First Things First 1-30-31-10

8/14/2019 First Things First 1-30-31-10

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FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe Weekly News of First Lutheran Church and School

1644 Nursery Road, Clearwater, FL 33756

Phone 727-462-8000For the c hurch, p ress 1

For the school, press 2_xz{x|z tw fxz{x|z {x ^|zwBlogs: flc-clearwater.blogspot.com

fls-clearwater.blogspot.comInternet address: www.flcclearwater.org

January 30-31, 2010

From Gods Matchless Word

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his greatmercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritancethat can never perish, spoil or fadekept in heaven for you, 5whothrough faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the

salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.I Peter 1:3-5 NIV

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http://www.flcclearwater.org/http://www.flcclearwater.org/


2/16

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Weekly Adult Bible Studies

SUNDAYS

9:15 a.m. Fellowship Hall The Book of GenesisPastor Zimmermann

7:00 p.m. Off-site Womens Bible Study1st and 3rd Sundays June Schultz

TUESDAYS

7:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall Mens Prayer Breakfast

Followed by the Worker Bees (work around the campus)

WEDNESDAYS

9:45 a.m. Fellowship Hall The Book of Zechariah Adult Bible StudyWeekly Rev. Arnie Piering

i|| VxWelcome to all who come here to worship our LORD. Another

voice in praise of Him is a wonderful blessing. We are so glad you

have come. To show our appreciation we would like you to stop byour visitor center, located in the narthex, where you will find gift

bags. Please take one.

Please introduce yourself to Pastor Zimmermann and perhaps to others you may

notice just hanging around after the worship service has concluded. We sometimes get

so caught up in our excitement at seeing friends for the first time in the past week that

we forget to lookout for YOU! Thank you for joining us today, and please, thank ourLORD for his free gift of grace.


3/16

Prayers of the PeopleFor Our Church and Community

Sick, Hospitalized, -Doris Cecil -Mary Lou Holdefer -Dorothy Hornbuckleor Recovering: -Elizabeth Kelly -Dan Murray -Cindy Taylor

-Earlene Roller -George Swee -Sally Hershfelt, cousin of Sandy Brown-Merle Meyer, daughter of Dorothy Malkow, lung cancer has returned, Gretna, Louisiana-Gabe Costa, Daniel & Brandis baby son -Jesse Wells, friend of Roger & Roxy Beougher

Birthday: -Erica Hinz, 21,1-31-10 -Jennifer Bershaw, 1-31-10-Sue Heller, 2-2-10 -Wil Heier, 2-5-10

Death: Our sincere Christian sympathy goes to the family ofDorothy Malkow, as shepassed on to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, 1-24-10. Please see page J.

(Birthdays & anniversaries, etc. will be put in FTF only when they have been requested by the individual, family, or friend. Thank you.)

For The Church, Our Nation and the Worldpray without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Continue to pray for the people of Haiti where the most devastating 7.0 quake hit near Port-au-Princetwo weeks ago. The reported numbers vary, but over 100,000 people have died. Miraculous recoveriesof people after several weeks are few to none. Recovery efforts are very complicated due to the extremedestruction of both physical structures and the country infrastructure. Haiti is one of the mostimpoverished nations in the world (with a population of 3 million). Pray how God can use each of us inproviding for their basic needs and the recovery efforts now and in the future. Pray that orphans thatwere to be adopted by Americans will have their paperwork recovered so they can quickly be in thesafety of loving families stateside.

Pray for our nation and our leaders on every level that Godly decisions would be made on behalf of ourfuture.

Pray for the people of Southern California as they experience heavy rains that are causing dangerous

mudslides. This area previously experienced devastating fires.Pray for our military and for the persecuted church worldwide.Pray for God to raise up dedicated leaders, teachers, and helpers within the church to help the ministerial

missions of FLC to move forward. Pray for our children to come to know & love the Lord.

Pray for the ministries of First Lutheran. May they each be used mightily by the Lord to minister topeople in our area and beyond, and to give Him all the glory. Pray for our missional outreach programto Guatemala and those who are planning on going, for our local evangelical programs, for our StephenMinistry caregivers and those who are in their care, and for our childrens ministry programs.

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4/16

Serving in the Military:Deployed:

-Tabor Cleberg, E3,Air Force, Kadena, Okinawa, Japan

-ET1SW Chris LaGrange, Navy, Africa & Afghanistan, an FLS Dad

-Janna Less, Air Force, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Keith Less, going to Baghdad on 12-18-09

-SSgt. Paul Mueckler,in Afghanistan on his 5th tour; Colleen Rabes brother

-Sgt. Jonathan Norton, great-nephew of Marge Carver; deployed for his second tour in Iraq

Stateside:

-Max Garrett, Army, son of Candy Garrett, Ft. Polk, Louisiana, under medical care followingnumerous surgeries for injuries received overseas.

-Maj. Kurt Mueller, Army, now in the U.S. at Command & General Staff College,Ft. Leavenworth, KS; grandson of Don & Joan Mueller

-Pvt. James Smith, Camp Pendleton, CA, the Holdefers granddaughters husband

-Danielle Taylor, PV2 Army, stationed at Ft. Jackson, S.C., granddaughter of Cindy Taylor &niece of Matt and Rebecca Fordham

-GySgt. Steven Murray,USMC, presently stationed at MacDill AFB, Tampa, son of Marge& Ken Murray.

-MMFN Justin R. Holcomb, Navy, grandson of Carol Blue, is now serving stateside.-SPC Nathan Davis, Army, cousin of Ronda Farris.

Flowers: None this week.

There are a large number of vacant dates available forflower arrangements. Sign-up sheets for future floral

donations are available in a binder in the narthex.Thank you.

Newspaper Ad The newspaper ad is provided this week by Howard &

June Eaton in memory of their mothers birthdays onFebruary 2ndand February 8th.

Sign-up sheet is available in the Narthex for members to help with the expense of our weekly ad in the St. Pete Times.

Please call the office by Wednesday a.m. to give your flower or newspaper dedication message.

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5/16

TODAY!There will be a congregation potluck and Voters' Assemblymeeting at 11:45 a.m. this Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Voter s Assem bly AgendaCalltoorderMinutesfromAugust2,2009meetingReceptionofnewvotingmembersPastorsreportPrincipalsreportCongregationPresidentsreportFinancialreportEldersreportNewBusiness

ParochialReport

PresentationofFirstLutheranministryplanforgrowth

QuestionsAdjournClosingprayer

Nomination for Synodical Office - Nominations for Synodical offices will beaccepted and considered at the January 31, 2010, Voter's Meeting. If you have some one inmind, please see Rick Howard for more information.

Articles for First Things First must be submitted no later than Wednesdaysat 10:00 a.m. unless priorarrangements have been made with the office. Please e-mail your article to: [email protected]. Then,

please call to be sure it was received: 462-8000 x 1. Thank you so much.

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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


6/16

Men's Prayer B reak fastat First Lutheran

MEN, come meet together again this week forfood for the soul and for the body! Each Tuesdaymorning from 7:00 - 7:45 a.m. our mens ministry hosts afellowship and prayer breakfast in our First LutheranFellowship Hall. Come and bring a friend.

Dont forget! Bring a friend!

Start your day praising the Lord!We meet again next:Tuesday,February 2ndFeaturing: Broken Relationships

If you have a son or daughter who goes to college inFlorida, could you please send their information to our churchoffice, preferably by e-mail, if possible, that would includetheir full name, the college they attend, your students mailingaddress and their anticipated year of graduation? (Phonenumber optional.) This information will go into a data base inour church office and be given out only to the District Office or

a neighborhood church near your childs college if it isrequested. Thank you for your timely cooperation in thismatter.

(Even if you think we may already know, please give usyour complete information at this time so we can develop a data base. Of course,if any information such as the email changes, please advise us quickly. )

Thank you!The churchs email address is: [email protected].

If anyone is going to a nursing home or assisted living, we have a number ofunused back issues of Portals of Prayer that were sure theyd love to have. Thedates of the books dont really matter. If youre going and could take some,

please stop by the church office to pick them up. We dont want to throw themaw ay. Thank you.

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7/16

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`|v axPraise Team : Thursday 7:30 p.m .

Saturday Warm-up at 5:00 p.m .

Bells: Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Adult Cho ir: Wednesday 7:30 p.m .

Winter Residents,do you sing????Please join us in the balcony while you are here.

Call Ann Hinz, Worship Director, to join one of these musical praise groups: 727-462-8000 x 104.

First Lutheran Church

Every other SundayPre-K 3 - 5th Grade

during the 10:30 a.m. service

IssuesProblems. We all have issues and problems that we face. For some, it is theirattitude. For others, its a habit that they cant seem to break. For many, it is something they have facedtheir whole life. The goal of this series is to take on each of those issues and problems and learnhow to Deal With It! Not just our own way, but the BIBLE WAY! We need to find out what God has to

say about how we should Deal With It!

January 31: Dont Get Burned (Peer P ressure)Dont try to fit in with the crowd, but rather stand for whats right.

Children will enjoy videos, music, puppet skits, illustrated messages, power verse, and games!

Children will be escorted to the gym after the childrens message in the Sanctuary. Parents, pleasepick them up in the gym after the service.


8/16

Haiti News for the Congregation

$1,000,000 for Haiti from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will add $1 for every $2, up to a total Thrivent Financialcontribution of $1 million, when a Thrivent Financial member donates to one of thefollowing organizations:

Lutheran World ReliefLCMS World Relief/Human CareELCA Disaster Response

WELS Committee on Relief

Thrivent Financial will add a maximum of $250 per member donation for donationsreceived through March 31, 2010. The minimum donation that will be supplemented is$5.

If you wish to mail a check, make it payable to one of the organizations above and on thememo line put: Helping Haiti. Mail your donation to:

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

c/o Fraternal Service Center4321 N. Ballard Rd

Appleton, WI 54919

You can also make donations atwww.thrivent.com/helpinghaiti or by calling 1-800-236-3736 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. central time, Monday through Friday.

When prompted, say "directory" and enter Extension 83003.

Our five-year-old Jeanie took to rising at 5:30 each morningand puttering around just long enough to wake the rest ofus before climbing back into bed. Her reason was always

the same- she had to see if there was a surprise. Finally we

told her firmly that she must stop and that there wouldn't beany surprises until Christmas, which was months away. "I

wasn't talking about living-room surprises," she said through her tears. "Iwas talking about like yesterday morning it was raining, and this morningreal summer's here, and tomorrow morning I'll probably find some pink in

the rosebuds." Jeanie still gets up each morning at 5:30.

Mrs. Roy F. Carter

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http://www.thrivent.com/helpinghaitihttp://www.thrivent.com/helpinghaiti


9/16

School News - By Principal, Elaine PoppMission Statement:

First Lutheran School exists to proclaim the Gospel as we teach academic skills and Christian values,establishing a strong foundation for a child to live a successful, positive, and Christ-centered life.

On Monday evening, the teachers and Board of Educationheld a joint meeting to discuss our strengths, things we can improveupon, and future plans. It was a very productive meeting. It was

great to see so many strengths listed on the board, although there isalways room for improvement. We also spent some time makingplans for enrollment for next school year. We can be so thankfulthat we have such a dedicated team of faculty and Board ofEducation who work so hard.

Report cards were mailed out on Thursday. We will be recognizing our

Honor Roll and Principals List students in chapel on Wednesday, February 10th.

This is an exciting time for our 8th graders whoare getting ready for high school next year.Many of them are in the process of applying formagnet programs. They have been attending

Discovery Nights, and shadowing at varioushigh schools in the county during the day. Keepthem in your prayers as they make someimportant decisions in the next few weeks.

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have

shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Hebrews 6:10

The New International Version

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10/16

W{ `t~, 98, was called to her heavenly homeon Sunday, January 24th, at St. Johns Hospital in Westlake,Ohio. Service was held Friday, January 29th, at St. Mark

Lutheran Church.

The family requests that memorials be sent to:

St. Mark Lutheran Church First Lutheran Church

4464 Pearl Road or 1644 Nursery RoadCleveland, Ohio 44109 Clearwater, FL 33756

Addresses for the family:Daughter - Merle Son - NeilMr. & Mrs. David Meyer Mr. & Mrs. Neil Keller652 Oakwood Drive 8933 Snow Road

Terrytown, LA 70056 Parma Heights, Ohio 44130

NARTHEX/SANCTUARY Redecorating Committee Meeting

We will have a brief meeting on February 7th immediately after second service at TomEschler's home at 1400 Temple St. which is just west of the church off Highland. We have almost$2000 raised last December in the door collection. Key items to be discussed are the breezeway

entrance floor, etc., and the construction of an interior door into the cry room at the back of thesanctuary. Please call Kurt Hesebeck, 581-0577 or Dennis Miller 698-1960 if you have anyquestions or comments if you will not be at the meeting.

RCS Food Donations Needed

The needs are great in Haiti and here at home, too. Please dont forget to bring

in generous gifts of food for our local families in financial distress.Non-perishable foods such as canned vegetables, canned tuna and meats, instant

potatoes and stuffing mixes, canned fruits and soups, cornbread mix, canned & dry

boxed puddings, boxed cereals, in addition to peanut butter, rice, etc. God has given

each of us an abundance for which we are indeed grateful.

As you have done it to one of the least of these, you have done it to me.TheFOOD BARREL in the Narthex is regularly sent to the RCS food pantry to help feed people in the Clearwater area. Or,

you can drop off your donation in the church office.

J


11/16

Wren Tuthill is a Veterinary Technician. Her in-laws (Mr. & Mrs.Allen Tuthill, Sr.) have been fostering a cat for her clinic and the cat

is now healthy and ready for a permanent home. The cat's name isKotunga and she is 4 years old. She is spayed and declawed. Also,she does need to be in an "only pet" household. She is a little shyand likes to be the only pet. She is free to anyone interested. Ifanyone has any questions they can call Wren on her cell at:727-542-8902.

Look! Coming Soon to FLC!Mens Prayer Breakfast Every Tuesday at 7:00 a.m.FLS Spirit Day Friday, February 5th, 1:30 p.m. CLCFLS Movie Night Friday, 6:30 p.m., CLCScout Sunday & LH Ministries Weekend Sat. & Sun., February 6 & 7thCub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet Saturday, February 13thFLC Flea Market Saturday, February 20th

Varsity Boys & Girls State Basketball Tournament - All day each day, February 19-21stGuatemala Information Mtg. Thursday, March 4thRally Day! Sunday, March 7th

Mark February 20 th for our annual Flea Market! If youare selling your items, come by at 8 a.m. to set up; the market will

be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You may rent a space approximately 20x 20 for $20 to display your merchandise. Six-foot tables will

be available for your use at $5 each. Coffee, hot chocolate, anddonuts will be available, as well.

- Board of Christian Life

g{x Tt Z|wwill meet next Tuesday, February 1st, at 7:00 pm in Room 10.

20 0 9 Financial Statements are in the Narthex ready for pick-up.Thank you.

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12/16

Sound System UpgradeIn the process of upgrading our sound system, we have

installed a hearing impaired listening system. If you would like totake advantage of the system, please contact one of the ushers fordetails on borrowing a receiver for it. - FLC Sound Team

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is sponsoring a Volunteer Training program at 1910 East Bay Drive inLargo on Friday, February 19th from 6-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 20th from9-5:00 p.m. Call them at 216-1414 for more information. The Center has threelocations: Pinellas Park, Clearwater, and Largo and each needs volunteers.

Worth Repeating

Say to yourself, "I am loved by God more than I can either conceive orunderstand." Let this fill all your soul and all your prayers and never leaveyou. - Henri De Tourville

Funny

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang.

Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him,

"Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrongway on 280 Interstate.

Please be careful!"

"It's not just one car," said Herman. "It's hundreds of them!"

Submitted for your enjoyment by Dan Snook

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13/16

Attention Youth:

To see the trailer, go to the website below;be sure to watch the Behind the Scenes video, also:

http://www.familychristian.com/tosavealife/?utm_source=fcsemail&utm_medium=email&

utm_campaign=20100122&affid=8844

Read what others are saying:

One of the many things I love about the movie To Save A Life is how it portrays in a very real [non-cheesy] way the different pressures teenagers face. It opens doors for students to talk with trustedleaders on where they see themselves in the story.

Doug Fields, Founder: Simply Youth Ministry & Author: Purpose Driven Youth Ministry

This generation of teenagers wants to make a difference, but they are bogged down by the mostpervasive and life-threatening influences of any previous generation. To Save A Life is a wake-up call forall teenagers to the fact that they are on this earth to give help and hope to their friends.

Ron Luce, President of Teen Mania

An excellent film. This film is relevant and thought provoking. It is effective at developing a contrast ofideas with todays culture.

Josh McDowell, Speaker & Author

To Save A Lifeportrays timely issues for todays teens. Youth workers, parents, and teachers shoulddefinitely capitalize on this opportunity to take teens to the theater. Riveting conversations will follow.

Craig Detweiler, Director Reel Spirituality Institute & Associate Professor Fuller Theological Seminary

Really one of my favorite movies. Thats probably because it feels like the world I know - the world highschoolers live in. It gives us a voice. I hope every student goes to see it and takes friends with them.

Zach Hunter, Teen Author and Speaker Family Christian

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http://sm1.familychristianmail.com/track?type=click&mailingid=5106&messageid=4401&databaseid=4301&serial=1233160199&[email protected]&userid=45096&extra=&&&2038&&&http://www.familychristian.com/ToSaveALife?utm_source=fcsemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100122&AffID=8844


14/16

Five Finger Prayer

1.Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you.They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a

'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. Thisincludes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing

others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for thepresident, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our

nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is ourweakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those whoare weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too

much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all, which is where we shouldplace ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the

greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time youhave prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective

and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Submitted for your enjoyment by Sandy Brown

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15/16

PT L S cr i p S h o p

W e n o w h a v e Pe tS m a r t Ca r d s !

January 27, 2010:Two-Week Sales/Deposits $ 5,306.00

Weekly Profit 108.75 Year-to-Date Profit 2,990.05

W e w ill b e s ellin g a t t h e c o n g r e g a t io n p o t l u c k &

v o t e r s a ss em b ly m e et in g o n S u n d a y .

T h a n k s fo r y o u r su p p o r t !

Planning on a movie night out? We have several remaining bonusAMC cards with a $2.50 bonus over the $25.00 value. Therefore, thecard is worth $27.50 to you. They are first come first serve as thispromotion has ended. Also, be sure to ask Patti, Marge or I for the50% off concession coupon. (The coupon is good until January 31st.)

Nancy Seltzer, Coordinator559-0606 or [email protected]

Last Weeks Attend anc e: Janua ry 23-24, 2010

Saturday: 51 Sund ay: 8:00 am: 72 10:30 am: 148 Weekend Tota l: 271

Church Offering Unrestric ted - Fisca l Year Week 26 (Janua ry 23-24, 2010)

Bud geted Weekly Inc ome:....................................................................................$7,012.00Received This Week: ................................................................................................. 6,378.25Bud geted Year-to-Da te: ......................................................................................182,312.00Received Year-to-Da te : .......................................................................................187,625.67

Haiti Door Offering :..................................................................................................... 2036.00

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16/16

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TTThhhiiisss WWWeeeeeekkk::: JJJaaannnuuuaaarrryyy 333111 --- FFFeeebbbrrruuuaaarrryyy 777,,,Sunday WORSHIP .................................................................................................8:00 a.m.

Pastors Adult Bible Study..Fellowship Hall....................................9:15 a.m.

Kids Corner Sunday School..Room 10..........................................9:15 a.m.WORSHIP ...............................................................................................10:30 a.m.Childrens Church DEAL WITH IT! .............................................. 10:30 a.m.Congregation Potluck & Voters Assembly....................................... 11:45 a.m.

Monday Wee Dance .. Fellowship Hall...................................5:45 p.m.Basketball League PracticeCLC............................................. 6:30 p.m.Cub Scouts.Fellowship Hall and campus ........................7:00 p.m.Board of EldersGathering Place...................................7:00 p.m.

Tuesday Mens Prayer Breakfast.. Fellowship Hall ................................. 7:00 a.m.Worker Bees...........Fellowship Hall.....................................8:00 a.m.TangSooDo ........Fellowship Hall.. ......................... ..5:00 p.m.Adult Information Class .......Gathering Place....................................6:30 p.m.Altar Guild..Room 10 .........................................7:00 p.m.Boy Scouts ..Fellowship Hall ....................................7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Adult Bible Study Fellowship Hall ....................................9:45 a.m.

The Pinochle Group Room 10 .........................................1:00 p.m.Prayer Shawl Ministry..............Library..........................................4:00 p.m.Bell Practice.........................Church Balcony ....................................6:30 p.m.Adult Choir Practice.............Church Balcony ....................................7:30 p.m.

Thursday Brunch n BuncoGeorgie Boys Missourri Ave. ...................10:45 a.m.Wee Dance AftercarePre-School ........................................2:45 p.m.TangSooDo ....Fellowship Hall.....................................5:00 p.m.Basketball League PracticeCLC............................................. 6:30 p.m.

Praise Team ...Sanctuary .........................................7:30 p.m.Friday FLS Spirit Day..CLC....................................1:30 p.m.

TangSooDo..Fellowship Hall ....................................6:00 p.m.FLS Movie Night.CLC............................................6:30 p.m.

Saturday 6th *Lutheran Hour Ministries & Scout Sunday - Saturday and Sunday services

Boot Camp Workout ..............Soccer Field .......................................8:00 a.m.1

stLutheran Youth Basketball League - CLC ...................................... 9:00 a.m.

OE SerenityRoom 10.......................................10:30 a.m.

Praise Team Warm-Up........ .....................................................................5:30 p.m.CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP*................................................................6:30 p.m.

Sunday 7th WORSHIP*................................................................................................8:00 a.m.

Pastors Adult Bible StudyFellowship Hall ..................................9:15 a.m.Kids Corner Sunday School...Room 10.........................................9:15 a.m.WORSHIP*..............................................................................................10:30 a.m.Womens Bible Study..Offsite Location...................................7:00 p.m.

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts inour pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." -C. S. Lewis

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First Things First 1-30-31-10