Volume 30 , I ssue 3

March 2017 The Anchor INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

F IRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PLANO, ILLINOIS

Readings for February 2017

3/5/2017 1st Sunday of Lent

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

3/12/2017 2nd Sunday of Lent

Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17

3/19/2017 3rd Sunday of Lent

Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42

3/26/2017 4th Sunday of Lent

1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41

FAREWELL: “Word of Thanks from a Couple of Interim Pastors”

A little over a year ago, First Lutheran said “OK” to having two interim pastors to assist the congregation during their pastoral vacancy. We have very much enjoyed the year that enabled us to be a part of the mission and ministry that is happening at First Lutheran. The strong Lay leadership in this congregation has been a blessing in this time of transition. We enjoyed working with the Council and the committees of this congregation to keep the ministry moving forward. A special thanks to Ann Hagemann who ran the office and kept us organized (as if that is even possible). The opportunity we have been given to be a part of this community of faith through pastoral acts of baptisms, a wedding, and funerals has been a privilege. Your ability to laugh at our jokes was awesome! You let us into your lives in so many ways as we visited in homes or conversed at a meeting or just joined in conversation after worship or in the fellowship hall. We thank you for your nurturing and caring nature as we encountered dealing with cancer and a granddaughter born with a serious birth defect. Your prayers and words and actions pastored your pastors. When we came here, we had 78 years of pastoral experience between us, but we were “rookie” interim pastors. So we are ever grateful for your patience and your expertise at breaking in the rookies. You will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers as First Lutheran continues to grow in the call to ministry in Christ’s name in Plano Illinois. May the Lord bless you to be a blessing to others as you serve the world to the Glory of God. Peace of the Lord be with you Pastor Paul Carlson & Pastor Ernie Rex

Thank You’s; Council Update, Recognition, Feed My Starving Children, Souper Bowl collecion; Recipe- “Creamy Chicken Soup”, March Library News, Help Wanted

2/3

“Ruth Ann Ramblings” Feb. Council Highlights, Condolences, Prayer List, Prayer Chain info

4/5

Book Club, Offering, Women’s Bible Study, Golden Harvesters, Leadership Lab, PADS, March Calendar

6/7

March Volunteers, March Birthday & Anniversaries, March Prayer List

8/9

Committee Meetings, Lenten info, Community Worship, Attention!, Sunday School Snippets

10/11

WELCOME to Pr. Jonathan Black

First Lutheran Church is excited to welcome Pastor Jonathan Black to serve our congregation beginning March 1st. He will lead the Wednesday, Feb 8th Lenten service and his first unday preaching will be March 12th. Please come to service and wel-come Pr. Black!

Pastor Black graduated from Wartburg College with majors in history and economics. He received a Master's degree in Political Science from Northern Illinois and a Master's of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Pastor Black previously worked in banking, and served three years in Uganda, East Africa planting churches, training leaders and engaging in social ministry. He has over 12 years of parish experience and is active in the community. Pastor Black and his wife, Lori, have four daughters, with one in college, one serving in the U.S. Navy, and two in middle school.

Volume 30 , I ssue 3 Page 2

My sincerest thanks to the First Lutheran Family for your prayers, cards and phone calls, and Christmas gifts that I have received during my illness and the holiday season. A special ‘Thank You” to Pastor Paul for his many visits to me! God Bless You! Pastor Ernie

First Lutheran Church

sponsored Linda Strader,

daughter of Norm & Diane

Schlesinger, during her studies

at Luther Seminary. She

received her Masters of

Divinity in the Spring of 2016, and began

her internship shortly thereafter.

Linda was ordained on Friday,

February 10th, at Faith Lutheran Church in

Jacksonville, IL, where she has been a

member since 1985.

On March 12th, she will be installed as

Pastor of the “Three Saints Parish” – St.

Timothy of Wyoming, St. Mark’s of Chillico-

the, and St. John’s of Lacon – in the Cen-

tral/Southern Illinois Synod of the ELCA.

Congratulations to the Schlesinger family

as they celebrate these very special

occasions.

Looking for a service opportunity this spring? Want to have fun with other members of First Lutheran?

Mark your calendar and join us at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, IL on Saturday, March 25 from 11:15-1:30. Feed My Starving Children involves working with your group to hand-pack meals that are then shipped out to the neediest children around the world. There are jobs for all ages 5 and up (children must be accompanied by a parent). This opportunity is open to all. There are 30 volunteer spots reserved for First Lutheran. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of the church to join us! See Katelyn DeBolt or email kdebolt5@gmail.com with any questions.

I want to thank the First Lutheran Family for all of your prayers, cards and condolences following the death of my mother. I am so thankful to God for your presence in my life. God bless all of you.

Kathy Stuttle

New members elected:

Jennifer Brown (3-yr) Wally Hamlin (3-yr) Diane Kupp (3-yr)

COUNCIL UPDATE Church Council Officers for 2017 are:

President - Bob Pilmer Vice-President - Steve Benoit Secretary - Karen DeBolt Treasurer - Nan Grommes Financial Secretary - Ruth Ann Hoehn

On Feb 5th

, First Lutheran collected $114 for the Kendall County Food pantry. On this day of the Super Bowl football game, throughout the country 658 groups collected food and cash donations of $3,273,692 for local food assistance programs.

The Anchor Page 3

Creamy Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. butter 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can of cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 1 tsp. poultry seasoning 1 tsp lemon rind 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 large onion, chopped 3 cans chicken broth

1 (8 oz.) pkg. spaghetti, broken into pieces 1 tsp. pepper 2 cups milk

Instructions: Melt butter, add onions and stir in chicken. Add the soup, poultry seasoning, lemon rind, chicken broth, spaghetti and pepper. Simmer 45 minutes. Add milk and cheese. Return to simmer. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Lenten Grace Before Evening Meal

Loving Father, during this sacred season of penance we

thank you for your many gifts, especially for our trials and

sufferings. The Cross of your Son reveals the depth of your

love for us. As we come together to share this meal,

bless us with that love. Purify the grace we pray so that we may see how everything is a grace. We ask this through

Christ our Lord.

Recipe Corner

MARCH LIBRARY NEWS (submitted by Diane Schlesinger)

Lent begins this month along with our annual soup suppers. We have several

books in our library that can not only give you recipe ideas, but are also full of

information and inspiration.

New to our shelves is “Chicken Soup for the Soul Cookbook”. It contains

101 stories along with recipes.

“Amish Friends Cookbook” by Wanda Brunstetter and “Mitford Cookbook and

Kitchen Reader” by Jan Karon also contain stories along with recipes. These two authors

have written many books that are in our library.

Finally, there are several First Lutheran Cookbooks written over the years. The latest can

still be purchased for $8.

You may have seen that the movie ‘The Shack’ is being released soon. This is based on a

book by William P. Young. The book was wildly popular a few years ago and is in our

library. Although it is not necessarily Lutheran doctrine, it is an interesting read.

Looking for help …. Julie Warner is moving out of state, and could really use some help! On March 13th, she needs help

loading her belongings in a POD. Please give Julie a call at 630-273-2356 if you are able to help out, or know of someone who may be able to help her!

Set your clocks ahead -

Saturday evening - March 11th!!

Daylight Savings Time

begins Sunday, March 12th!!!!

Page 4 Volume 30 , I ssue 3

Ruth Ann’s Ramblings …(contributed by Ruth Ann Hoehn)

I’ll Fly Away

Albert E. Brumley was born on a cotton farm near Spiro, OK on October 29, 1905. His parents, William and Sarah Brumley were sharecroppers working in the fields picking cotton to make a living. His parents made the best of the situation, which shows in the music that Albert wrote over his career. Many of his songs refer to a cabin, love for his mother and the beauty of nature.

Albert’s father played the fiddle and his older brother Tom played guitar. When Albert was a teenager, he was able to attend a traveling singing school sponsored by the Hartford Music Institute. In 1926 Albert met with E.M. Bartlett to see about enrolling in classes. Albert didn’t have enough money for tuition but Mr. Bartlett must have seen something special in Albert and they made a deal. Albert would board with Mr. Bartlett’s family and receive free tuition for the music classes, so long as after his graduation from the Hartford Music Institute Albert would travel teaching singing schools and selling the songbooks put together by the Hartford Music Company that Mr. Bartlett also operated. Albert would also write songs for the Hartford Music Company in his spare time. In 1927, Albert wrote his first song titled “I Can Hear Them Singing Over There.”

In 1929 he had returned to the family farm in Oklahoma, assisting them in picking cotton and singing the popular song, “If I Had The Wings Of An Angel”. When he saw a bird flying away, he suddenly thought about flying away to a better place. Albert was quoted as saying, “actually, I was dreaming of flying away from that cotton field when I wrote I’ll Fly Away”. Albert continued working on the song and it was published by the Hartford Music Company songbook “The Wonderful Message” in the fall of 1932.

While Albert was traveling and teaching in the Ozarks he met Goldie Edith Schell. On August 30, 1931, Albert and Goldie married and settled in Powell, MO where Albert began to work in his father in-law’s Gen-eral Store. He continued to write songs and was a staff writer for the Hartford Music Company. The couple had six children - William, Albert Jr., Thomas, Robert Bartlett, Jackson, and Betty.

In 1937, Albert moved the family to Harrison, AR and began playing piano with the Melody Four Quartet. He stopped writing songs for the Hartford Music Company and signed a contract to write songs for the Stamps-Baxter Music Company. Albert left the Melody Four Quartet and moved his family back to Powell, MO in 1938 and lived the rest of his life in the home that he built for his family. He continued writing songs for Stamps-Baxter. He wrote over 600 published songs.

In 1944, Albert opened Albert E. Brumley & Sons Music across the street from his family home. He purchased used binding equipment and began to publish his own songbooks. With the help of his children, they also printed books for many other companies and organizations. In 1948 Albert purchased the Hartford Music Company to expand his company and to regain control of the songs that he wrote while working for the Hartford. In 1949, “I’ll Fly Away” was recorded by the Chuck Wagon Gang and would go on to sell more than one million copies, becoming known as the most published Gospel song. In 1975, Albert’s sons Bob and Bill purchased Albert E. Brumley & Sons Music from their father. In 1986, Bob purchased his brothers interest in the company and became the sole owner of Albert E. Brumley & Sons Music.

Albert also began to promote concerts in the area in the 1950s. In 1968, Albert was visiting with J.D. Sumner along with two of his sons, Bill and Bob. They talked about promoting a large all night gospel sing. This one-day event grew to the four-day festival known as the Brumley Gospel Sing. The Brumley Gospel Sing continues, and the 49th event will take place in August 2017 in Tulsa.

In 1970, Albert was inducted as a charter member in the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Hall of Fame. He would go on to be inducted into seven more Halls of Fame: Gospel Music Association, Southern Gospel Music Association, Oklahoma Music, Arkansas Entertainers, Ozark Entertainers, Country Music Songwriters and the Oklahoma Jazz.

Albert died on November 15, 1977 from an aneurysm. People arrived from all over the world to attend his funeral in Neosho, MO. He’s buried alongside his wife Goldie, at Fox Cemetery near Powell, MO. Albert’s songs are still being recorded on new albums, have been used in movies and television, and are bringing in awards and are being nominated for Grammy’s almost every year.

PRAYER CHAIN PARTNERS 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM

1. Jane Hyte - 630-552-7095 2. Virginia Phelps - 630-552-3434 3. Diane Schlesinger 630-552-7533 4. Bev Vilmin 630-552-3550 5. Theresa Bagg 815-786-5069 * 6. Erin Gillman - 630-715-0843 * 7. Staci Smith - 630-999-4117 * 8. Karen DeBolt - 630-546-7451 * 9. Kathy Benoit - 630-816-3366 * 10. Brenda Albright - 630-277-6314 *

Those with a * use texting capabilities.

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PRAYER LIST: Carole Ardelean, Rose Tullock, Renee Lee, Leslie, Mary Olson, Amy, Heather D., Scott Littlejohn, Linda Landis,

Sherry Anderson, Sue Hyte, Alice Crawford, Mary Kincannon, Melody Black, Joyce Schmitt, Ann Hagemann (member), LeeAnn McClennan, Jesse Koch, Jim Sorensen, Kelsey S., Mark Coff-man, Jesse Stonecipher, Jackie Anclam, Julie Warner, Sherry Ill, Pr. Terry, Matt Papaeliou, Pr Ernie, The Nunez Family, Scott B., Paul Vammer, Shirley Tucek, Carol Stubbs, Jim & Martha Anderson, Linda Homer, Mary Jane Mahoney & Greg Feitl;

Please remember those serving in the military. Remember your own special needs as well.

Council Highlights – February 14, 2016 (see complete report on bulletin board at back of sanctuary)

Completed committee sign-up sheets; Worship – recognition for Pr. Paul and Pr. Ernie set for Feb 26th; Social Concerns – Potentially starting up “Little Free Pantry” for those in need; March 25 is

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC); Providing meals for Pr Black on his moving day; Education – sign-up for Lenten supper volunteers is posted; donations from first 3 weeks to go

to FMSC; Long Range Planning - long range plans for rental property discussed; Old Business – discussed possibility of Call Committee continuing as a Mutual Ministry

Committee; church Constitution is being updated; New Business – Registration open for CRE; discussed uses for the parsonage—such as renting to

LSSI for use as a group home; need to change signers on Youth checking account; Bulk mailing costs increasing so an ad hoc technology committee may be formed to make recommendations on the newsletter, the radio broadcasts, and the church web site; do we keep the parsonage phone line??;

Next meeting: Tues, March 14th, 2017 at 7:00 PM

Our condolences to Theresa & Randy Jensen. Theresa’s father, Billy Lewis Brown, passed away on January 29th. His funeral was on Fri., Feb 3 in Oklahoma. Please keep the Jensen family in your prayers.

Our sympathy to Bob & Paulette Albright. Bob’s brother, Chester ‘Chet’ Albright, passed from death to eternal life on Monday, Feb. 6th, 2017.

Please keep Bob and his family in your prayers. Our condolences to the Fields Family. Josie Hanlon, mother of Peggy Fields and grandmother of Sara and Erick Fields passed away on February 3rd after a long battle with cancer. Please keep the family in your prayers.

BOOK CLUB NEWS

The Book Club will meet on Wed., April 5th, 2017

at 9:15 AM.

The book for discussion is “Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill”

by Sonia Purnell.

Please join us!

OFFERINGS RECEIVED

1/22 $ 3,694.21

1/29 $ 2,531.28

2/5 $ 3,161.16

2/12 $ 2,249.83

2/19 $ 2,771.11

**5-week total - $14,407.59

**Avg/week - $ 2,881.52

GENERAL FUND BUDGET Need Per week $3,714.04

(Annual Budget divided by 53 weeks)

THROUGH Feb. 19th

Received $ 22,082.69 Need $ 29,712.32 Over $ (7,629.63)

1/01/2017 - 2/20/2017 CHECKING ACCOUNT

Beginning Bal. $29,613.06

Income $24,331.73 Expenses

$18,564.78 Ending Balance

$ 35,380.03

YTD YOUTH DIRECTOR DONATIONS: $120.00

Newsletter Offering Report

Page 6 Volume 30 , I ssue 3

The next Golden Harvesters potluck meeting will be March. 10th at 5:30 pm here at First Lutheran Church. The entertainment will be Bingo! Please bring a ‘white elephant’ gift. Please bring your own table service and a dish to pass. Call Candy at 630-273-8083 if you have questions.

Leadership Lab 2017

Last year, Nick and Mandy Rex came to speak to our congregation regarding Leadership Lab. The mission of Leadership Lab is, "To be an active LABORATORY, practicing church leadership for the future...". Leadership Lab is for students whom have

completed 8th grade through adults wishing to attend. This year, camp will be held July 24-29 at Augustana College. First Lutheran will cover the cost of the tuition for those who wish to attend. The early bird cost is $360 and the deadline is May 10. The Education Committee feels this is such an important opportunity for our youth. Please talk to Renee Mahoney, Kathy Benoit, Steve Benoit, Virgil Hyte, Donielle Anderson or Pastor Black for more information and to register. You can also view information at their website as it becomes updated: http://leadershiplab.net/

The next meeting of the Women’s Bible Study Group will be Thursday, March 16th at 1:00 PM here at the church. We will continue our study using the book “Together in Grace – Introducing the Lutherans”. This book is a resource for getting to know who Lutherans are, what they teach, where they came from, and where we are today. Please join us as we explore the rich legacy of Martin Luther and the witness of many individuals who have shaped the Lutheran tradition. Please join us!

Remember to volunteer to cook, serve and cleanup evening dinner for PADS on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Methodist Church. Questions? Contact Diane Schlesinger

Page 7 The Anchor

March 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 9:15 AM - Book Club

6:00 PM - Soup Supper

7:00 PM - Ash

Wednesday Worship

7:45 PM - Sr. Choir

2

6:30 PM - Stewardship

3 4

5 Food Pantry Collection 8:15 AM - LBW Worship 9:15 AM - Coffee Fellowship 9:30 AM - Sun. School 10:45 AM - LBW Worship

6

7:00 PM - LMM

7 9:00 AM - Quilting /

Crocheting / Knitting

6:30 PM - Worship & Music

8

6:00 PM - Soup Supper

7:00 PM - Lenten

Worship

7:45 PM - Sr. Choir

9 10

5:30 PM - Golden

Harvesters

11

12 8:15 AM - Contemporary Worship 9:15 AM - Fellowship 9:30 AM - Sunday School 10:45 AM - Contemporary Worship

13 14 9:00 AM - Quilting /

Crocheting / Knitting

6:15 PM - Social

Concerns

7:00 PM - Church Council

15

6:00 PM - Soup Supper

7:00 PM - Lenten

Worship

7:45 PM - Sr. Choir

16 1:00 PM - Women’s Bible

Study

6:30 PM - Education / Youth

7:30 PM - Outreach

17 18

19 Anchor Deadline 8:15 AM - LBW Worship 9:15 AM - Coffee Fellowship 9:30 AM - Sun. School 10:45 AM - LBW Worship

20 21 9:00 AM - Quilting /

Crocheting / Knitting

6:30 PM - Property

22

6:00 PM - Soup Supper

7:00 PM - Lenten

Worship

7:45 PM - Sr. Choir

23

6:30 PM - Long Range

Planning

24 25

26 8:15 AM - Contemporary Worship 9:15 AM - Fellowship 9:30 AM - Sunday School 10:45 AM - Contemporary Worship

27 28 9:00 AM - Quilting /

Crocheting / Knitting

29

6:00 PM - Soup Supper

7:00 PM - Lenten

Worship

7:45 PM - Sr. Choir

30 31

Page 8 Volume 30 , I ssue 3

March 2017 Worship Volunteers

Page 9 The Anchor

MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1– Grayson Colbert Ellen Maaske 2- Emily Wennmacher Marcus Ramirez 3- Jeremy Johnson 4– Ellie Campbell 6- Jonathan Jensen Desmond Nunez Michele O’Hara 9- Jennifer Brown Eric Hatcher 10– Ryan Englehart 11-Briante Bagg Taylor Beal 12-Ryan Tyler 14–Paige Phillips 15-Joyce Johnson 16-Forest Jones 17–Gaige Feitl Tim Hubbartt Becky Klatt 18-Erin Gillman Nancy Martin Nicholas Superczynski 23-Mike Pease 25-Katherine Howell 27-Laura Nicoletti 31-Carole Wehrs Kurt Schobert

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES 3- Darin & Cherrie Severson 9- Bruce & Kris Magnotti 15-Dean & Denise Krause 26-Chuck & Sandy Johnson 27-Franklin & Susan Read Tim & Diane Kupp 28-Don & Brenda Albright (30 years)

The world is a chaotic and confusing place. Pray-er is the conduit that connects us to God and opens up the possibilities of direction and under-standing. Prayer is not just for pastors. All of God’s people are invited to pray on the behalf of others. Please include the following members of the First Lutheran family in your daily prayers:

MARCH

1 - Darin, Cherrie, Kiya & Cade Severson 2 - Wilma Simms 3 - Ron & Kerin (Meyer) Skarr 4 - Conrad, Laura, Ryan & Abigail Smith 5 - Staci, Stephanie, Rachel & Clarissa Smith 6 - Joseph Somma 7 - Jim Stevens 8 - Jesse & Linda Stonecipher 9 - Kathy Stuttle 10 - Steven, Jennifer, Nicholas, Gregory, Rachael, & Abigail Superczynski 11 - Jason & Melinda Swanson, Jacob & Justin Burchianti 12 - Burdell Thomas 13 - Steve, Jahni, Mya, Porter & Olivia Thrall 14 - Kevin, Lisa, Mitch, Erik & Shannon Tierney 15 - Brian Torkelson 16 - Dale & Karen Torkelson 17 - Timothy, Carrie & Kiley Torkelson 18 - Jillian, Meko & Tegan Torres 19 - Shirley Tucek 20 - Adrianne Tullock & Yolanda, Jazmin, & Danielle 21 - Jason, Melissa, Gianna & Coleson Turner 22 - Steve & Jayne Turner 23 - Troy Turner 24 - Jonathan Tweedt 25 - Stephen Tweedt 26 - Tim & Kathy Tyler 27 - Ryan & Alycia Tyler 28 - Bev Vilmin 29 - Weston, Dawn, & Nicholas Vilmin 30 - Randall, Sandra, & Sarah Walker 31 - Julie Warner

PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AND LET US KNOW YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY DATE, AND WE WILL UPDATE OUR RECORDS. THANK YOU.

Page 10 Volume 30 , I ssue 3

Join us on our 2017 Lenten Journey

Every Wednesday during Lent, you are invited join us at 7:00 PM for worship. Our Lenten series this year is based on Luther’s Small Catechism. If you did not pick up the “Free Indeed” Lenten devotional at church, please contact the office.

SOUP SUPPERS: Ash Wednesday, March 1st, kicks off our annual soup suppers. Soup will be served from approximately 6-7 p.m. We are asking for volunteers to help set up and serve through

that time each Wednesday evening through April 5. There is a sign up poster in the back of the sanctuary for those who can serve, as well as donate soup, bread or a dessert. Your free will offering supports the Youth. Thank you for your willingness to serve!

The Plano Ministerial

Association invites you to worship together during Lent for an evening of scripture and song. The Community Lenten and Easter Concert is scheduled for Sunday, April 2nd at 7:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Each church is invited to present a musical selection. Join us for this special worship & fellowship.

We Need Help from an Anonymous Secret Pal - We believe a Christmas card was accidentally separated from a gift for one of our Sunday School children. It is a red envelope, with no name on the outside of the envelope, and there is a Christmas card inside the envelope. The card is signed "Happy Holidays! Your Secret Pal." There was also a monetary gift inside the card. Anyone who thinks this card may be for their little secret pal, check with Kathy Benoit between church services and we can direct it to the correct student. Thanks!

The Anchor Page 11

Sunday School Snippets

Fun Bowl on March 5 Everyone is invited for an afternoon of fun and entertainment at Plano Hometown Lanes on Sunday, March 5th from 2-4 PM. $7 donation per person (ball and shoes are included) for two games of “Fun & Crazy Bowl-ing.” Colored pins and prizes are added incentives. You may bring your own bowling ball. Join our Methodist and Baptist friends for an afternoon of family fun! Bring a Friend Sunday All Sunday School children are invited to Bring a Friend on Sunday, March 5th. Maybe your friends would like to go bowl with you the afternoon following Sunday School?? Donations Accepted for Easter Egg Hunt Sunday School staff will be busy stuffing plastic eggs for the Easter Sunday egg hunt. Donations of individually wrapped small candy (kisses, tootsie rolls, peanut butter cups, etc.) will be happily accepted. Hard candy is not recommended, because some of the children are too small to enjoy these. Thanks!! Secret Pals are Sneaky… Our adult secret pals have been SHINING during the recent holidays! Christmas greetings and Valentine hearts were every-where in the Sunday School classrooms. The home mailboxes of Sunday School students have been stuffed full of joy and love! Students are even beginning to send thank you notes in return. We hope everyone is enjoying this fun event! High School Grant for Seniors High School seniors are invited to contact the church office if they are interested in received a grant application.

Leadership Lab for High School Students All students who will be in high school for the 2017-18 school year are eligible to attend Leadership Lab from July 24-29 at Augustana College. The congregation will pay the entire registration fee ($360) for students who sign up by the early bird deadline of May 10th. For more info, see a member of the Education Committee.

Easter Sunday at First Lutheran—Kid Friendly! Come join us for all of the kid-friendly festivities at First Lutheran on Easter Sunday, April 16th: 7:00 AM – Sunrise Easter Service with children’s sermon 8:00 AM – Easter Breakfast. After breakfast, children can help decorate the Easter cross with beautiful flowers Approx. 8:45 AM – Easter Egg Hunt in the basement education area. All children through 8th grade are invited. The Easter bunny usually hops in to take pictures with the children and their families. Bring your camera! There is NO Sunday School on Easter 10:00 AM – Church Service with communion and children’s sermon Mark Your Calendar - Important Dates: March 5 - Bring a Friend Sunday and Fun Day March 25 - Feed My Starving Children (sign up at back of church) Sunday’s, April 2 & 9 - Tentative Dates for First Communion Classes Sun., April 9 - Palm Sunday Procession - both services Sun., April 16 - Easter Sunday - Children decorate Easter cross after Sunrise Service and are invited to Easter Egg Hunt at approximately 8:45 a.m. There is no Sunday School this day Sun., April 23 - Confirmation Sunday Sun., May 21 - School School Awards Program (Secret Pals Revealed)

200 N Center Street

Plano, IL 60545

First Lutheran Church

Plano, Illinois

Phone: 630-552-8263

Fax: 630-552-7198

Email:

churchsecretary1@ sbcglobal.net

"First in Spirit, First in

Faith, First in

Outreach"

We are on the Web! firstlutheranchurchplano.com

And on Facebook: https://

www.facebook.comFirstLutheranChurchOfPlanoIl & Hit the LIKE button!

Nonprofit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit #3 PLANO, IL

WORSHIP TIMES

Sunday: 8:15 AM

10:45 AM

Coffee Fellowship: 9:15 AM

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Communion offered at both

services.

A nursery ‘area’ is available.

Pastor: Rev. Jonathan Black

E-mail:

firstplanopastor@gmail.com

Secretary: Ann Hagemann

E-mail: churchsecretary1@

sbcglobal.net

OFFICE HOURS

Mon-Fri 6:30 am-12:30 pm

Deadline for the April Anchor: Sunday, Mar. 19th!

Please be ready to submit articles by this date!

Return Service Requested

Statement of Purpose

Because God loves the world, we live and work together to: *Grow As Disciples *Nurture other Disciples *and Make New Disciples for the Kingdom of God!

Wednesday Evening Lenten

services - 7:00 PM