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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 BOLD MEMBERS OF FIRST LUTHERAN!
Cassy Shorey Cameron Shorey Jacey Fandrich Thank you for LIVING GENEROUSLY and sharing your time, talent and resources, as God has entrusted us to do. |
Dear Girlfriends in Christ, AS WE TRANSITION INTO FALL – THE BEAUTY OF FALL As the leaves begin to change from vibrant greens to warm hues of orange, red, and gold, a sense of transformation is in the air. Fall is a season of harvest, reflection, and gratitude. It is an opportunity to draw closer to God by reading devotionals that resonate with the beauty and challenges of this time of the year. Whether you are enjoying evenings by the fire or savoring the aroma of pumpkin spice, incorporating meaningful devotions into your fall routine can nourish your spirit and strengthen your faith. A TIME FOR REFLECTION The transition into fall invites us to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. Just as the trees shed their leaves to prepare for winter, we too can let go of the burdens that weigh us down. This season serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout the year and encourages us to cultivate a heart of gratitude. A TIME TO LET GO As the natural world prepares for dormancy, we can consider what we need to release. This might be unresolved old habits, or the stress of daily life. Fall devotions can guide us in surrendering these burdens to God, allowing us to embrace the peace and joy that comes from trusting in His plan. THE HARVEST OF GRATITUDE In the spirit of thanksgiving, fall is an ideal time to focus on gratitude. We can dedicate our devotional time to recognizing and celebrating the blessings in our lives. This practice not only deepens our relationship with God, but it also cultivates a positive mindset. By expressing gratitude, we align ourselves with God’s heart and invite more of His goodness into our lives. THE BEAUTY OF CREATION “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – has been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Romans 1:20 Take time to marvel at the beauty of creation during this season. Go for a walk and observe the colors; soak up the crispness of the fall air. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 Fall is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family. Organize a small group or Bible study where you can share devotions, pray together, and support one another. Focus on building deeper connections and encouraging each other in your faith. EMBRACING CHANGE “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 Change is an inevitable part of life. As the season shifts, reflect on the changes that you are experiencing. Seek God’s guidance as you navigate these transitions. Journaling can be an effective tool to process your feelings and document how God is at work in your life. FLCW NOTES: IT HAS BEEN A VERY QUIET SUMMER. Which is O.K. √ The FLCW Executive Committee has met throughout the summer to plan the breakfast that First Lutheran will be offering on Sunday, August 2nd for the All-School Reunion. There are lots of places for you to volunteer to prepare for the event, during the event, and after the event. It is a busy weekend for everyone, so any time at all that you could give would be so appreciated. - There are also sign-up sheets in the Narthex of the church for bringing food items. The FLCW Executive Committee moved to pay for the duct cleaning at the parsonage in the amount of $753.00. The next Rummage Sale is scheduled for fall of 2027, so you have a lot of time for your cleaning out projects. AUGUST is SCHOOL KIT MONTH. Contents for the kit are published in this newsletter, and will also be published in the August Sunday bulletins. August 3rd will be the FLCW Annual Kick-Off. Details for that event are outlined elsewhere in this newsletter. Enjoy your last days of summer. Fall and the busyness of the season will be on our doorstep before we know it. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5: 13-14 In His Service, Kathy Muscha President, First Lutheran Church Women |
DID YOU KNOW - Every woman who is a member of First Lutheran Church is also automatically a member of FLCW (First Lutheran Church Women. That is why you are assigned to a serving group and asked to participate in the various missions of the women of the church. And, YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE MONTHLY MEETINGS of the FLCW, held the first Sunday of every month (except January, June, and July), at 8:45 am in the church lounge.
FLCW (First Lutheran Church Women) Your officers are: President - Kathy Muscha Secretary - Joyce Pestal Treasurer - Gail Wangen SAVE THE DATE
ANNUAL FLCW KICK-OFF MEETING/POTLUCK PICNIC MONDAY, AUGUST 3RD CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL 5:30 PM - A SHORT FLCW MEETING 6:00 - 6:30 PM - POTLUCK SUPPER - PLEASE BRING AN ITEM TO SHARE ALL WOMEN OF FIRST LUTHERAN AND GUESTS ARE WELCOME AND ARE ENTHUSIASTICALLY INVITED TO THIS ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP WITH OUR SISTERS IN CHRIST Feel free to come at any juncture of the event and partake in what works for you. Bible Conversations - All women are welcome!
Bible Conversations/Circle will meet at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12th and September 9th at the home of Peggy White. In August we will study the July lesson from Gather Magazine. It is Session 2 and is “I am Worthy. I am more than one thing.” In September we will study the August lesson, Session 3, which is called “I am worthy, I am because you are.” Everyone is welcome to attend! THANKOFFERING (Suggestions) -
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. June - $1.00 for every wedding that you are invited to this month. July - $ .25 for each American flag that you see displayed in your neighborhood. August - $ .50 for every child, grandchild, great grandchild, niece or nephew starting school. September - $3.00 in thanks for all workers honored on Labor Day. Sheets Needed
The quilters are in need of sheets for the backs of quilts and also for liners. Ones for backs should be in good condition, but ones for liners may have stains. Any size can be used. Cotton or cotton/polyester is preferred. They can also use sheet blankets, flannel sheets, and mattress pads. If you have any items to donate, please leave them on the bench by the “office” door or take them to the quilting room in the basement. Thank you! SCHOOL KIT MONTH
• Four 70-sheet of wide or college-ruled paper; no loose leaf paper • One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side & inches on the other • One pencil sharpener • One box of 16 - 24 crayons • Five black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink) • One sturdy drawstring backpack-style cloth bag, approximately 14” X 17”, with shoulder straps (no standard backpacks; recommended fabrics include sturdy cotton, canvas, denim, and twill) You may bring these items to the church to help fulfill the School Kit. There is a basket in the Narthex for you to put these items. Thank you for your generosity in helping to provide items for this mission. |