Midweek Lenten Worship
We offer two services of worship each Wednesday during Lent. An afternoon service begins at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel. An evening service begins at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. The sermons focus on “Bearing the Name of Lutheran: What Does This Mean?” There will be no Connections Worship Service in the chapel during Lent and Holy Week.

Lenten Suppers
Everyone is invited to enjoy the Lenten supper this Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Come, eat and enjoy conversation with one another before the evening Lenten service. The meal will be prepared by Stephen Ministers.

We Are Lenten People
“Lent” comes from a word which means “springtime,” the time of the year when the days lengthen, and when we concentrate on repentance and spiritual growth in preparation for our Easter celebration.

A Message from the Council
“The Council has been meeting since the Congregational Meeting on February 7th to address both the challenges and opportunities that are placed before First Lutheran as a result of the congregation’s decision to maintain our affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  A Special Task Force of Council members, (Leigha Bolton, Kristine Young and Sally Yahnke) has been established and is meeting to determine what steps need to be taken to continue the ministries of First Lutheran.  A report from this Task Force will be made to the Council at our March 9th meeting and to the Congregation once Council has had the opportunity to discuss the recommendations from the Special Task Force.

“Council also had the opportunity to visit with Bishop Gerald Mansholt on February 21st.  The Bishop listened to our concerns and the challenges which the Council and the congregation are now facing. Bishop Mansholt indicated he and his staff are ready to provide resources and assistance to First Lutheran as we continue the Ministry of the church.”

Conversation with the Pastor
The congregation has been debating several serious issues for the past six months. Some are wrestling with questions about the theology and Scripture surrounding these issues. Pastor Keith will be in the parlor at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening to discuss questions anyone may have. All are welcome to come and join the conversation.

New Members
The next orientation session preparing people for membership in First Lutheran Church begins Sunday, April 11. For more information talk to Pastor Keith

Young Adults
The young adults meet Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall to study Mac Lucado’s Cast of Characters. All young adults are invited to come!

Men’s Breakfast
All men are invited to the monthly men’s breakfast this coming Saturday at 8:00 a.m. The group will meet at Vista Restaurant (on Tuttle Creek Blvd.)

Part Time Position Available
We are looking for a person to share the position of Financial Recorder. The shared position calls for 150 to 170 hours annually. An hourly rate of $9.50 will be offered. The person must be able to work Monday mornings. If interested, contact the church office.

Foot Washing
The worship committee is looking for three people to participate in the Maundy Thursday foot washing service. If you are interested, contact the church office.

Opportunities to Help
The nominating committee is seeking members willing to serve in the following elected positions: council, endowment committee, synod delegates, and next year’s nominating committee. If you are interested in serving or if you would like to offer suggestions of people to serve contact one of the following: Mary Dean Apel, Howard Erickson, Larry Erickson, Judy Larson, or Rhonda Lund.

Another Way To Help
Saving Campbell Food labels, Named Labels for Education, Box tops for Education (often found on General Mills Foods) and cancelled postage stamps are easy ways to support First Lutheran outreach ministries. The Labels can be placed in the food pantry collection box and the cancelled stamps can be placed in the box near the Office door.

Missing Something?
Looking for your pink salad bowl, best serving tray, lid for the casserole dish, the brownie pan? Come to the “catch all corner” in the kitchen. There is a treasure of kitchen items left from potluck and luncheon events. The lost or missing items could be there waiting for you!

STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING UPDATE
Session Sixteen - Supervision: A Key to Quality Christian Care
This is the session on Stephen Ministry Small Group Peer Supervision—the process by which Stephen Ministers receive monthly support, encouragement, accountability, and continuing education for their ministry. These recurring sessions insure that Stephen Ministers provide the best care possible, yet they are done in a way that keeps the identity of the care receiver and details of his or her situation confidential.

Please keep our Stephen Leaders and our Stephen Minister trainees in your prayers as they near the end of the 50 hours of initial training.