THANK YOU to our 2024 FLCW BOLD WOMEN - Grace Arndt & Evie Nelson (Not Pictured - Joyce Pestal
Mission Statement - Women of the ELCA To Mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
Spring Greetings, Dear Girlfriends in Christ,
Continuing with the BOLD WOMEN theme –
BOLDNESS IN ADVOCACY
“The proclamation of the gospel in a secular world, growth in Christian discipleship, and the development of church teaching and life, require cultivating the virtue of BOLDNESS.” Dr. Daniel Dombrowski
BOLD know-how and action can be learned! Just as we practice the piano or a part for a play, or just as we exercise our bodies to become stronger, regular practice of BOLDNESS gives us the strength to speak when we feel hindered, or the right steps to take when we would like to hold back. We can not only learn to be BOLD, but also to speak and act in ways that offer a contrast to the noise of the “godless chatter” that occurs in word and deed around us.
A BIBLICAL EXAMPLE
Unnamed Wise Woman: I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel; you seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel; why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord? 2 Samuel 20: 15-22
This wise woman from the city of Abel was left unnamed, but her story was included in Scripture because her BOLD action saved her community. She negotiated with Joab, a general in David’s army, advocating a plan to save her city from destruction. She successfully persuaded the general to seek another way to get the result that he wanted. As a godly woman, she puts her trust in her personal virtues of peace and faithfulness. She wisely foresaw the important of the community to the whole people and heritage of Israel, and she shrewdly contended that her city could offer more to the greater good were it not destroyed.
This wise woman recognized the benefit and tactics of being an advocate. She knew that large-scale violence would likely beget more violence, and understood the grand picture and future of her community, what loss there would be if the walls were brought down. An advocate’s work takes a long-term approach to an immediate problem. In the case of this wise woman, she not only saved her town, but realigned the alliances that helped King David, psalmist and Jesus’ ancestor, remain in power.
How do we illustrate our peace and faithfulness when our communities are threatened? Can we offer collective wise solutions that could avoid negative long-term issues? Do we think of the big picture and include those who have no voice? As faithful women, we are called to love and care for our communities by strengthening social safety nets and building trust and dependent alliances for current and future generations? Do you consider yourself BOLD in advocacy?
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will being you when he is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13
FLCW UPDATE: I continue to be so thankful for the women of First Lutheran who are always faithful and busy meeting the needs and mission of our church. In all of the years that I have been President of FLCW, I cannot think of even one time that we have had to abandon a mission because we did not rise to the occasion. We have busier and more active times than others, but we are always engaged in doing something, and our women always faithfully answer the call.
As usual, the year seems to have again gone by quickly. We just have two general meetings left before we take a brief break in June and July. August will bring us reorganizing for another year, and we need our women to prayerfully consider leadership roles in the FLCW. You may ask why am I bringing this up now? Because I think that those decisions need time to resonate, and also gives someone who might be considering a leadership role, time to ask questions and observe how an organization functions.
As of now, we know that the office of Vice President and Treasurer will be open. Actually, we never did fill the office of Vice President this year, but God is in charge, and it has worked out. I don’t think that I need to stress the need for that office to get filled, for a variety of reasons.
Evie Nelson has been Treasurer since about 2011, and she is ready to be done with that mission. She has done an excellent job. She has made known this decision for some time now, giving someone the chance to observe the position, ask questions, and hopefully consider being the FLCW Treasurer. She will gladly visit with anyone who might have interest and want to know what the office involves.
Our Group Chairman continue to stay loyal to this hospitality mission, but each of them has indicated that as they age, the job becomes more difficult for them to do. They have that in front of us for a long time, and it is time that we resolutely try to figure out how not only “let them retire” after MANY years of dedicated service, but also start to “think outside of the box” as to how we continue to get this important mission done. I hope that we are never in the position when we have to tell a grieving family that we cannot provide a meal because we cannot find members who are willing to serve in this capacity. OH MY! What a sad day that would be! All of us, at some point in our life’s journey, will more than likely look to our church to help us get through one of the most difficult times in our lives. We are known for our hospitality. We cannot let that wane. Joleen Swang is the Group Leader. She would be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have regarding being a Group Chairman. PLEASE PRAY FOR FILLING THE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR FLCW
√ BAKELESS BAKE SALE proceeds thus far - $905.00. THANK YOU so much to all who have contributed. √ THANKOFFERING is $572.71 thus far. You may still give your gift to this. Just contact Evie Nelson or Karla in the office. PLEASE NOTE – else in this newsletter are monthly suggestions for what you can contribute to your THANKOFFERING jar. √ FLCW RUMMAGE SALE – DATE CHANGE – will now be April 20th and 21st. The details are posted elsewhere in this newsletter. √ LONETREE SPRING CLUSTER GATHERING – April 13th at Our Savior’s in Mercer. Details of that event are also posted elsewhere in this newsletter. √ We will be doing the PLANT POTLUCK again this year, but we will do it the month of May. So, you can be preparing from now until then what plant/plant slips that you would like to share. It was a new concept last year that got a little traction, so thought that it was worth trying again, but earlier than last year.
THE 11TH COMMANDMENT Thou shalt not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.
In His Service, Kathy Muscha, FLCW President
First Lutheran Church Women's Officers 2023-2024 President: Kathy Muscha Vice-President: Heather Mayer Secretary: Joyce Pestal Treasurer: Evie Nelson
Bible Conversations - All women are welcome!
Bible Conversations will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10th. We will continue our book study. The book is, Hallelujah Anyway Rediscovering Mercy by Anne Lamont.
A YEAR OF THANKOFFERINGS (suggestions)
FEBRUARY - $.50 for every Valentine that you sent and/or received MARCH - $.10 for each of the 40 days of Lent APRIL - $2.00 for the first crocus or meadowlark that you see MAY - $5.00 in honor of your Mother (to be continued next month)
Lonetree Spring Cluster Gathering
Gathering will be at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Mercer on Saturday, April 13th. The theme is “Faith and Wellness” and the Bible verse is James 5:16. The speaker is Brenna Hudson N.P. Love gifts go to McLean County Rescue Center.
CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE Coming Soon - April 20th & 21st
Time to collect good sellable items and bring them to the church for someone else to enjoy. Items can be brought to the church anytime and put on the bench inside the office door or taken down to the market place room. There will be a rummage site note on the door. Children's clothes size infant-size 12 (No adult clothing). Kitchen item's, toys, books, linens, furniture, home decor, holiday items, garage clean out - the list is endless. No TVs or computer type items, Entertainment centers or pianos.
Questions contact Joleen 324-4678, Gail 324-4248 or the church office 324-2548.
Proceeds from the sale will go to FLCW Missions
PLANT POTLUCK EVERY SUNDAY IN MAY PLEASE INCLUDE THE NAME OF THE PLANT, AND THE CARE REQUIRED INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLANTS There will be a table set up in the Narthex to place your plants. Sponsored by FLCW
The quilters are in need of sheets, sheet blankets, or lightweight blankets to use for liners in the quilts they make for Lutheran World Relief. They don’t need to be in really good shape. It’s all right if they have stains or small holes. If you have any to donate, please take them to the quilting room in the basement or leave them on the pew just inside the office door entrance. Thank you!
Sewers Needed – The quilters are looking for people to sew tops at home. Fabric that is already cut into squares or strips would be provided to you, and you could sew whenever you feel like doing so. There is no deadline. Anyone willing to do this should contact Norma Tureson at 218-340-9511.