundraising formula. For all the
money we raise each year
through our various fundraisers,
50% will go towards our summer
trips, 40% will go into the general
youth fund for our events and
activities throughout the year, and
10% will be given as benevolence
to different causes and ministries.
Youth group students will be given
a chance to help decide where this
special offering money will be
going.
it Attn: Rebecca & Jean . This is to
insure we have it in time for the announcements-as most mail is directed
to bookkeeping (which may defer your
Sunday of choice.)
Sack’s Mission Fund $20.
Altar Flowers $22.
Radio Broadcast (full) $420.
Prayer Shawl Ministry $18.
Rebecca & Jean,
FLChurch Administrative
Assistants
2015 offering envelopes are
available now. You can pick
yours up in the Fireside
room.
MESSENGER
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
521 N. 8th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-682-7742
[email protected]
www.FLCmanitowoc.org
www.FLCmanitowoc.org
WED.
Mornin’
Mornin
9:309:3011am
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Mon-Thurs: 8:30am-4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am-12 noon
THE STAFF
ROALD HARSWICK
PASTOR
STEPHANIE BOWMAN,
FAMILY LIFE, YOUTH & CONTEMP. MUSIC COOR.
ANN UNERTL, PARISH RN
KRISTINE JACOBSON
SUNDAY SCHOOL, VBS/DAY CAMP
DIR./COOR.
CAROLINE SONNENBURG
BOOKKEEPER
JEAN OLSON,
CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.
REBECCA KONIK,
CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.
SHELLI MAIGATTER
CUSTODIAN
THE CHURCH COUNCIL
PRESIDENT: HARRY O’CONNELL
V.P.: ANN STEINMETZ
TREASURER: JOHN TAYLOR
SECRETARY: CATHY HYDE
Our study
of ʻʼThe Apocryphaʼ continues, also discussion on the two scripture readings for
the upcoming Sunday.
Everyone is welcome! Join us anytime
your able! Learn something new this
year! Bring a pal, a Bible, and grab a cup
of coffee. We even have a small break.
Pastor Harswick leads our flock.
Wed. Nite -Adult Discussion
Held every Wednesday evening after
worship at 6:50. Come for worship, stay
for discussion. Check w/ Stephanie for
details.
Womenʼs Intergenerational
Fellowship aka: ʻWIFʼ
This womenʼs Bible study &
fellowship group meets on
Thursdayʼs bi-monthly.
9:30am on the 1st Thurs. &
1:00pm on the 3rd Thurs. Child care provided. Kristine Jacobson at 652-9222
Alison Taylor 732-3523
BOARD REPRESENTATIVES:
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION~
JESS STRYZEWSKI
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP~
LYNN PAIDER
Life With Baby—
Creating Circles of Support
*Thursdays 6:00–7:30pm Life with
CHRISTIAN SERVANTHOOD~
CATHY HYDE
Baby is a weekly free support group that
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP~
ANNETTE BROWN, GREG UNERTL
port each other through the challenges of
CONGREGATIONAL CARE~
DEB PAASCH
FINANCE~
JOHN TAYLOR, JASON KOHLER
MUSIC & WORSHIP~
JASON LEICK ,HARRY O’CONNELL
OUTREACH~ SHANNON WEBER
PERSONNEL ~
ANN STEINMETZ, RON SEIZERT
PROPERTY~JAY JENS
YOUTH MINISTRIES~
SHEILA HANSEN,
STEVE MIKKELSEN
MISSIONARY
IN
JAPAN
James & Carol Sack
connects like-minded women who suppregnancy & early motherhood. Call Kim
Smith 920-860-6815
This Busy Day
Today is a gift
From God above
With time for our
work
And time for love.
When work pushes hard
And haste wants to shove,
Thatʼs just when we need
To share more Love.
—Peggy Ferrell
JANUARY 2015 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
F irst Lutheran continues to donate to
Salvation Armyʼs Food Pantry on the First
Sunday every month with non-perishable
food related items, personal hygiene
products, and paper goods, etc.
The offering for Salvation
Armyʼs Food Pantry is one of
our ʻFirst for Godʼ outreach
ministries. Let us continue to
help Salvation Armyʼs Food
Pantry by donating monetary
or groceries supplies . Thank you!
crafts
yummy
food
Advent chains
Messenger
Save the Date!
JYG (Junior High Youth Gathering)
is coming up February 21-22.
This event will be open to
7 &8th graders. More information will be coming out
soon, but for now,
Save this date!!
Ignite Game Night
7th and 8th graders are invited to
come for a night of games,
snacks, and other fun on
Friday, January 23rd, from
6:30-8:30pm.
Friends are welcome!
The Sand Dollar
These pretty shells in shades of white,
brown or purple are from sea urchins
related to starfish and sea cucumbers.
The shell's unique characteristics call to
mind Christ's birth and death: the poinsettia- and lily-like images, holes representing the four nails and spear that
pierced Jesus, small bones inside the shell resembling doves and thus
symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Following is a poem telling this story.
The legend of the sand dollar
Thereʼs a pretty little legend that I would like to tell
Of the birth and death of Jesus found in this lowly shell.
If you examine closely, youʼll see that you find here
Four nail holes and a fifth hole, made by a Romanʼs spear.
On one side the Easter lily, its center is the star
That appeared unto the shepherds and led them from afar.
The Christmas poinsettia etched on the other side
Reminds us of his birthday, our happy Christmastide.
Now break the center open, and here you will release
The five white doves awaiting to spread good will and peace.
This simple little symbol, Christ left for you and me
To help us spread his Gospel, through all eternity.
—Author unknown
January 2015 * First Lutheran Church
Epiphanies
“The word epiphany means to
show forth. Epiphanies, both
large and small, tend to be
private events — yet events
with great significance for the
public.
bridge the gap between description and what is was like
being there.
Most of us keep our personal
experiences of the Holy to
ourselves. Who would believe
it? And who would really understand?
Trying to share the details
with another of an epiphany is The irony is that epiphanies
are made for sharing, even
fraught with complications.
as they are impossible to
The words are never quite
right, and even the most sym- communicate fully.”
— Father Thomas Rosica
pathetic listener cannot fully
Sharing Jesus
The true story is told of two men
sitting together on a train. When
one shared with the other, a committed Christian, that he was heading home to donate a kidney to his
father, the Christian listened intently. Sensing his seatmateʼs genuine
interest, the speaker confided that
he didnʼt know his lifeʼs purpose.
Sensing an openness in his new
friend, the Christian told him about
Jesus and the purpose Jesus had
given to his life. The Christian man
said later that heʼd never met
someone so appreciative of hearing
the Good News.
A key Epiphany theme is sharing
the news of Jesus. “Ordinary”
Christians can do that best by
listening for an opening when visiting with someone and sharing
part of their faith story in relation
to something the other has said.
Thereʼs no need to accost
strangers on street corners.
Just be yourself, let the Holy Spirit
guide you and invite your listener
to follow Jesus, too.
Newsletternewsletter.com
Pray without ceasing
The more we pray, the more
we shall want to pray. The
more we pray, the more we
can pray. The more we pray,
the more we shall pray. He
who prays little will pray less,
but he who prays much will
pray more. And he who prays
more will desire to pray more
abundantly.
—C.H. Spurgeon
MESSENGER
ACCURATE
MOISTURE
ANEMOMETER
NATIONAL
AREA
OUTLOOK
BAROMETER
PRECIPITATION
BLIZZARD
PREDICT
CITIES
PRESSURE
CLIMATE
RADAR
CLOUDY
RAIN
COLD
SLEET
COMPUTER
SLIPPERY
DOPPLER
SNOW
DRY
STORM
FORECAST
SUNNY
FREEZING
SUNSHINE
HEAT INDEX
TELEVISION
HIGH
THERMOMETER
HOT
THIS WEEK
HUMIDITY
THUNDER
HYGROMETER
TODAY
ICY
TOMORROW
LIGHTNING
TORNADO
LOCAL
VISIBILITY
LOW
WARNING
MAP
WATCH
METEOROLOGIST
WINDCHILL
MILD
WINDY
To answer the trivia question, look for a word or phrase that is hidden
in the puzzle, but not in the word list.
MODEL
JANUARY 2015 * FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Dltbbb!
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
I
Fri
Sat
3
2
Open-8:3-12nOffice only
Closed
4 TRADITIONAL
9AM- WORSHIP (WOMT)
FIRST FOR GOD & FOOD
OFFERING
10:10 S.SCHOOL
FAITH LENS
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP
5
1PM SNIP N SEW
6PM HANDBELLS
6 EPIPHANY
8AM SNIP N SEW-BP
2:3 PARISH RN IN
5P- BD M & W
6P. BD CH. STHOOD
6:3P. BD CH. ED.
7
9:30 BIBLE STUDY
8
6PM WORSHIP –CONTEMP
CROSS CURRENT
6PM—7:30 LIFE
6-7:45 CHOIRS
WITH BABY
6:50 CONFIRM. CLASSES –
6:50 ADULT DISCUSSION
6:50 FUSION
9
14
15
16
1.P WIG
12N –OFFICE &
CHURCH CLOSE
12N –OFFICE &
CHURCH CLOSE
10
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ARTICLES
FOR MESSENGER
7:30. NFF/NA
11
CONTEMPORARY
CROSS CURRENT
9AM WORSHIP (WOMT)10:10 S.SCHOOL
FAITH LENS
COFFELLOWSHIP
11AM-ENDOWMENT MTG
18
TRADITIONAL
9AM WORSHIP (WOMT)BAPTISM
12
13
11A STAFF MTG
8AM SNIP N SEW
2:3 PARISH RN IN
5P. BDFINANCE
6P. BDPERSONNEL
6:3p COUNCIL –bdgt
6:3P. BD PROPERTY
7P. BD YOUTH
7:3p NFF/NA
1PM SNIP N SEW
6PM HANDBELLS
6:3 S.O.S
19
1PM SNIP N SEW
6PM HANDBELLS
10:10 S.SCHOOL - FAITH
LENS -ALTAR GUILD
COFFELLOWSHIP
TOWN HALL MTG
RE;BUDGET
20
8AM SNIP N SEW
2:3 PARISH RN
.
7.30 NFF/NA
9:30 BIBLE STUDY
4PM SPARK!
6PM WORSHIP TRAD.
6-7:45 CHOIRS
6:50. CONFIRM. CLASSES
6:50 ADULT DISCUSSION
6:50-8:30 FUSION
17
6PM—7:30
LIFE WITH BABY
Fusion shs blast retreat –18th
21 9:30 BIBLE STUDY
6PM WORSHIP
CONTEMPORARY—H.C.
CROSS CURRENT
6-7:45 CHOIRS
6:50. CONFIRM. CLASSES
6:50 ADULT DISCUSSION
6:50-8:30 FUSION
22
6PM—7:30
LIFE WITH BABY
23
12N –OFFICE &
CHURCH CLOSE
24
6:30-8:30
Ignite game nite
H22BDJDK
25
26
TRADITIONAL
9AM WORSHIP WOMT- 1PM SNIP N SEW
10:10 S.SCHOOL
6PM HANDBELLS
COFFELLOWSHIP
6:3 S.O.S
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING –BUDGET
27
8AM SNIP N SEW
2:3 PM. PARISH RN
7.30 NFF/NA
28
9:30 BIBLE STUDY
6PM WORSHIP
TRADITIONAL - H.C.
6-7:45 CHOIRS
6:50. CONFIRM. CLASSES
6:50 ADULT DISCUSSION
6:50-8:30 FUSION
29
30
31
12N –OFFICE &
CHURCH CLOSE
6PM—7:30
LIFE WITH BABY
Please note: Changes may occur aer
prinng, always double check the weekly
‘Life at First’ announcement sheet– for updates, cancelaons, etc. or the Church office.
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
January Messenger 2015
PAID
Manitowoc, WI
54220
Permit No. 93
First Lutheran Church
521 N. 8th Street
Manitowoc WI 54220
Phone: 920-682-7742
E-mail: fl[email protected]
RETURN ADDRESS REQUESTED
Worship with US !
Sunday: 9:00 am
Open Holy Communion every
Sunday (Worship broadcasted on
WOMT 1240am radio)
Sunday school @10:10 am
Wednesday Midweek
Worship @ 6:00 pm
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
A NEW YEARS PRAYER 2
SERENITY OF SOUL
3
Alternating Traditional & Contemporary ʻstyleʼ with Holy Communion
once a month at each service
FINANCIAL NEWS
4
REMINDERS
5
First Lutheran is
Handicap accessible
ADVENT FESTIVAL
6
A SAND DOLLAR
7
EPIPHANY
6
CALENDAR
10
Nursery Available on Sunday &
Wednesdayʼs Contemporary
worship