First Evangelical Lutheran Church 305 West 5th Street North Platte, Nebraska 69101

September 2013

FELC STAFF

Senior Pastor: Rev. Frank H. Fitch III 308-520-7469 Church Council, President: Dr. Lee Lamberty, 532-3971 Custodian: Wes Thompson Financial Secretary: Rae Gullion Front Office: Amy Lynch Music & Preschool Director: Gail Jensen, 534-4290 Office Manager: Olene Beck, 386-8677

O f f i c e H o u r s

Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM - Noon

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Contact Us...

Phone: 308-532-0250 Fax: 308-532-5291 Email: frstluth@msn.com

www.firstevlutheran-np.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Greetings 1

Council /Attendance 2

Flowers/Thank you/Announcements

3

Prayers/Ministries/Lessons 4

Calendar 5

WELCA 6

Birthdays/Anniversaries/Financials

7

Upcoming Events 8

Education is central to development. It is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality and lays a foundation for sustained economic growth.

Tanzania has put education at the center of its National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty with the aim of ensuring equitable access to quality primary and secondary education for boys and girls, universal literacy among women and men; and the expansion of higher, technical and vocation education. Classrooms, furnishings and resources are all vital of equitable access and the physical learning environment is to be improved.

Textbooks for Tanzania is a Nebraska Synod-based project directed at providing valuable learning resources. Working closely with Tanzanian secondary educational leaders in the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, the Textbooks for Tanzania project seeks to equip Tanzanian classrooms with necessary up-to-date textbooks to contribute toward improved learning outcomes.

The ratio of textbooks to students at the Lutheran secondary schools is 1:10. It is not uncommon for a class of forty students to have one book. Tanzanian families place a high value on education in hopes that their children will have a better life. Textbooks purchased through this program are the textbooks required by the Tanzanian government for secondary school education. Each gift of $10 places a desperately needed book in a Tanzania classroom.

Giving An Alternative Gift! Looking for a creative way to celebrate Christmas or other special

occasions? Alternative gifts are a meaningful way to give a gift that keeps on giving. Textbooks for Tanzania is a chance to honor your loved ones and

make a difference in the lives of young people in Tanzania. Alternative gifts can change lives! $10 places a book in a Tanzania classroom and brings

smiles to the gift recipient and to faces of students in Tanzania.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church August Council Meeting Minutes

MISSION STATEMENT: To make Christ known in our love for one another, by service to our neighbor,

and in worship of God.

Mark Briley (VP), 2012-2014 Christian Outreach, Preschool

Ken Glass (Treasurer), 2013-2015 Finance, Preschool

Kim Aden, 2012-2014 Jerry Jensen, 2013-2015 Worship & Music Melissa Johnson, 2012-2014 Christian Outreach Rick Kolkman, 2011-2013 Stewardship, MMI

Dr. Lee Lamberty (President), 2012-2014 Finance, Foundation, MMI

Frankie Moore, 2013-2015 Claudette Nelson (Secretary), 2011-2013 Christian Education

Dr. Renee Piper, 2011-2013 Christian Education, Preschool

Lynn Riley, 2011-2013 Property, MMI Alee Stout, 2013-2015 Christian Education

Meeting called to order by Dr. Lee Lamberty at 7:03pm

Members Present: Dr. Lee Lamberty, Claudette Nelson, Ken Glass, Dr. Renee Piper, Lynn Riley, Alee Stout, Jerry Jensen, Rick Kolkman

Other Present: Pastor Frank H. Fitch III, Bill Keithley Members Absent: Frankie Moore (excused), Melissa Johnson, Mark Briley

Opening Devotions: Pastor Frank H. Fitch III

Congregational member’s forum: Bill Keithley wanted to know if anything was being done about people leaving the church and if pastor visits our home-bound members. Bill also wanted to clarify if Pastor can be on a committee or be an advisor. Pastor is not on a committee, he is an advisor to all committees.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: Motion made by Alee Stout and 2nd by Rick Kolkman to approve the minutes from the July meeting. Motion carried.

Correspondence: None

Committee Reports: Finance – Shortfall for July 2013 was $6,816 compared to a shortfall of $10,732 in 2012.

Year to date 2013: Shortfall was $18,794 compared to a shortfall of $36,848 in 2012. Christian Ed/Youth & Family – The youth will help with “The Church is Leaving the Building”

on September 8, 2013. There will be a program on bullying. During the week of Vacation Bible School, a janitor is needed. Christian Outreach – None Foundation – None Library: None Mutual Ministry I – None Preschool – Motion made and 2nd to take $280 from Preschool Tuition Memorial Fund and

give to First Lutheran Preschool to cover the defaulted tuition not paid. Motion carried. Property – Motion made and 2nd to sell the bus. Motion carried. Stewardship – Hoping to send out 2 letters. (1) To regular attending members and ask why

they give to the church and what they get out of the church. (2) Invite members who come and give frequently and what we do to get them here regularly.

Worship & Music – None

Old Business: Improvement projects. Use of facility guidelines and custodian: Committee to draw up guidelines for the use of

the facility. Rick Kolkman, Claudette Nelson and advisor Pastor Frank H. Fitch III. Working on guidelines.

2014 Budget Worksheets: Before September 17th, the Finance Committee should have the budget of all committees in hand in order to work on the total budget preparing a preliminary draft.

Invite Bishop Maas to First Ev. Lutheran Church: Formal letter to invite him out to our church. Working on letter.

New Business: Use of facilities requests and reminders (back of agenda). Custodian broke his foot at home, off work for a minimum of three weeks. Motion made

and 2nd to pay Wes Thompson his regular salary after he uses his vacation days. Motion carried.

Council member replacement and nominating committee. Motion made and 2nd by for Kim Aden to fill Andrew Hillertz Council term. Motion carried.

Approve method of payment and funds to be used towards west chiller payment. Foundation looking into funds to pay for west chiller.

Meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer at 8:15PM Devotions – Next meeting is September 17, 2013 at 7PM in the Library.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Claudette Nelson

Avg. Weekly Attendance July

2013 134

2012 164

2011 166

F L O W E R S

~

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

~

T H A N K

Y O U

P AGE 3

If you would like to

provide flowers for a

“special occasion”, “in honor of”,

“in memory of” or

“to the Glory of God”, please

pick-up a form in the front office.

O P E N

S U N D A Y

September X 8 15 22 29

October X 13 20 27 X

November 3 10 17 24 X

SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS September 15th!

Confirmation Classes September 18th ~ 6:30pm to 7:30pm Confirmation is an intentional time of faith

education and exploration for youth during their 7th grade year or when they reach age 13.

Download registration: www.firstevlutheran-np.com or contact the church office!

F.L.Y. Resumes September 8, 2013 Christian Education has chosen Gene and

Claudette Nelson to coordinate F.L.Y.

First Lutheran Preschool

First Day: September 3rd!

Please call Gail Jensen at 532-0250 enroll today!

“The Church Has Left The Building”

On September 8, 2013 we will have ONLY ONE short church service at 10:30 a.m. before we go out to do God’s work.

Together with Messiah Lutheran Church we will go out and help a family in need!

Please bring along your home and lawn cleaning supplies. We will need trash bags, window cleaner, all purpose cleaner, paper

towels, buckets, towels, lawn mower, weed eater, rakes, trimmers, brooms, and of course… HELPERS!!

Thank you for the flowers brought to me by Carol, her visit was greatly appreciated! Your kindness has helped at this time of sorrow. ~Betty & Family

Dear Friends, considering that Grace Ministries served 138 households in July, we are very grateful for your donation of food on August 2nd! In fact, we gave out around 4000 canned items alone in July!! Your continued support is so very much appreciated. God Bless you! ~Leigh Henline, First Presbyterian

Many thanks to First Lutheran for letting the Yoga Wellness group use the church facility during the spring of 2013. Inexperienced and experienced people of various ages have improved their wellness and consequently their ability to serve others at the church, North Platte and the surrounding region. ~Nadyne

Thank you very much for the beautiful bouquet for my 85th birthday! ~Arlene Jepsen

The cost is $35.00

for one pair of bouquets.

NO CHURCH SERVICE ON SATURDAY OR 8:15 A.M.

P

R

A

Y

E

R

S

~

M

I

N

I

S

T

R

I

E

S

~

L

E

S

S

O

N

S

P AGE 4

“The prayer of the

righteous

is powerful

and effective.”

James 5:16

BAPTISMAL STORY BIBLES

Norman & Mary Sue Grabenstein have started a story Bible fund to be given to newly baptized children. Contact the church if you are interested in providing or using a memorial for the Bibles.

BINGO 2nd Tuesday @ 2:00 PM: Centennial Park

CIRCLES (WELCA) Board Meeting: First Wednesday at 9:30 AM Adah Circle: Third Tuesday at 9:00 AM Esther/Lois Circle: Third Thursday at 1:00 PM Miriam Circle: First Monday at 7:30 PM Ruth Circle: Third Monday at 6:30 PM

COMMUNITY COMMUNION 3rd Tuesday at Centennial Park @ 2:00 PM 3rd Tuesday at Buffalo Bill Manor @ 3:00 PM

FUNERALS Dorothy Jean McFarland, August 26, 2013

GRACE MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY Friday from 1-3 PM

MEN’S BREAKFAST Friday at 7:00 AM with devotions

PRAISE BAND Meets each Wednesday

QUILTS & W.I.G.S. Tie Quilts: 2nd Thursday at 1:00 PM WIGS: Every Friday: 9 AM to 11 AM

SALVATION ARMY SOUP SUPPER First Lutheran Church will sponsor the Friday evening soup supper at the Salvation Army: October 11, December 27.

WEDDINGS Brenda Knoll & Mike Monson Courtney Simants & Drew Feeney

YOGA Yoga will resume Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All ages are invited. Helping people with wellness is the goal. Beginners and experienced are welcome. For further information call Nadyne Crumly at 308-379-4312.

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS!

Marie Bonney Con Janas Amanda Janas Theresa Kesterson Alice Knox Ivan Knox Donald Parrish Jon Petersen Bev Saathoff Gretchen Witt Ardith Woolson Family of Dorothy McFarland

OTHER PRAYERS:

Joshua Blaesi, Ryan Criddle, Aaron Niles, Evan Williams and all in the military.

If you know somebody or would like to be added to the prayer list, please contact the church office or Pastor Frank.

Prayer Chain Call Melissa Johnson, 660-1938, with your prayer concerns to include in private prayers of members of our prayer chain.

1st

Lesson Psalm

2nd Lesson

Gospel

September 1 (Pent 15)

Prov 25:6-7 or Sir 10:12-18

Psalm 112 Heb 13:1-8, 15-16 Luke 14:1, 7-14

September 8 (Pent 16) Deut 30:15-20 Psalm 1 Philemon 1-21 Luke 14:25-33

September 15 (Pent 17) Exod 32:7-14 Psalm 51:1-10 1 Tim 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-10

September 22 (Pent 18) Amos 8:4-7 Psalm 113 1 Tim 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13

September 29 (Pent 19) Amos 6:1a, 4-7 Psalm 146 1 Tim 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31

2013 Quilt Auction Results are in!

Saturday’s 25th annual Quilt Auction raised a

whopping $112, 000 for NLOM’s Carol Joy

Holling Camp at Ashland, NE.

The Quilt finished & donated by Donna

Effenbeck sold for a whopping $290. Polly Shahan

made and donated 2 wall hangings which netted $70.

S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T

1 15 Pentecost

8:15 am & 10:30 am

Worship w/Communion 9:15 Fellowship donuts & Coffee Praise Band

2 Labor Day

6:00 Christian Ed 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Miriam Circle

3 6:30 Yoga

4 9:30 WELCA Board 1:00 Quilts/Library Praise Band

5 11:45 WELCA Bread and Salad Luncheon

6 7:00 Men’s Breakfast 9:00 W.I.G.S 1-3 Grace Pantry

7

NO Worship w/Communion

8 16 Pentecost

10:30 am

Worship w/Communion 9:15 Fellowship donuts & Coffee Praise Band Sending Communion “The Church is Leaving the Building”

9 10:00 Prayer 7:00 Boy Scouts

10 2:00 Bingo at Centennial 6:30 Yoga

11 1:00 Quilts/Library Praise Band

12 1:00 Quilts 1:00 Library Mtg 6:30 BS Leaders

13 7:00 Men’s Breakfast 9:00 W.I.G.S 1-3 Grace Pantry

14 5:30 Worship w/Communion

15 17 Pentecost

8:15 am & 10:30 am

Worship w/Communion 9:15 Fellowship donuts & Coffee 9:30 Sunday School 9:30 Property Meeting 12:00 W & M mtg

16 10:00 Prayer Noon Cardiac Grp 6:30 Inter. Church 6:30 Ruth Circle 7:00 Boy Scouts

17 9:00 Adah Circle Noon Finance 2:00 Cent Comm. 3:00 Buffalo Bill Comm. 6:30 Yoga 7:00 Council Mtg

18 1:00 Quilts/Library Praise Band 6:30 Confirmation

19 1:00 Esther/Lois Circle Library

20 7:00 Men’s Breakfast 9:00 W.I.G.S 1-3 Grace Pantry

21 5:30 Worship w/Communion

Brenda Knoll/ Mike Monson

Wedding

22 18 Pentecost

8:15 am & 10:30 am

Worship w/Communion 9:15 Fellowship donuts & Coffee 9:30 Sunday School Praise Band

23 10:00 Prayer 7:00 Boy Scouts

24 1:00 Hearing Imp 6:30 Yoga

25 1:00 Quilts/Library Praise Band 6:30 Confirmation

26 1:00 Newsletter

27 7:00 Men’s Breakfast 9:00 W.I.G.S 1-3 Grace Pantry

28 5:30 Worship w/Communion Courtney Simants/

Drew Feeney Wedding

29 19 Pentecost

8:15 am & 10:30 am

Worship w/Communion 9:15 Fellowship donuts & Coffee 9:30 Sunday School Praise Band

30 10:00 Prayer 7:00 Boy Scouts

2013

Begins

W

O

M

E

N

O

F

T

H

E

E

L

C

A

P AGE 6

Women of the ELCA Newsletter for August 2013 Duties: July Bingo at Centennial Volunteer list see below

Women’s Board met Wednesday August 7th, 2013 at 9:30 a.m.

Polly opened the meeting with prayer.

Attendance: Adah – 1; Esther/Lois –3; Miriam – 0; Ruth – 1; 1 other.

Next Board Meeting will be first Wednesday, Sept 4th at 9:30 a.m.

June Secretary’s report

June Treasurer’s report

Approved

Correspondence: Expressions; Thank you from WELCA for gift of $2800 for a

well. Donation from Phyllis Shavlik in memory of Genevieve Newman; Women’s

Resource Center.

“WIGS” (Women in God’s Service) meets Friday morning between 9:00 and

11:00 a.m. in the library. Tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief on 2nd Thursday of

each month at 1:00. Completed: 125 Quilts; 50 back packs.

A BIG THANK YOU to those who picked up Back Packs and returned them filled

with necessary items. We had a wonderful response!!!

Bingo at Centennial: Volunteer group #1 is scheduled for September 10th.

Pat Glass, Deb Gulzow, Mary Johnson, Linda Lehmann and Sandy Stoll

Unfinished business

Shelly sends birthday, anniversary, get well, sympathy cards to members of First

Lutheran. She needs help. Call her or the office and report names so we don’t miss

someone.

Miriam circle, Nominating committee for 2013-2014 has submitted the following

names: President, Betty Knepke; Vice President, Loretta Ellett; Secretary, Joan

Johansen; Treasurer, Linda Lehmann.

Fall Bread and Salad Luncheon on

September 5th at 11:45. A representative

from Bridge of Hope will be the speaker.

This is one of the organizations we support

with donations.

Year books will be printed at the end of this

month and handed out at Sept 5th luncheon.

Next Board meeting: September 4th at 9:30

a.m.

Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Joan Johansen, Secretary

Jeremy Gilbert September 17 Marcia Higgins September 17 Gerry Krueger September 18 Steven Gulzow September 19 Sara Hinrichs September 19 Amber Northcutt September 19 Linda Schimek September 20 Luke Fisher September 21 Kathy Nutter September 21 Brylie Robinson September 21 Kris Wardyn September 21 Bernie Ludemann September 22 Mark Obermeier September 23 Marilyn Anderson September 24 Theresa Kesterson September 24 Jimmy Snyder September 24 Connor Cofer September 25 Renae Hinrichs September 26 Kade Mohr September 26 Barbara Workman September 26 Vicki Green September 27 Melissa Johnson September 27 Hazel Wisdom September 27 Makenzie Dahlgren September 28 Jackie Dawson September 28 Gail Hubbell September 28 Keira Smyth September 28 Mary Benzel September 29 James Hartman Jr September 29 Haley Piper September 29 Debbie Berry September 30 Amy Lynch September 30 Ronald Rawalt September 30 Becky Sonneman September 30

Jason Reed September 1 Kathy Brown September 2 Gordon Gosnell September 2 Khloe Stutzman September 2 Chastity Orr September 3 Alisha Griesfeller September 4 Amanda Janas September 4 Con Janas September 4 Drew Hillertz September 5 Kaitlyn Aloi September 6 Sue French September 6 Matt LaRue September 6 Erica Bargell September 7 Carleen Tabke September 7 Michael Bland September 8 Barbara Christensen September 8 Melvin Effenbeck September 8 Parker DeBraal September 9 Carla Jensen September 9 Tyler Thayer September 9 Marcia Bland September 10 Sarah Evans September 10 Joel Jensen September 10 Gary Bargell September 11 Lisa Birge September 12 Lynn Riley September 12 Brandon Siefford September 12 Misty Tobiasson September 12 Cindi Walz September 13 Ryan Gifford September 14 Dana Sieveke Sr September 14 Devin Lunzman September 16 Sandra Stoll September 16 Walt Woolson September 16 Douglas Fisher September 17

Jeff & Marcia Higgins September 5

Randy & Becky Robinson September 8

Steve & Liz Evans September 11

Kenneth & Jan George September 11

Don & Polly Shahan September 11

Mark & Jill Silos September 14

Kevin & Chastity Orr September 15

Donald & Gail Hubbell September 16

Bradley & Kari Turner September 18

Charlie & Joyce Hipwell September 20

Art & Theresa Kesterson September 21

Marvin & Lazette Knoll September 21

Russel & Charlotte Griesfeller September 22

Gary & Eloise Tesar September 27

Balance 07/31/13 $4,003.47 Thrivent Choice donations: +$17.00 Gifts given: VBS: Corn dogs, Pizza, Dessert d - $79.92 Gifts given: Fuel - Youth Mission Trip d - $91.00

Balance 08/31/13 $3,849.55

The Thrivent Choice committee has been sharing the gifts given to First Ev. Lutheran Church.

To fulfill the mission and ministry of First Ev. Lutheran Church, as we seek to reach out to others with Jesus, we require $24,008/month in General Budget offerings. 2013 Annual Budget $288,101

WE HAVE GIVEN BACK TO GOD JULY 2013

Year to date

General Budget Offering $18,463 $144,574

2013 Expenses $25,279 $163,368

Profit or (Loss) ($6,816) ($18,794)

JULY 2013 FINANCIALS (PROFIT/LOSS) Report will always be a month in arrears due to the fact the current

month has not ended at the time the newsletter needs to be printed.

JULY 2013 Month-To-Date summary: Offerings are $5,545 UNDER the 2013 budget. Expenses are $1,271 OVER the 2013 budget.

JULY Monthly Summary: (LOSS) of $6,816

Year-To-Date summary as of 7/31/2013: Offerings are $23,485 UNDER the 2013 budget.

Expenses are $4,691 UNDER the 2013 budget.

Yearly Summary: Year-To-Date: (LOSS) of $18,794

Thank you to all members who have designated Thrivent Choice dollars to First Lutheran. We are open to suggestions as to how to use this money. Contact one of the other members of the committee: Walt and Ardith Woolson, Joan Johansen or Betty Knepke. If you are a Thrivent member, you can designate your Choice dollars to First Lutheran Church by logging onto www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or by calling 800-847-4836.

** Note: Easter: March 2013, April 2012

Loss

P

rofit

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Non-Profit Organization

North Platte, Nebraska

PERMIT NO. 7

Worship Services

Saturday Evening: 5:30 PM ~ Worship Service

Sunday Morning: 8:15 AM ~ Traditional Service

10:30 AM ~ Praise Service

Sunday School

Ages 3 years through High School!

See you September 15th!

FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT: First Evangelical Lutheran Church is a church of the ELCA.

Our mission is “To make Christ known in our love for one another, by service to our neighbor, and in worship of God.”

FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 305 WEST 5TH STREET NORTH PLATTE NE 69101-3830

Address Service Requested

September 2, 2013: Church office closed for Labor Day

September 3, 2013: First Day of Preschool September 5, 2013: WELCA Bread and Salad Luncheon

September 7, 2013: No Saturday Church Service September 8, 2013: One Church Service at 10:30 a.m.

September 8, 2013: “The Church Has Left The Building” September 15, 2013: Sunday School Begins September 18, 2013: Confirmation Begins September 21, 2013: Brenda Knoll & Mike Monson Wedding

2013