FIRST

July 2018

“Serving Christ through Worship, Learning, and Caring”

Monthly Newsletter of First Lutheran Church

Mark Your CalendarJuly 4

Independence DayJuly 7

7:30am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast July 8

11:30 am - Kanae Okada Bridal ShowerJuly 10

5:00pm - Finance Committee Meeting

July 4, 11, 18, 2512:00pm - Listen Live at Lunch

July 167:00pm - Church Council

July 20Tacoma Rainiers Baseball Game

~~~~ Looking Ahead...

August 2-5 Vacation Bible School

A Stewardship of Life

God, indeed, has blessed the mission and ministry of First Lutheran Church. God has done so through your financial gifts, prayers, and service to others. It is my hope that after reading these Stewardship Values and prayer, we will all be encouraged to make a Faith Commitment (pledge) to the ongoing work of God through First Lutheran Church.

The Second Stewardship Value: Regular

“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save what extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:2

The second stewardship value is regular giving. To be regular in your giving means to establish a pattern in your giving, and then follow that pattern.

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Paul’s prescribed regular pattern for giving is each week. In Biblical times, it was most common for workers to receive their income at the end of each day. Therefore, to be regular in giving meant to set something aside each day and give it in worship each week.

Our system of compensation today is different. Some people are paid once a week, others twice a month, others only once each month. Retired people might receive a Social Security or Pension check at the beginning of the month. If one is fortunate, they may have income from other investments.

In our day, to be regular in giving means that whenever you receive income, you give according to your predetermined plan. Obviously, there is a strong connection between intentional giving and regular giving. To be intentional means that one develop a plan for your giving. To be regular means that you follow the plan, according to your own specific way of receiving income.

Thank you so much for your continued financial gifts to support the mission and ministry of First Lutheran Church.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Steve

Treasurer’s CornerIt’s been a quiet month, thankfully there have been no difficulties which require a

non-budgeted outlay of funds. We are up to date with our payments to the synod and have met all other obligations directed by the Congregation. Our giving has dropped slightly but we are still ahead for the year as income is slightly above budget and expenses arebelow. Please be sure you stay caught up with your pledges as you head out on vacation.

There are two items on the horizon to bring to the Congregation’s attention, one far less expensive than the other. First, it is time to replace the Office and Financial Administrator’s computers. This will go through Council for approval in August and hopefully they will be up and running in September. The second, and far more costly item, is the heating system for the Church. As you may or may not know the control system failed over a year ago and we have been running on manual since then. This requires someone to come in at 4 am onSunday morning to start heating the Sanctuary and Chapel. A committee has been formed to look at options and costs with the goal to present the findings to the Congregation in December with a possible vote coming at the Annual meeting.

Any questions or comments you email me at apclam@nventure.com, call me at 253 905-0704 or grab me most Sundays at Church. Thank you, Dick Cooke.

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Hello FLC congregation,

Most of you may have seen me a time or two during Sunday’s or holidays, some of you may have heard me sing a few times, some of you may have known me since I was a little girl. Either way, let me introduce myself.

My name is Amanda Norman your new FLC Youth Leader and Parish Life Coordinator. I am the daughter of some amazing FLC members Bob & Heidi Norman. I have been a member of First Lutheran Church for almost 21 years, First attending when I was 5 years old.

I am a Tacoma native graduating from Stadium High School in 2010. After high school I attended Western Oregon University where I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Theater Arts emphasizing in Musical Theater.

During my high middle school and high school years I spent much of my time with the youth group under the leadership of Elisabeth Himmelman, I enjoyed getti ng to know other young Christians during activities and service trips. My goal is to bring this wonderful group back to First Lutheran. In college I gained experience with mentorship, leadership and event planning during my time as dorm President and Theater Department event planner. I believe bringing people together to have fun maybe even food can have such an impact on how a group or in this case congregation becomes a family.

I look forward to seeing all of you at our various events and activities coming up throughout the year. If you have an questions or concerns for me please don’t hesitate to askor send me an email at amaenorman.19@gmail.com or give me a call or text at (253) 241-5543

Thank you for your participation and support!

Sincerely, your new Parish Life Coordinator Amanda Norman

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Welcome Ricardo de la TorreWe are pleased to welcome Ricardo de la Torre to our First Lutheran Church staff. He was

hired for the position of church pianist this past April.

Active as a performer, teacher, adjudicator and scholar, Dr. Ricardo de la Torre has played in concert venues in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Spain and France. He hasappeared as soloist with the Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra in Mexico and also in Bloomington, IN at Indiana University, collaborating with conductors Román Revueltas and Fawzi Haimor, respectively. A finalist and prize winner in several competitions in his home country, he has also held grants and scholarships from different cultural and government institutions. In 2008 he won the second prize at the Eleventh Annual Competition in the Performance of Music from Spain and Latin America, sponsored by Indiana University’s Latin American Music Center and the Office of Education of the Embassy of Spain. The recordings he made for the Latin American Music Center as the result of this competition were included in the two-CD collection "Piano de Pampa y Jungla," produced by the LAMC.

With experience instructing from the beginning stages to the college level, Ricardo is a dedicated teacher who enjoys working with students of all backgrounds and ages. In demand as an adjudicator in Washington and Idaho, he has been invited to judge such events as the MTNA Northwest Division Competition finals, the Spokane Piano Competition and Pacific Lutheran University’s Concerto Competition.

Born in Mexico City, Ricardo attended the pre-college program at the Escuela Superior de Música in his home town. He later received a Bachelor’s degree with honors from this institution. He continued his studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he received a Master of Music degree and went on to graduating with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he worked as a teaching and accompanying assistant. His main teachers include Ana María Tradatti , Fernando García Torres, Evelyne Brancart and David Korevaar. He has taken part in numerous masterclasses with pianists Jorge Federico Osorio, Peter Donohoe, Leon Fleisher, Jörg Demus, Cristina Ortiz, Jean-Paul Sevilla, Ursula Oppens, Roberto Prosseda, Gustavo Romero and Gregory Allen among others.

Also active in scholarly endeavors, Ricardo has presented lectures and lecture-recitals at local and international conferences and has had articles published by peer-reviewed journals in Mexico, Colombia and the U.S.

Prior to coming to Puget Sound, Ricardo served as accompanist for Ballet and Modern Dance classes at the University of Idaho and maintained a successful private studio in Pullman, WA. He also served on the faculty of East Central University in Ada, OK, teaching a variety of subjects.

“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” — President Jimmy Carter

HomeStart is a ministry of First Lutheran Church. We serve families in transition by providing them with furniture and household items to set up their homes free of charge. HomeStart is able to provide this ministry from donations that are so generously given to supply our warehouse. We are always so very grateful for the help and support of volunteers. If you are able to volunteer some of your time to help, have items to donate, or need more information, please contact Jim Ofelt at 253-564-6090.

Busy Bee Preschool at FLC! 524 South I Street, TacomaIf you or anyone you know is looking for a great preschool come check out Busy Bee Preschool at FLC. If you have questions about 2018 enrollment call (844) 644-BEES (2337).

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Outreach MinistryThe visit to Living Stones Church on June 9th was attended by 7 members of our

congregation. It was a nice evening. There will be another opportunity to go again in the fall. The date will be announced soon as we have it scheduled.

The Reach picnic was held on June 3rd, everyone was happy to be inside as the weather was a little iffy that day. There was food, games and activities. We look forward to helping again next year.

We will be selling parking spots in our parking lot for the Food Truck Festival on July 22nd and the Ethnic Fair July 28th & 29th. A sign-up sheet will be in the fellowship hall if you would like to take a 2 hour shift. All proceeds go to the Outreach Ministries.

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PRESS RELEASE: LISTEN LIVE AT LUNCH free concert series

Contacts: Duane Hulbert 253-756-9628, cell 253-389-5052First Lutheran Church office: Pastor Steven Ray 253-272-1538

“Listen Live at Lunch,” a free concert series provided by First Lutheran Church by Wright Park, will celebrate its tenth season on June 20, 2018.

Every Wednesday at noon, the church will open its doors to people who want to eat their lunch in the sanctuary and listen to live music, ranging from classical to folk music.

2018 Concert Schedule

Organist Curt Sather will be the soloist on July 4. He will present American patriotic music for organ including Charles Ives' "Variation on America", "The Stars and Stripes Forever", and a set of variations on "I Got Rhythm," and a communal singalong.

Leon Christian offers a program of works for classical guitar on July 11. Christian will perform works he has transcribed to guitar from the piano sonatas of Scarlatti and the Bach Lute suites. Also included are Variations on a Theme by Handel, Op.107 by Mauro Giuliani, an Etude by Carruli on a Theme by Mozart. Other guitar works by Fernando Sor, Enrique Granada and Isaac Albeniz will round out the program.

On July 18, the concert series will feature a return appearance by PLU faculty members Jennifer Rhyne and Catherine Case. They will offer a mix of flute and harp solos and duets related to different styles of dance, including Piazzola's History of the Tango and other shorter works.

On July 25, Tacoma clarinetist Lawrence Bradley will join soprano Karen Evans, and double bassist Chris Burns. They will play works by Hindemith, Betty Roe, Alan Ridout, Morton Gould, Rob Hutchinson, Deborah Anderson and David Anderson.

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On August 1, Kristina Henckel, a pianist formerly from the Puget Sound area who now teaches in South Carolina will play a program of piano favorites by Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt. She will collaborate with narrator Paul Twedt for the “The Selfish Giant” by Liza Lehmann based on a story by Oscar Wilde.

Organist Una Hwang will return to Listen Live at Lunch on August 8 playing an all-Cesar Franck program.

Vancouver Symphony bassist Evan Hulbert will give a solo recital on August 15th performing works by Lancen, a Sonata by Adolf Misek, a showpiece by Bottesini and the Divertimento Concertante by Nino Rota. Pianist Duane Hulbert will provide the accompaniment.

On August 22, the Listen Live at Lunch series will feature the husband-wife duo Soprello, with Allison Pohl, soprano, and Alistair McRae, cellist. They will perform a new arrangement of Bach’s Ave Maria, and songs by Clara Schumann, Debussy and Rachmaninoff. MacRae will also be joined by Duane Hulbert performing five African-American spirituals for cello and piano.

Finally, to celebrate 10 years of Listen Live at Lunch, a BONUS CHILDREN’S CONCERT will be performed on Wednesday, August 29. Grammy-nominated pianist Duane Hulbert will premiere of two of his compositions: Songs of Emily Dickinson and John Glenn: An American Pioneer. He will be joined by trumpeter Neil Hulbert and bassist Evan Hulbert in the new works and for children’s favorites The Flight of the Bumblebee, The Elephant, La Vergen de Macarena, Bugler’s Holiday, Alley Cat and others.

For more information, check the First Lutheran Church webpage at www.flctacoma.org

2018 Flower ChartIf you would like to provide flowers in honor or memory of someone, or a special occasion, please sign up on the flower chart posted on the wall in the Fellowship hall. Call or email the church office at 253-272-1538 with the special information you would like to have printed in the bulletin.

First Weekend Food Offering

Thank you to everyone who continues to donate to the First Weekend food collection. Your donations help many who are in need. The food (non-perishable) items are collected at our worship services at the beginning of each month and divided between the FLC emergency food closet and “Our Father’s Kitchen” at United Lutheran Church.

Choir Notes:Bell Choir Rehearsal: Thursday evenings at 5:45pm in the Sanctuary.Choir Rehearsal: Resumes in September.If you have been considering joining the Choir, please talk to Serina or other Choir members.

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Special Invitation:There will be a bridal shower in honor of Kanae Okada on Sunday, July 8 following the 10:30 service, in the Fireside Room. A light lunch will be served. All are invited and welcome.

Kanae Okada and Jeramy Gee are registered at Target.

Christian Education Schedule

Adult Forum(will resume in September)

Wednesday Adult Bible Study5:00-6:00pm - Fireside RoomBook Study - “What’s so Amazing about Grace”

Thursday Morning Text Study10:30am to Noon - Fireside Room

First Lutheran Church is proud to announce that Vacation Bible School is set for Soundview Camp in Longbranch, WA. located on the Key Peninsula.Camp is open to all of our young people and friends. Camp begins on Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 5.For more information, talk to Edie Cooke and Pastor Steve.If you know of any kids in your neighborhood that would like to attend, please let us know.Be sure to plan ahead and save these dates.

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Save the Date!All are welcome to see the Tacoma Rainiers beat the Salt Lake Bees on Friday July 20 at 7:05pm at Cheney Stadium. A sign-up sheet is on the counter in the Fellowship Hall and on the table outside of the Chapel. The cost of the tickets will be announced soon.

Looking for an opportunity to serve at First Lutheran ChurchFLC would like to invite anyone whois interested to join any of the following:Altar GuildOutreachBuildings and PropertyBible study 9:30am—Sunday mornings5:00pm—Wednesday evenings 10:30AM—Thursday MorningsChoir or Handbell choirQuilting GroupFLC is always in need of Worship Assistants and hospitality Volunteers.

china connect Visitation to China

All are welcome to visit, experience, and learn about the Christian Church in China, visit China’s important historical sites, and learn more about the witness and ministry of chinaconnect.

Our visitation will begin on October 8 and end on October 23, 2018. “Come and See” what China is like from Mega Cities of 25 million to mini villages of 2500. For more information, please contact Pastor Steven Ray at sray@chinaconnectonline.org or the church office at office@flctacoma.org

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Chaplaincy Counseling Ministry at FLCChaplaincy is a unique form of ministry that seeks to come alongside people in times

of trouble, doubt, or crisis. Sometimes called a ministry of presence, Christian chaplains provide a Biblical perspective for people of any faith tradition, or none at all, particularly when they are wrestling with difficult circumstances or choices. Do you know someone who might like to have a confidential chat with a chaplain? Chaplain Brad Varvil, Director of Lutheran Studies at Faith Seminary in Tacoma, WA, will be available at First Lutheran Church on Thursday afternoons from 3-6pm, and at other times by appointment. He can be reached via cell at (253) 304-0272, or email at Brad.Varvil@yahoo.com. All chaplaincy services are always offered free of charge.

Christian Education Opportunities: Fall Enrolment Underway!There is a wealth of great Christian schools, right here in Tacoma, WA! Among them are

Concordia Lutheran School (Pre-K through 8th grade) and Mount Rainier Lutheran High School (grades 9 through 12,) which offer outstanding programs for families of every background. In the fall, these two great schools will merge into a single, renovated campus near 56th and Pacific Avenue as Concordia Christian Academy. Contact the school office for a free tour and information session at pugetsoundlutheranschools.org or by phone at(253) 475-9513. For adult students, Faith International University & Seminary is a nationally accredited, biblically rooted institution offering affordable, exceptional programs at the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral levels, both in person at the Pearl Street campus, or via distance education online. Contact them for more information at faithseminary.edu, or by phone at (888) 777-7675.

Planning Faithfully: A Memorial or Funeral Planning GuideThere is perhaps no time when we most feel the need for God’s grace and comfort than when we experience the loss of a loved one. In the first day following a loved one’s death, the family makes an average of 200 decisions. During such an emotional, stressful, and demanding time, plans that have been made in advance help lightenthe load after death. First Lutheran Church has a planning guide that may assist you in making arrangements for services for the death of a loved one, or yourself in the event of death. The guide will walk you through a series of questions and your responses can be marked on a worksheet included. You are welcome to pick up a Memorial and Funeral Planning Guide in various locations in the church, or you may pick up a copy in the church office. Take it home and talk with a family member or friend who may act on your behalf after death. If it is helpful, please contact Pastor Ray and arrange a time to meet to talk about planning a memorial or funeral.

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Augsburg Confessionby Kurt K. Hendel

Saxon chancellor Christian Beyer proclaims the Augsburg Confession in the presence of Emperor Charles V.

The ELCA claims to be a biblical, creedal and confessional community whose faith, life and mission are shaped by Scripture, the ecumenical creeds and the Lutheran confessional writings of the 16th century. Of the latter, the Augsburg Confession is generally viewed as the most important and influential confessional document, with the possible exception of the Small Catechism.

The confession was presented to the Diet of Augsburg, an assembly of political leaders in the Holy Roman Empire, on June 25, 1530. Philipp Melanchthon, Martin Luther’s most influential colleague in Wittenberg, composed the document since Luther couldn’t attend the Diet because he had been declared a heretic and outlaw by the ecclesiastical and imperial leadership. While it was specifically the confession of faith of the Lutheran movement’s political leaders, it was intended to clarify the theological commitments of the whole evangelical community in Germany. The confession was signed by seven princes and by representatives of two cities, Nürnberg and Reutlingen.

The Augsburg Confession is held in high esteem by Lutherans because it is deemed to be a catholic confession that explicates and defends essential truths of the Christian faith.Melanchthon intentionally stressed the catholicity of the Lutheran position throughout the document, particularly because Luther’s supporters were accused of heresy. Therefore, he insisted that the Lutherans—or “Evangelicals,” as they preferred to be called—were loyal members of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church.The Augsburg Confession thus claims to profess the orthodox faith, and it intentionally seeks to foster the resolution of the theological conflicts that divided the church in Europe during the 16th century. Its commemoration on June 25 serves as a persistent reminder to thespiritual heirs of the Augsburg confessors that a catholic consciousness, the quest for the unity of the church and ecumenical endeavors should continue to be clear priorities ofChristians whose faith and ecclesiastical identity has been shaped by the Augsburg Confession.

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The Lutheran community is still called to be a confessing, reforming and unifying movement within the church catholic.

The Evangelicals also sought to make a bold confession of their faith in the Augsburg Confession, and they were keenly aware that doing so was fraught with much danger. Emperor Charles V had promised to defend the church in his coronation oath. When he concluded at the Diet of Augsburg that the papacy and its defenders, rather than the Evangelicals, represented the true church, he threatened military action against the latter if they didn’t submit to the authority of the pope. Despite this threat, the Evangelical confessors refused to recant or heed the emperor’s command because they were convinced their theology was consistent with Scripture and, hence, faithful to Christ. They were willing to face suffering and even the potential loss of their lives for the sake of the gospel.

The commemoration of the Augsburg Confession invites Lutherans today to make their faithful confession as they address the diverse crises in their contemporary church and world. Such a witness may involve risk in the 21st century as well, but this is still the calling of God’s people.

What is it that contemporary Lutherans are to confess? The commemoration of the Augsburg Confession also answers this question and clarifies the ultimate vocation of God’s people.

The priority of the Evangelicals at the Diet of Augsburg was to make a clear witness of Christ by proclaiming the gospel faithfully. They insisted that the gospel is the radical good news of God’s grace and love manifest particularly in Jesus Christ. Having been renewed and strengthened by the Spirit through Luther’s bold proclamation of the gospel, they eagerly sought to share and defend it against teachings or practices of the church that they considered to be compromises of the gospel.

They especially focused on the doctrine of justification by grace through faith for the sake of Christ and apart from works because they were convinced it was a faithful exposition and witness of God’s good news. Most importantly, therefore, the commemoration of the Augsburg Confession reminds evangelical Lutheran Christians of their ultimate calling— namely, to be Christ’s witnesses.

Like the confessors at Augsburg, they are privileged to proclaim the gospel with the assurance and trust that it is God’s gracious word of forgiveness, wholeness, freedom and love to the whole creation. There is no greater gift that people of faith can share, no more powerful message of hope and transformation that they can proclaim, no greater loving service of God and of the neighbor that they can render, no more sincere thanksgiving to God that they can express. This is what the confessors at Augsburg believed and experienced, and this is the legacy that they continue to share with their spiritual heirs.

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When someone sins against youGrounded in graceBy Frank G. Honeycutt

O.k. class let’s take it from the top.“If another member of the church sins against you, stew about it a good, long while and when you’ve calmed down, gather as many like-minded people as possible to talk about the person who has riled you. Speak endlessly about the person but never directly to them.”

The word of the Lord. No? Jesus didn’t say that? Shucks.

Again, from the top.

“If another member of the church sins against you, write a long and pointed angry letter to the person in the wrong, outlining your grievances. Write it, but also actually mail it. In fact, email it. Better yet, consider the “group” email and copy everyone in three counties who may agree with you. Maybe even post your grievances on Facebook.”

The word of the Lord. No? That wasn’t part of his counsel either? Darn it.

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Lots of international villains fill the evening news and make us angry. But I suspect nothing raises one’s ire like the proximate “villain”—the neighbor, the co-worker, the church member, the lost friend who has wounded you.

Some of what Jesus says in the Gospels can be filed under “subjective ideal,” even if he didn’t mean it subjectively. However, his words in Matthew 18:15-20 are so blasted particular.Notice a few things about these instructions.

First, the one who’s been wronged makes the first move—exactly the opposite of how we usually go about reconciliation. Perhaps nursing the grudge, I often wait on the person who’s caused the hurt to step forward, apologize and ask for forgiveness. Sometimes I’m waiting a heck of a long time and the falling-out becomes full-blown. Jesus shifts the responsibility of initiating reconciliation onto the one who’s been sinned against.

Second, the infraction is named aloud. This is actually the difficult purpose of the meeting: to be honest about what created the enmity. Sometimes the perpetrator can be oblivious to the damage he or she has caused. “Point out the fault,” Jesus says.

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This is difficult advice, risking self-righteousness. “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). There’s a tendency to speak the truth in anger or speak lovingly and avoid any truth. Holding love and truth in balance is a prayerful challenge.

Third, this meeting is private. Jesus describes other steps if the meeting fails, but at first this involves only two people. A human sinner like me often seeks a collaboration of supportive gossip. Jesus instead desires face-to-face reconciliation “when the two of you are alone.”

There are many troubling news stories in the world today that test our faith and discipleship. Our response to such stories is a clear litmus test of our commitment to Jesus and his church.

But another test of faith resides much closer to home—namely, how we interact with people who have wounded us. We have some options. One is to avoid such people forever. Your town (or church) is big enough that you could probably pull that off.

Or you could do something a little crazy, a little countercultural. You could consider acting upon Jesus’ teachings. Living the true spirit of these words is crucifying work—literally. We are offering up our sense of fairness in the matter for the sake of the one who has wounded us.Additionally, the chance always exists that you will not be received with juice and cookies on the other end.

As he hung there that Friday so long ago, setti ng aside his own innocence on behalf of those who were crucifying him, did Jesus remember this teaching about making the first move? Did he recall these specific steps of reconciliation as he somehow looked down with love upon those who were wounding him?

It’s our move, not theirs.

Prayer for Independence Day

Merciful God,we come to you in thanksgiving for our nation.

We know that our many blessings of freedom, liberty, prosperity, and other gifts too countless to list have come from your hand.Our nation, and its many freedoms, are a gift from you.

On this day, as we remember our nation's independence, we pause to honor you, to praise you andto thank you.

Heavenly Father, we pray that you would forgive us our sins, and leadus, as a nation, in the way we should go.

Let us not take for granted the many gifts and blessings you have given us.May we always honor you.

Be with us, Lord, as we strive to be a light and a beacon from you, to the world.In Jesus holy name, we pray.

Amen.

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July AnniversariesDon & Phyllis Pejsa3Matthew & Emily Martin9Jeffrey & Debbra Olson11Steve & Diane Wasalino12Scott & Nicole Roberts17Andrew & EmilyCray24Paul & Phyllis Twedt25If you have a birthday or anniversary in a certain month and you are not sure if you are on the list, please call the church office with the information.

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Cristina StewartAmaris Lavell Chris Tremblay

July BirthdaysDick Cooke Hugo Hamilton Erik Olson Robert Cray Lucille Hamilton Jeff Johnson Kurt Murphy Teresa Troy Henry Cray Cindy Morris KatieLavell Audrey HerforthKsavera Rychlinski CarlaCarlson MarkMattson Scotti na HallFred Hirons DavidHerforth

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Contact Us...First Lutheran Church524 South “I” Street Tacoma WA 98405 Phone: 253-272-1538 Fax: 253-572-0331***First Lutheran Church Staff & Volunteers

Steven Ray, PastorJudy Bebich, Office AdministratorKaren Christensen, Financial AdministratorSerina McWhaBell Choir Director/Choir DirectorDuane Hulbert, PianistRicardo de la Torre, PianistJill Ledvina, PianistLiz Tweeten, Kids' Choir DirectorDave Carlson, Congregational PresidentWebsite

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Council Corner2018 Church Council: Dave Carlson, President Pam Asberry, Vice PresidentCarla Carlson, Recording Secretary Dick Cooke, TreasurerJeramy Gee Maureen Walker Diane Wasalino Bob Norman Stan MuellerPastor Steven Ray

First Lutheran’s Church Council will now meet on the third Monday of every month. The next meeting will be Monday, July 16th at 7:00pm in the Fireside Room.

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Deadline: First Reports

Please note that the August 2018 First Reports Newsletter articles are due in the church office no later than Friday, July 20th. If you do not have your information submitted by the due date, it will not be published in the August issue. In order for FLC members to receive the newsletter by the first of each month, all information needs to be submitted by the due date. You may e-mail your articles and information to the church office at the following address: office@flctacoma.org

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Sundays Weekly Meetings Monthly Meetings

First Sunday8:30am Communion Worship - C9:40am Adult Forum - FR

(will resume in September)9:30am New Testament Church - C 9:45am. Sunday School class-UR

(will resume in September)10:30am Communion Worship - S

MondaysChurch Office Closed

Wednesdays5:00pm Adult Bible Study - FR

Thursdays10:30am Adult Bible Study - FR

5:45pm Bell Rehearsal - S 6:45pm Choir Rehearsal –S

(will resume in September)8:00pm AA Meeting - FH

Fridays7:00pm AA Meeting - FR

Saturdays5:00pm Communion Worship - C 6:30pm NTC Prayer Meeting - FR

First Weekend Food offering

Third Monday7:00pm Church Council - FR

Second Tuesday10:00am Quilting - FR5:00pm Finance Committee - FR 6:30pm WAM - FR

First Wednesday

Second Wednesday10:00am WELCA - FR(will resume in September)

3:00pm Building & Property - FR 4:00pm Outreach Meeting - FR

First Friday1:00pm First Friday Club - FR

(will resume in September)

First SaturdayFirst Weekend Food offering 7:30am Men’s Breakfast - Knapp’s

Room Legend:S=Sanctuary C=Chapel FR=Fireside Room FH=Fellowship Hall UR=Upstairs Rooms PO=Pastor’s Office FO= Finance Office LIB-Library

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July 1Assisting Minister: Duane HulbertLay Ministers: Karin Hirchert, Sheila Hughes Eucharistic Ministers: Dave Carlson, Kate Elling Acolyte: Charlotte JettGreeters: Jimmie Henderson, Valerie StewartReader: Valerie StewartUshers: Doug Falkenhagen, Jimmie Henderson, Koang Kerjiok, Paul LavellAltar Guild Representatives:

5:00pm: Dara Tremblay & Diane Wasalino10:30am: Karin Hirchert

July 8Assisting Minister: Paul TwedtLay Ministers: Karen Fynboe, Liz Tweeten Eucharistic Ministers: Owen & Juanita Carlson Acolyte: Thomas TweetenGreeters: Sheila Hughes, Sally ThompsonReader: Melissa VarvilUshers: Doug Falkenhagen, Sharon Lavell, Heinrich & Irmgard SchmidtAltar Guild Representatives:5:00pm: Dara Tremblay & Diane Wasalino

10:30am: Karin Hirchert

July 15Assisting Minister: John TweetenLay Ministers: Carla Carlson, Judy HulbertEucharistic Ministers:Dave Carlson, RoAnn SeptonAcolyte: Clara NormanGreeters: Bev Gibson, Laurie MorenReader: Laurie MorenUshers: Koang Kerjiok, Brad Varvil, Russ & Ellen WilcoxsonAltar Guild Representatives:5:00pm: Dara Tremblay, Diane Wasalino

10:30am: Karin Hirchert

July 22Assisting Minister: Carla Hall-LoeschLay Ministers: Karin Hirchert, Sheila HughesEucharistic Ministers: Kate Elling, Karen Fynboe Acolyte: Bennett JettGreeters: Sheila Hughes, Jimmie HendersonReader: Catherine GrahamUshers: Dick Cooke, Jimmie Henderson, Russ & Ellen WilcoxsonAltar Guild Representatives:

5:00pm: Dara Tremblay & Diane Wasalino10:30am: Karin Hirchert

July 29Assisting Minister: Adele FosserLay Ministers: Dave Carlson, RoAnn SeptonEucharistic Ministers: Owen & Juanita Carlson Acolyte: Charlotte ThomsGreeters: Bev Gibson, Lucille HamiltonReader: Amanda NormanUshers: Owen Carlson, David Hawley, Bob Norman, Jim OfeltAltar Guild Representatives:

5:00pm: Dara Tremblay & Diane Wasalino10:30am: Karin Hirchert

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS JULY 2018

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Monthly food offering8:30 AM Communion Worship9:30 AM NTC10:30 AM Communion Worship

Church offices closed 10:30 AM Adult Text Study5:45 PM Bell Practice6:30 PM InterVarsity at FLC 6:30-9:30pm8:00 PM AA Meeting

7:00 PM AA Meeting 7:30 AM Men's Breakfast 5:00 PM Communion Worship 6:30 PM NTC Prayer Meeting

Church office closed12:00 PM Listen Live at Lunch

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8:30 AM Communion Worship9:30 AM NTC10:30 AM Communion Worship

Church offices closed 10:00 AM Quilting5:00 PM Finance Meeting6:30 PM WAM

12:00 PM Listen Live at Lunch 4:00 PM Outreach Meeting 5:00 PM Adult Bible Study

10:30 AM Adult Text Study5:45 PM Bell Practice6:30 PM InterVarsity at FLC 6:30-9:30pm8:00 PM AA Meeting

7:00 PM AA Meeting 5:00 PM Communion Worship6:30 PM NTC Prayer Meeting

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First Reports Deadline InterVarsity(St. John's Episcopal) at FLC5:00 PM Wedding Rehearsal

Dinner7:00 PM AA Meeting

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InterVarsity(St. John's Episcopal) at FLC10:00 AM Wedding

Varkey-Samuel5:00 PM Communion Worship6:30 PM NTC Prayer Meeting

InterVarsity(St. John's Episcopal) at FLC8:30 AM Communion Worship

Church offices closed InterVarsity(St. John's Episcopal) at FLC

InterVarsity(St. John's Episcopal) at FLC

InterVarsity(St. John's Episcopal) at FLC12:00 PM Listen Live at Lunch

InterVarsity(St. John's Episcopal) at FLC10:30 AM Adult Text Study

9:30 AM NTC 7:00 PM Church Council 5:00 PM Adult Bible Study 5:45 PM Bell Practice10:30 AM Communion Worship

6:30 PM InterVarsity at FLC 6:30-9:30pm8:00 PM AA Meeting

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Food Truck Fest8:30 AM Communion Worship9:30 AM NTC10:30 AM Communion Worship

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Church offices closed

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12:00 PM Listen Live at Lunch5:00 PM Adult Bible Study

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10:30 AM Adult Text Study5:45 PM Bell Practice6:30 PM InterVarsity at FLC 6:30-9:30pm8:00 PM AA Meeting

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12:00 PM InterVarsity at FLC 12-5:00pm

7:00 PM AA Meeting

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Ethnic Fest12:00 PM InterVarsity at

FLC 12-5:00pm5:00 PM Communion Worship6:30 PM NTC Prayer Meeting

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Ethnic Fest8:30 AM Communion Worship9:30 AM NTC10:30 AM Communion Worship

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Church offices closed12:00 PM InterVarsity at

FLC 12-5:00pm

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12:00 PM InterVarsity at FLC 12-5:00pm July

2018

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JOIN US FOR COMMUNION WORSHIP SERVICES AT FLC

Saturday Evening - 5:00pm - Chapel Sunday Morning - 8:30am - Chapel

Sunday Morning - 10:30am - Sanctuary(Nursery available 10:30am only)

Activity Bags are available for 3–7 year old children for use during the Services. Ask an usher if you need assistance.

Sunday Morning Education Hour Sunday School

(will resume in September)

Adult Forum - 9:30am(In the Fireside Room)

All Are Welcome Anytime!

Invite and bring a friend!

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First Lutheran Church

HOW TO GUIDE for E-GIVING

You now have the ability at First Lutheran Church to make your Tithes and Offerings through our e-giving connections with Vanco. You can do this using an ACH giving from your Checking/Savings account, or from your Debit/Credit card or by texting and using your Debit/Credit card.

Go to First Lutheran Church’s web site---FLCTacoma.org and click on GIVE in top right corner of page. This will bring up a link for you to create your Profile and decide on giving with a Debit/Credit card or set up an ACH giving from your Checking/Savings account. Once you have your Profile set up the giving is quick and simple.

You can make it a one-time option or have it as a recurring option.

Or you can TEXT 253-375-8378 and establish your Profile and give using your Debit/Credit card. Text the dollar amount you wish to give including the $ sign, like $25.00. When you scan this barcode-like QR code image with a smartphone's QR decoder, it will instantly connect you to the mobile version of your web page.

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