A U G U S T
2 0 1 6
A PUBLICATION OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Summer Worship at First Lutheran Church
According to the Grace of God
given to me, like a skilled master
builder I laid a foundation, and
someone else is building on it.
Each builder must choose with
care how to build on it. No one
can lay any foundation other
than the one that has been laid;
that foundation is Jesus Christ.
1 Cor. 3:10-11
I N S I D E
Summer Worship/Ice Cream
Social
1
Pastors’ Messages
2
From the President
3
Youth & Family
Relating
Giving
4-6
6
7-8
1st News
8
Worship & Music
9
FLCW News/Library
9
Serving & Reaching Out
National Night Out/Ice Cream Social
First Lutheran Church, Superior St. Parking lot
Tues., August 2, 66-8 p.m.
All FLC members are invited to attend the ice
social to welcome area neighbors, share stories
and offer them ice cream! See related article
on p. 3.
10-13
Vision Council
11
Stewards of God’s Creation
Leadership
14
August 2016 Calendar
15
FLC Staff
16
The Stewardship Team would like to invite you to help be good stewards
of Leif Erikson Park. As Christians we are called to be stewards of God's
creation and since we are using the park, it is only fitting that we should do
something to honor that calling. After each service in the park, there will
be a time to clean up the park and water front. Bags and supplies will be
provided. This is all in preparation for a bigger neighborhood clean up being
planned for September.
www.flcduluth.org
Vision & Mission
The People of First
Lutheran Church will….
Love one another as
Christ loved us by:
honoring, respecting,
and affirming one another;
practicing Christian hospitality;
ministering to the elderly,
and to those with special needs.
Grow in Faith through:
strong Christian spiritual
education programs for all ages;
small group Bible studies;
inspirational worship, art and music;
cultivating a life of prayer;
compelling youth and family ministry.
Share the Gospel through:
a positive Christ-centered atmosphere;
joyful fellowship with one another
in Jesus’ name; intentional,
prayer-filled communication;
gathering around the table.
Spread the Gospel through:
active individual and
congregational involvement
in outreach to the local community;
active individual and
congregational involvement
in global ministries.
The Builder is organized along key
elements of Christian Discipleship.
The goal is to provide a resource to
assist individuals and the church
body as a whole on the journey of
spiritual transformation:
• Worship
• Study
• Prayer
• Giving
• Serving
• Relating
F r o m Pa s t o r D i a n n e
Loufman
PickPick-Up Truck Drivers are Idiots
Did I get your attention? I always wanted to write a
sermon that begins with a rant against pick-up truck
drivers. The impetus for this thought was my several
times a week experiences of inane pick-up truck
drivers on the I-95 corridor between Wilmington, DE
where I served a church and Philly where I lived. It
was 37 miles from my house to the church building
that usually took an hour to an hour and 15 minutes,
as long as there wasn’t any roadwork or an accident.
It was also fast-moving traffic – I probably averaged
70-75 miles an hour between traffic jams where traffic came to a standstill.
Into this scene every week there were pick-up truck drivers who thought
they were Mario Andretti (I know I’m dating myself) weaving in and out of
traffic; gunning their engine behind you wanting you to go even faster over
the speed limit or to move over. It didn’t matter that there wasn’t any room
either in front or beside to do so. They would flash lights or come around
people and cut in where there was only room because we’d see them coming
and think, “This idiot is going to try to cut in;” and so, one slows down to
prevent an accident while Mario thinks he’s a slick driver. Then there were
the times that pick-up trucks chased me down and followed me all the way to
Wilmington. This happened when I had the audacity to stay in the fastmoving lane til the very last minute and cut over into the stopped lane where I
needed to be. Hey, that’s good NYC driving that the pick-up truck drivers in
mention had just exhibited themselves. But oh, how incensed they were that I
would dare to do that. Why? Because I drive a Camry? Because I’m a
woman? Or because they drove pick-up trucks and are supposed to rule the
road? The one time I actually feared the guy was going to pull out a gun and
shoot me; he drove beside me the whole way, passing cars on the right and
then coming back in the center lane to be next to me.
You can hear a bit of the rant I would do when I got to the office. “What is
it with pick-up trucks? Do jerks buy them or do men become jerks when
they get in them?” I wanted to start a sermon with such a rant and when
everyone was duly uncomfortable say, “Oh, wait a minute, Gary drives a
pick-up truck; and Dan drives a pick-up truck . . .” That would be the
equivalent of saying, “Vince Magnuson drives a pick-up truck and so does
Aaron Wedge.” So, hey, maybe it’s not pick-up truck drivers who are idiots,
but just these few I seem to run into on I-95, and who knows, maybe they
have a sick kid or a dying father or just lost their job. Maybe I shouldn’t make
generalizations about pick-up truck drivers.
You probably get where I’m going with this – generalizations are dangerous
and most often untrue. It might feel good to rant, but it’s neither helpful nor
our calling as Christians to paint whole groups of people with one negative
brushstroke. That’s happening in our culture right now – it behooves us as
Christians to open our mouths and remind people that Vince and Aaron drive
pick-up trucks.
In Christ, we hope-Pastor Dianne
Page 2
August 2016
The Builder
From FLC President
Are We Welcoming?
“I’ve been in many churches
where I visit incognito and would
never go back because there was
no hospitality….”
Brenda Smith, ELCA Program
Director for Faith Practices and
Mission Development.
The Lutheran, March 2016.
Is First Lutheran a welcoming church? Is it an
inviting church? Is it a friendly church? When Bob and
I visited FLC in 2010, we both felt very welcomed. After
joining this congregation (also in 2010), we were invited
to join many small groups with fellow members who
quickly became our friends in Christ.
Initially, I visited FLC by myself. Looking around at
seats, I spotted two kind, friendly ladies, Eleanor and Joan,
who invited me to join them—for several Sundays. I also
decided to see what Friday morning Bible Study was all
about, so I found the canopy entrance for the first time,
completely lost, and just inside the door stood Ted with a
warm welcome, showing me the way to Bible Study, and
explaining that some of his water color paintings were
displayed throughout the building.
Soon Bob and I were visiting FLC together, and one
Sunday we sat in the second row back. Something special
was going on during the service (what was it?—I can’t
remember), but I haven’t forgotten the two women sitting
in front of us who turned around in their seats and
explained to us the special worship activities.
In November we became members of the congregation,
and what seemed like an endless stream of folks welcomed
us during the reception. I specifically remember Erna’s
warm smile and enthusiastic welcome. Soon we came to
enjoy the forums between services, but not until Steve and
Margaret helped us find the forum once we made our way
downstairs and visited with us while we waited.
Before long, the invitations to join small groups began.
One Sunday Beth said, “I think you would like our Ruth
Circle. Why don’t you join us?” I have attended ever
since. Another Sunday Diane said, “You should be in Altar
Guild.” That was all it took; I loved it! Shortly thereafter,
Bob J. said to Bob, “I heard you want to be an usher!” Of
course, Bob hadn’t even considered ushering, but he’s
been an usher ever since. Then Tom invited Bob to a
meeting of the Board of Church in Society. This is how
Bob eventually became involved with a group of folks
doing regular activities with homeless youth at
The Builder
Renaissance House. We are still very involved with this
group. It’s also how we became friends with Mark, who
rides to church with us every Sunday.
Is First Lutheran a welcoming church? My own
personal answer is YES. But, reading the article in The
Lutheran really opened my eyes. Here is another quote
from the “All Are Welcome” article. “People are looking
for three things in a church. One, a warm community that
loves and follows Jesus; two, a place where they can learn
something; and three, a church that is doing something to
transform the world….” There is so much to know, and so
much to do!
Candy Madich
Congregational President
Ice Cream Social - Get to Know Our
Neighbors
If we come to the ice cream social, what are we supposed
to do? Are we supposed to talk about Jesus? Are we
supposed to invite people to worship? No, unless of
course, someone asks. Our purpose is to get to know our
neighbors – to offer ice cream, to hear people’s stories, to
connect in a deeper way. Some might disagree, but I think
of our role not so much as talking ABOUT Jesus as being
the presence of Christ to others.
But if you are wanting some questions that go beyond,
“How long have you lived in Duluth?” and “Where did
you move from?” I might ask, if I discover someone lives
in the neighborhood: “We’re going to demolish those two
buildings on the corner, what do you think we should do
with that space? What do you think the neighborhood
needs?” But we can just as easily share stories about our
children, play hopscotch or foursquare, and let someone
know their ice cream is dripping on their shorts.
August 2016
Pastor Dianne
Page 3
Yo u t h & Fa m i ly M i n i s t r y
Prayers for Campers and Camp Staff
Please keep First Lutheran youth in your prayers as they
head to Camp Vermilion and Camp Hiawatha over the
next months, that they experience God in meaningful ways
through relationships and experiences in God’s great
Northwoods. Also keep in your prayers FLC members Lee
Hanson and Mary Sawin and their ministry as they work
for Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry (VLM) at Camp
Vermilion, Camp Hiawatha, and Day Camps around the
region this summer. Lee is a Day Camp Coordinator and
Mary is a counselor.
Yard Games in the Park
FLC at Discoverers Day at Camp Hiawatha!
When you come to Worship in the
Park on Sun., August 7, stick
around afterwards for fellowship
while playing yard games! All ages
are invited! Have a favorite yard game? Bring it along!
6th-8th Graders
It’s no “FL“FL-UKE”…
A First Lutheran Ukulele group is starting up!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the
ukulele? Do you already play but would like to
get together with others to play some songs? All
are welcome – kids, youth, and adults of all ages
and of all uke abilities! Angel Saur will lead the
group through the basics of getting started and
learning chords during the first part of the night. Then put
it all together and play some songs as a group to wrap up
the evening!
Meet in the Parish Hall on Tues., August 23 from 6:307:30 p.m. for a kick off! The group will continue to meet
on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 3:30-4:30.
Bring your own ukulele! If you have questions about
purchasing a ukulele or anything else about the group,
talk to Angel or Deb Westerberg.
Acolytes
A link for Fall acolyte sign-ups will be
emailed out to 6th-9th grade families.
Sign up for the dates/services that work
best for your schedule!
On Sun., September 25 during Sunday
School, there will be acolyte training
for 6th Graders and any other 7th-9th Graders that would
like to learn what the acolytes do to help lead worship
each Sunday. Meet in the Sanctuary at 9:45 a.m.!
Page 4
On Sunday mornings starting September 11 meet up in the
Youth Room for a time of games, snacks, hanging out, and
digging into God’s Word! (Cinnamon Roll Sundays on
the first Sunday of the month and on Intergenerational
Sunday School Days we’ll meet in the Parish Hall.)
Journey KickKick-off
Journey is the opportunity for students in 3rd-10th grade
and their families to gather together on Wednesday Nights
for faith formation. The kick-off will be on Wed.,
September 14. There will be a special evening of fun,
food, fellowship, and ending the evening with a family
worship service. Look for more details in your inbox and
mailbox soon!
Save the Dates
August 7: Yard Games in the Park after Worship
August 23: Ukulele
September 11: Rally Sunday
September 14: Journey Kick-off (3rd-10th Graders & their
Families)
September 18: Bring your backpack to worship for the
Blessing of the Backpacks
September 25: Acolyte Training during Sunday School
October 30: Confirmation Sunday
November 12: Peer Ministry Training (9th-12th Graders)
November 19-20: Middle School Gathering (6th-8th
Graders)
August 2016
The Builder
Yo u t h & Fa m i ly M i n i s t r y
Peer Ministry Leadership Training
th
CHUM Backpack Project
th
On Sat., November 12, FLC 9 -12 Graders have an
exciting opportunity: Coming to us is one of the top Peer
Ministry trainers in the country!
There are 800800-900 Duluth children whose families cannot
afford the supplies for starting school. You can help!
Peer Ministry is about leadership. There is leadership
where people stand in front at microphones and leadership
where people plan and organize.
These are good, but really only
appeal to a few. However, the
front lines of leadership, the most
important kind, is what we call
relational leadership. It is the Good
Samaritan kind of leadership,
where someone cares, welcomes,
and affirms others face-to-face, one-on-one, friend-tofriend. We need you as a leader, helping us change the
world, one person at a time.
Peer Ministry Training will give you tools to be this type
of leader and friend at church, on your team, in the choir,
in scouts, working a job, hanging out with friends,
spending time with your family, doing all the great things
you do! In every one of those situations, you have
relationships. Relationships require people who care,
welcome, and affirm them, loving because Christ first
loved us. Peer Ministry gives you the skills to be a caring,
welcoming, and affirming person every day, everywhere
and in every relationship.
th
th
9 -12 Graders, if you’re interested in being an FLC Peer
Minister, you will need to apply; applications will be
available on FLC’s website. You’ll receive this awesome
training and then FLC Peer Ministers will plan and lead a
retreat for FLC’s Middle School Youth. Prayerfully
consider applying!
Here are all dates you’ll need to know:
• September 1: Find applications online at
www.flcduluth.org
• October 1: Applications Due
• November 12: All Day Training.
The Builder
Last year FLC provided dozens of filled backpacks and
three large boxes of school supplies to Duluth Public
Schools through CHUM. The kids with Day Camp kicked
off this year’s backpack drive with great generosity, and
are challenging everyone to participate! Luckily, August is
a great time to buy school supplies at their lowest prices.
Drop your donations of the listed items at the boxes near
the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Space. Don’t want to
do the shopping? Your check to “FLC,” memo “CHUM
Backpacks” will be used to fill the remaining needs or add
another backpack to our load. Deadline: Sun., August 14.
Each backpack is packed identically with the following
items:
Elementary School Supplies
1 backpack
3 notebooks, WIDE ruled
1 pair of children’s scissors
6 pencils
1 box of markers
1 (24 ct) box of crayons
2 glue sticks
3 pocket folders
Upper Grade Backpack Supplies
1 backpack (larger ones with multi compartments)
6 pencils
3 pens (any color of ink)
1 3-ring binder
1 pack of loose-leaf paper (COLLEGE ruled)
3 notebooks, COLLEGE ruled
3 pocket folders
Items most needed each year are Backpacks, 3-ring
binders, and pocket folders.
August 2016
Page 5
Relating
Yo u t h & Fa m i ly
Ministry
Simple Meals
Part of FLC’s Food Hospitality Ministry
Mark Your Calendar
for RALLY SUNDAY – September 11
Wed., August 10, 6:00 p.m.
Have you either assisted or would like to assist in an
event involving the kitchen at First Lutheran? If you said
yes to either, you are invited to a meeting in the kitchen
at 6:00 p.m. Wed, August 10. Work is being done on a
concept being called “Simple Meals” and you are invited
to be a part of this journey.
An exciting year of Sunday School & Faith Quest is
planned, starting with Rally Sunday on September 11.
There will be faith formation classes for children ages 2
through 8th grade, and all families are welcome and
encouraged to get in involved with Sunday School
opportunities. Registration forms and information will be
available mid-August; watch for mailings and more news
online and in the September issue of The Builder!
FLC Crafters Group
Thurs., August 25, 6:306:30-8:30 p.m.
Passing on the faith to our children - Can you serve
in this important ministry?
Teachers, song leaders, piano players, workshop leaders,
special events – it takes many loving hands and hearts
each Sunday morning! There are many opportunities to
help, with varied and flexible time commitments. Can’t be
available every Sunday? Many can’t, so we work together
to share our time and talents, and the more people
involved the better! Like to organize crafts? Create signs
or bulletin boards? Help with one-time events? It’s not
only teaching: many gifts are needed and welcomed!
Adult Education Planning!
Planning
Programming is offered in five different age groups:
• 2 & 3 year olds with their parents
• 4 & 5 year olds
• 1st -5th Grade Faith Quest
• 6th-8th Graders
Whether you love being around the very youngest children
as they begin to learn about the love of Jesus, enjoy the
energy and curiosity of elementary age kids, or the
growing intellect of middle schoolers, there is a need and a
place for you! To learn more, contact Ann Beck at 7283668, or [email protected].
Special Ministry Opportunity
Leaders for 2 &3 year old Sunday School
are needed! Be part of the beginning of
these toddlers’ faith journey, along with
fellowship and support to their parents!
Page 6
If you haven’t been to the Crafter’s Group yet, you’re
missing out on a lot of fun! Those who come bring a
project they are working on and spend the couple of hours
making progress and enjoying fun fellowship with other
crafters. Some of the projects people have worked on:
sewing, knitting/crocheting, painting, coloring and scrapbooking. The Parish Hall provides the space and the group
provides the motivation! For more info contact Suzanne
Rauvola at 525-5077 or [email protected]. The
group meets the 4th Thursday of each month.
A team is needed to help plan for a variety of adult faith
formation opportunities throughout the year. Ideas,
interests and needs are abundant, come be part of the
direction and planning! Contact George Rennan, Lifelong
Learning Ministry Team chair at [email protected],
390-3526, or Ann Beck at 728-3668, annbeck@
flcduluth.org.
Book Group to Read "Being Mortal"
Tuesday Midday Book Group will resume on
September 13, meeting every Tuesday from 11:45 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. in the Upper Commons. You may want to
get a head start on our next book, "Being Mortal Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Atul
Gewande, as it is a lengthy book. Dr. Jonathan Sande,
oncologist at Essentia, attended a conference this
summer at which Gewande spoke, and Jon will be at
one or more of our meetings to give some background
and help lead our discussion. Contact Brenda Sproat
at [email protected] or Karen Sande at
[email protected] for more information.
August 2016
The Builder
Giving
TFR Mortgage
Information
TFR Mortgage
Information
2016 2016
June 2016
$18,000.00
Contributions
Payments
TFR Loan Balance
$16,000.00
$14,000.00
$ 7,393
$ 3,064
$ 499,688
$12,000.00
$10,000.00
Contribution
Contributions
$8,000.00
s
$6,000.00
Payments
$4,000.00
$2,000.00
$JanuaryFebruary March April
May
June
July
August Sept. October Nov.
Dec.
2016 Mission Plan Update
June
Mission Plan
Ministry & Mission gifts
Plus Other Income
Total Income
Less Expenses
Cash surplus (Deficit)
$57,880
4,430
62,310
68,382
-$6,072
Giving for the Ministries
& Missions of FLC
Weekly offering through:
Sun., June 19 $17,933
Sun., June 26 $ 6,269
Sun., July 3
$14,857
Sun., July 10 $ 7,270
Worship Attendance
June 19
June 26
July 3
July 11
The Builder
240
239
340
279
Actual
$60,477
1,077
61,554
71,356
-$9,802
Year to Date
Mission Plan
$300,377
35,158
335,535
342,928
-$7,393
2015
Year to Date
Actual
Annual
Mission Plan
$306,787
23,649
330,436
334,595
-$4,159
$768,249
43,091
811,340
821,605
-$10,265
Year to Date
Actual
$298,590
26,482
325,072
339,324
-$14,252
Summer Slump in Giving
Thanks be to God for generous giving to the
mission and ministries of First Lutheran Church!
Summer is a busy time with activities sending us
in many directions. This easily results in a
“summer slump” in giving. Regular giving is
important, because ongoing expenses of our
church will not take a summer break. We can
all take care that our summer giving remains
steady and strong. - Finance Committee
Hunger Offering
Amount donated to the Hunger
Offering in June: $691.98
August 2016
Page 7
Giving
May/June 2016 Memorials & Gifts
Gifts to Wittmer’s Ministry in Malaysia in memory of
Bob Alsop by Dave & Nancy Choquette, Laurie & Floyd
Johnson, Naomi Circle, Gerry & Connie Broman, Bev
Haugejorde, Ardis, Jean & Dale Asp, Betty & Allison
Monson, Jerry & Julie Guddeck, Dianne & Ken Engblom.
Ulrich, Gerlad & Phyllis Frimodt, Katherine & Charles
Jacobs, Walter & Ellen Gower, Richard & Lois Lindgren,
John & Eileen Dexter, William & Anne Fleischman, John
& Beryl Bredeson, Steve & Margaret Broderius, Craig
Grau, Norma Hoffbauer, Leo Ellison, Brad & Lezlie
Oachs, Bob & Jackie Johnson, Jane Lepisto, Brian &
Marcia Nelson, Dan & Jan McCarthy, Tim & Kim
Schandel, Sheryl & Mike Van Scoy.
Gifts to FLC Memorial Fund in memory of Bob Alsop
by Tim & Nancy Lowney, David & Karen Behling, Dick
& Kathy Shogren, John & Marilyn Warren, Jen & Steve
Blazejak, Jonathan & Nicole Broman, Al & Carol Cooper,
Chuck Everson & family, Bruce & Jody Jensen, Mike &
Brenda Keenan, Lois Nystul, Roger & Deb Harmon,
Norman & Judy Hansen.
Gifts to the FLC Foundation in memory of Lorraine
Carlson’s father Lester Carr by John & Past Carow; in
memory of Ted Johnson by Brian & Suzanne Rauvola,
in memory of Bob Helgeson’s brother by John & Pat
Carow, in memory of Virginia Wiklund by Dan &
Marjorie Bergeland.
Gifts to Time for Renewal in memory of Ted Johnson
by Carol Settergren, Paul & Karen Zimmerman, Jim &
Mary Zastrow, Lake Superior Water Color Society, Harold
Larson, Dave & Brenda Sproat, Rod, Carol & Curt King,
Steve & Heidi Larson, Lois Christianson, Mary & J.
Davis, Dorothy Palmquist, Ted & Terese Harwood,
Audrey Madson, Eric & Stephanie Johnson, Robert &
Lesa Brandt, John & Cheri Brady, Lynn & Linda Janisch,
Sue & Rick Rector, David & Shirley Lingo, Thomas &
Dianne Beck, Weldon & Marilyn Hultgren, Glenn &
Arlene Olson, Ollie, Mary & Jenna Meyer, James Betrnke
& Al Updike, Dan & Marj Bergeland, Tom & Mary
Boman, James & Carolyn Brueggemann, Matt & Kay
Eckman, Bob & Candy Madich, Stephen & Katherine
Bloom, Bruce & Helen Gildseth, Harley Hanson & Pat
Dorn, Glen Holt, Jon & Karen Sande, Dan & Lois Jaeckel,
Bonnie & Mark Matuseski, Don Johnson & Christine
Swensen, Glenn & Erna Peterson, Kay Wohlhuter, Bill &
Mavis Keller, Elizabeth Larson, Tom & Arlene Whittaker,
Kathy Morris, Dave & Marcia Lothner, Dave & Doris
Walter, Vince & Nancy Magnuson, Harry & Mary Nash,
WinnaFae Nisswandt, Mark & Christine Osthus, Dave &
Anne Rogotzke, Miriam Sommerness, Milt & Ivah
Sundquist, Claryce Swensen; in memory of Eila
Connellan by Bruce & Helen Gildseth; in memory of
Virginia Wiklund by Elizabeth Larson.
Gifts to FLC Memorial Fund in memory of Virginia
Wiklund by Roger & Judith Oman, Dale & Brenda
Moe, Vernon Swanum,. Lynn & Patti Anderson, Laurie
Johnson, James & Lois Rydeski, Carita Dahlberg, Paul &
Irene Erickson, Patti Anderson & Robert Patton, James &
Karen Spooner, Muriel Lehman, Mary & Jim Zastrow,
Dave & Nancy Choquette. W. R. & Karen Christopherson,
Karen Rogers, Tom & Catherine Rootness; in memory of
Ted Johnson by Don Johnson, Beth & Larry Brown, K.
R. Kline & Associates, Julia & Dean Sampson, Annette
Page 8
Gifts to FLC Archives in memory of Margaret
Yernberg by Nancy St. Marie.
Gifts to Radio Ministry in memory of Ted Johnson by
Paul & Carol Nelson; in memory of Virginia Wiklund
by Gudrun Hoivik.
Gifts to World Hunger in memory of Margaret
Yernberg by Gudrun Hoivik.
News of the
F i r s t Fa m i ly
A Loss in the Family
Family of Winnie Nisswandt on the death of her
sister, Chris.
Family of Kathy Morris on the death of her father,
Howard Lang.
Family of Sara Socha, family and friends, on the
death of her great-uncle Bob Mars.
Baptisms
6/17/2016 Liza Jean Socha
Daughter of Joel & Sara Socha
6/17/2016 Joel Socha
August 2016
The Builder
Worship & Music
Worship Notes
Live Radio Broadcast: KDAL AM 610, 8:30 a.m. Sundays
Live Streaming of 8:30 service, go to www.flcduluth.org.
Sun., August 7 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
Readings: Ps. 33:12-22;
Heb. 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12;32:40
Sun., August 14 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
Readings: Ps. 82; Heb. 11:29-12:2: Luke 12:49-56
Sun., August 21 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
Readings: Ps. 1-3:1-8; Heb. 12:18-29;
Luke 13:10-17
Sun., August 28 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
Readings: Ps. 112; Heb. 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1,
7-14
Readings are from Revised Common Lectionary.
Worship in the Park Information
The 10:00 a.m. outdoor worship
services in Leif Erikson Park
WORSHIP
continue on Sundays through
in the PARK
August. In case of inclement
weather, the outdoor service
will be held in the Sanctuary. This announcement will be
broadcast on AM 610. If the service is held in the park
and the weather is nice, no announcement will be made.
The phrase “cooler by the lake” is sometimes true at
10:00 a.m. in the park. Bring warmer clothes or a blanket
just in case. Any day is a beautiful day by the lake!
Rides will be available via the FLC golf cart to those who
have difficulty walking down to the park. Meet in the
London Road parking lot near the canopy entrance.
NOTE: Worship on Sun., Sept. 4 will be at 8:30 &
10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Library News
FLCW News
News from the Library
FLCW at Aftenro Home
Thurs., August 4, 2:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church Women will meet on Thurs.,
August 4, at 2:00 p.m. at Aftenro Home, 610 College
Street, for their annual August gathering. Women of the
gatherings (circles) will bring treats to be served with
coffee. Entertainment will be provided.
Scandinavian Food & Craft Festival
October 29, 2016
FLCW members will be meeting soon to begin
planning the annual Fall Festival. Help is critical
to ensure that it can continue. Please contact
Margaret Broderius (728-6101) or Beryl Bredeson (7282031) to let them know you’d like to be involved.
It is never too early to start thinking about what you
might make or do to help prepare! Gently used jewelry
can be turned in at any time at the church office in
preparation for the Jewel Booth. Start setting aside your
used books for the Book Sales and Christmas items for
the Christmas booth. (Do not drop them off yet, a date
will be set up in October.)
The Builder
Looking for a book to read during
your vacation? Visit the library and
check out the current display: Books
by Minnesota Authors.
Self-Checkout
Check out your book at the computer/checkout desk by
completing the book card found inside the back cover of
the book and noting the due date on the card pocket.
Leave the card in the plastic stand located on the desk.
Reserve Request
If you would like to reserve a book, please complete a
reserve request form (located at the checkout desk) and
leave it in the “Requests and Suggestions” box. You will
be notified once the book is available and it will be held
for you.
Help Wanted
Are you interested in libraries? Like working with
computers? The Library Committee is looking for
someone to work with the library computer
database. For more information, please
contact Annelie Sober at library@
flcduluth.org or call (218) 727-7596.
August 2016
Page 9
Serving & Reaching Out
“Come and See!”
In St. John’s account of the very first days of Jesus’
ministry, he tells how Jesus found Philip and said to him:
“Follow me.”
Then Philip found Nathanael and said: “We have
found him about whom Moses in the law and also the
prophets write, Jesus, son of Joseph from Nazareth. Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of
Nazareth?” (And) Philip said to him, “Come and
see.” (John 1:43-46)
Since then, people have been inviting one another to
“Come and See” God’s good news for all in Jesus Christ.
And we are still doing that today at First!
Pastor Dianne and I take it as small signs of the Holy
Spirit that at both the Vision Council and Invite Action
Team meetings in the past week, two independent
members referenced the same article from the June issue
of “Living Lutheran” (pp. 36-37), where Pastor Robb
Moss of Lutheran Church of the Master in Lakewood,
Colorado, tells “Why we will no longer be a welcoming
church.”
In that article Pastor Moss talks about how
“welcoming” is passive. But inviting is active.
He then encourages us to become more intentional
about inviting others to what we share together as a
church in worship, education, fellowship and faith, by
outlining five specific challenges (to which I’m
suggesting some local adaptations):
(He says:)
1. Try using the phrase “my church” in a conversation
with one person each week, as in: “Just go two blocks
past my church and you’ll see Super One grocery
store.”
2. Consider one word or phrase that describes your
congregation’s intent and purpose, as for example:
“Violence in society? My church works to offer a
word of hope.”
3. Think about one thing (FLC) does very well, from
Sunday School to Music, to Ministry and Mission and
use it to finish the phrase: “I think my church is good
at __________.”
4. Invite one person to check out something in which
your congregation is involved. This should be done in
appropriate conversations when the opening naturally
presents itself and should not be forced or manipulated. For example, in a conversation about the Eastern
Hillside, one could say: “Come with me when we do
out next support event at Myers Wilkins Elementary
School.”
5. Invite someone you know to come to worship with
you. This is not as intimidating as it may seem when
you consider whom you are bringing friends to meet.
We know Jesus is alive and welcomes all. So in this
Page 10
season of outdoor Summer worship dare to say: “Grab
your hat, your chair, your dog, (your bike!) and come
with me to church in the park!”
Our invitation today is really no different nor less
urgent than that of Nathanael who simply said: “Come
and see.”
Pastor Greg Garmer
Intentional Nurturers
Our intention is to be a congregation of intentional
nurturers - another way of saying, a congregation filled
with people who want to convey
Christ to one another. It’s hard to
know everyone in a big congregation, but look around and notice if
someone seems lost or if someone
seems new. Reach out, invite them
to sit with you; invite them to
lunch; show them around the building. Take a risk –
maybe they have been here for 10 years, but you didn’t
know that and now you do. There will be a new
Inquirer’s group beginning in the fall – won’t you offer
to pair up with some of the new people the Spirit has
sent our way? Sign up sheets and intentional nurturer
descriptions are at the welcome desk.
August 2016
Pr. Greg Garmer baptized Joel Socha on Sun.,
July 14. His daughter, Liza, was also baptized.
The Builder
Serving
Meet the Lay
Leaders of the
20162016-2017
Ministry Board
Diana Ream, Chair Ministry Board
Dawn Boman
Worship & Music Liaison
Mary Schmitz
Stewardship Liaison
Carol Prohaska
FLCW Rep
Vision Council meetings are open. You are
welcome to see how your Vision Council works.
Vision Council - July 7, 2016 Meeting Highlights
Council members discussed wishes and possible goals
for First Lutheran in the coming year and beyond. Ideas
include: provide engaging activity for high school age
youth on Sunday mornings between services, youth more
actively involved in all aspects of church life, concerns
with aging areas of the church facility, more contemporary
music and worship liturgy, increased energy and innovative ideas through leadership from all age groups, reaching
out to neighborhoods close to FLC, creation of space for
toddlers to have freedom of movement during worship
services, family Bible studies for parents with children,
and Bible studies led by lay people.
The Builder
Sharon Turnboom
Local & Global Liaison
Margaret Broderius
FLCW Rep
invitations. Decisions must be made concerning the 12th
and Superior property. How can we mobilize to reach out
with prayer services when tragedy strikes our nation? Who
from our congregation will join Pastor Dianne in the city’s
blueprint visioning?
Vision Council
Upcoming needs presented: When Pastor Greg retires,
how will staffing change? Do we need a second pastor,
an intern, a communications specialist or a church
administrator? We need new outdoor signage to let our
community know what is happening at FLC and extend
Steve Samuelson
Lifelong Learning Liaison
National Night Out/Ice Cream Social at First Lutheran
Church, Superior St. Parking lot, Tues., August 2, 6-8
p.m. All FLC Members are invited to attend the ice social
to welcome area neighbors to First and to interact in a
welcoming conversation.
Demolition of buildings at 12th & Superior: Property
committee will secure an assessment of hazardous
materials prior to demolition. This will provide full
disclosure of asbestos/hazardous materials to bidders on
the demolition.
Ten parking spaces will be available for lease in the
FLC lot during weekdays at a cost of $40/month. This
includes the understanding that if the spaces are needed for
a funeral, etc. alternative parking will be the responsibility
of the drivers renting the spaces.
NOTE: Complete version of Vision Council minutes are
housed in the church library.
August 2016
Page 11
Serving & Reaching Out
Ministering to Our Youth
from Deb Westerberg
First Lutheran’s high school graduates were recognized on
the same Sunday in May that we celebrated the lives of
those who are 80+ years. When staff planned to schedule
these events on the same Sunday, we thought about how
we could connect these two celebrations while lifting up
each one. The wheels started turning. Some elders of our
congregation were contacted and asked to reflect on their
life and experiences to share as a letter with a graduating
senior. What was to come of that was not anything I
expected, and I truly saw the Holy Spirit at work. In the
days leading up to that Sunday, I heard
many powerful stories that came from
those writing the letters – people shared
that they appreciated having the space
to reflect on the suggested questions,
not only for their graduate, but also for
themselves. Another shared that they
found what they were writing needed
mto be shared with their grandchildren. I also heard of one
individual who years ago had been a sponsor for a young
family with a baby that was joining FLC, and here he was
now writing a letter to that same child, now a young adult.
I also heard from our high school graduates of how deeply
moved they were to receive this precious letter, to know
they are cared for and loved, and that their faith story is
part of a bigger picture that is shared and passed on.
A special THANK YOU to the elder senior members
who graciously and lovingly wrote these letters. Thank
you for your reflections, for sharing your life experience
and wisdom, for articulating your faith, and for your
encouragement for the graduates. Your witness is
meaningful and important.
The church is one of the few remaining places in our
society where multiple generations gather in the same spot
each week. Bringing together generations within the
church brings richness and blessings on many different
levels and encourages greater faith in all generations. We
all bring to the table our own experiences and to be able to
share and learn from one another is powerful. Knowing we
are loved, belong, and valued within a community is powerful at any age. As a congregation, we are richer in our
faith experience when we are able to share it with one another and weave together different generations. That’s doing youth ministry.
Page 12
At a recent meeting with InterServe Ministries (who is
leading us through a time of visioning for our children,
youth, and family ministries and faith formation as a
whole congregation) reminded us that all can play a role
in youth ministry and a simple challenge was presented
to the adults in our congregation as a way to build
connections and relationships with youth in the
congregation:
• Take time to ask a student their name.
• Ask them about what is coming up this next week in
their life – maybe there’s a game/recital/
performance/test.
• Let them know you will pray for them.
• Pray. And then look for them the next week and
make a point to ask them how it went.
Be bold and try it out. See what happens to you as you
participate in ministry with our youth
Jim Settergren, Nathan Sande and Karen Sande sharing
in a blessing.
“Gods Work. Our Hands.” Day of Service
First Lutheran is joining several other area Lutheran
churches to participate in this ELCA-wide event Sun.,
September 11. Plan to participate. Intergenerational and
family participation encouraged. There will be more
information coming soon. Meanwhile your help is
needed in identifying good projects. If you have a
suggestion or questions, contact Paul Anderson at
728-5853 or [email protected]. (One example on
deck: painting the 3rd floor hallway at Aftenro Homes
nursing facility.)
August 2016
The Builder
Serving & Reaching Out
News from Cameroon
Background
First Lutheran Church’s relationship initially was
established in 1999 as the Cameroon medical exchange
program, with Cameroonian medical professionals from
the Ngaoundere Protestant (Lutheran) Hospital and
other facilities traveling to Duluth in groups of two for
specialized training. They were welcomed at First
Lutheran as their church home and were housed by a
variety of people including the Aases and Shirley Wuchter
for part of their three month visit. Drs. Hans and Martha
Aas began the program and recruited others to make
periodic medical trips to the Health System of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon. Housing in
Ngaoundere is at the ELCA mission compound close to
the hospital. The new Administrator is Mr. Sanda Elie.
His predecessor, Mr. Jim Noss, is retired, living in the
Minneapolis area, and has spoken at several mission
events at FLC. The medical, administrative, and
infrastructure projects are ongoing under the name of the
Cameroon Healthcare Development Program (CHDP).
CHDP works closely with Global Health Ministries,
which sends containers of equipment and supplies from
its Minneapolis warehouse several times each year to
Cameroon, as well as other countries.
On May 24 Jim Noss brought the Bishop to Duluth for
a brief visit which included a stop at FLC, as well as
Essentia Health. On July 1, Jim drove the second
Cameroon guest, Mr. Sanda Elie, to Duluth for a stop at
FLC while he was in the US for ELCA meetings and other
Church functions. We are encouraged by the continuing
support of these relationships. Contact the Cameroon
Mission Team if interested in more information.
Submitted by members of the Cameroon Mission
Team: Martha & Hans Aas, Shirley Wuchter, and
Glen Holt.
Update
In mid April FLC members Martha and Hans Aas and
Glen Holt attended the 2016 spring Network meeting in
Sioux Falls at the Synod headquarters. At that time
preparations were discussed for the forthcoming USA
visit by ELCC Bishop Reuben Ngozo, hosted by South
Dakota Synod and ELCA Global Mission.
Cleaning Out Transitional House
Work has begun on getting the transitional
house and old office building on the corner
ready for demolition! The following items are
available for purchase: 2 - apartment sized
refrigerators ($75 each), 1 -30” electric stove,
only a year old ($150), and 1 futon ($50).
Contact the church office, 728-3668, if you are
interested.
The Builder
Shirley, Sanda Elie (ELCA Cameroon Mission
Administrator), Jim Noss (previous ELCA CMA,
now retired), Glen Holt.
Imagine Duluth 2035 Survey:
Forward Together
This project is an update to the Community’s
2006 Comprehensive Plan and a critical
roadmap for the future development of Duluth.
You are encouraged to be a part of future
planning by filling out the survey that can be
found at the Welcome Desk and online at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y5223B7
Share it with your neighbors. They would
like to receive as broad a circle of ideas and
suggestions as possible.
August 2016
Page 13
Leadership
Get Better Connected
on our Website
Please feel free to contact us.
• Go to www.flcduluth.org
• Sign up for FirstNews weekly e-mail updates
by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
• Sign up to receive a full color, digital issue of
The Builder via email (go green)
• Download new and previous editions
of The Builder
• An audio "widget" has been added on the sidebar of the web page/home page. This widget
connects to the worship audio files stored
online. Click on the one you want to download
and it will take you to download link. These
are large files that will take a few minutes to
download (you can minimize) and then you
just play on windows media player or other
players.
KDAL AM Radio Broadcast
FLC Sunday Worship Service at 8:30 a.m.
President
[email protected]
Candy Madich
206-0196
Vice President
[email protected]
Teresa Zupancich
340-3223
Past President
[email protected]
Suzanne Rauvola
740-7310
Treasurer
[email protected]
Ron Carlson
525-6542
Secretary
[email protected]
Tammy Fanning
218-391-8398
Ministry Board Chair
[email protected]
Diana Ream
727-4704
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Vince Magnuson
[email protected]
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Aaron Wedge
290-3872
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Sarah Climis
701-893-5271
Senior Pastor
[email protected]
Pastor Dianne Loufman
728-3668
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MINISTRY BOARD MEMBERS
First Lutheran Foundation invites and encourages
members and friends of the congregation to sponsor a
Sunday morning KDAL radio broadcast for $100. The
Foundation will match that gift with $100 to cover the
full cost of a broadcast ($200). Call Nancy, 728-3668,
to make arrangements.
Hospitalized? Death of a loved one?
If you or a family member is hospitalized or if there is
a death in the family, please call the church office at
728-3668. Because of hospital policies, the church is not
always informed when a member is in the hospital. For
emergencies after hours, contact information is provided
on the church answering system.
Bring your pets to
10:00 Worship
in the Park on
Sunday, August 7
for a blessing.
Page 14
VISION COUNCIL MEMBERS
August 2016
Senior Pastor
Pastor Dianne Loufman
Associate Pastor
Pastor Greg Garmer
Ministerial Associate
Ann Beck
Director of Music Ministries Dr. Jason Branham
Director of Youth and Family Deb Westerberg
FLCW Co-Chairs
[email protected]
Margaret Broderius
728-6101
Carol Prohaska - [email protected] -H#724-2204
Ministry Board Chair
[email protected]
Diana Ream
727-4704
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Dawn Boman
310-4887
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Steve Samuelson
722-1788
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Sharon Turnboom
218-428-2175
Councilor-at-Large
[email protected]
Mary Schmitz
591-6331
----------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDING MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS
Stewardship
[email protected]
David Westerberg
260-3116
Worship Ministry
[email protected]
Mark Britton
C# 260-7034
Beth Domholdt [email protected] C# 213-6102
Local & Global Mission [email protected]
Paul Anderson
H# 728-5853
Brenda S-Johnson [email protected] 340-8284
Evangelism & Welcome [email protected]
Margy Bell
C# 310-6930
Lifelong Learning
[email protected]
George Rennan
C# 390-3526
The Builder
A u g u s t 2 016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
5:15 AA - PH
4:45 Extreme
Parenting-LC/PH
6:00-8:00 Neighborhood Night Out/Ice
Cream Social - Supr.
St. Parking Lot
10:30 Staff-AER
7:00 Women’s Bible
Study - UC
5:30 Vsn Council-AER
6:00 Maintenance
Night
7:00 Sojourners I -CH
10:00 AA-YR
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
8:30 Worship - S
10:00 Worship in the
Park - Pet Blessing
5:15 AA - PH
6:30 AGO - AER
Poling Site-PH
11:30 Finance-307
5:30 Evang/Wel
6:00 Lifelong Lrng-AER
7:15 Local/Global-UC
7:15 Worship
10:30 Staff-AER
6:00 Simple Meals-Kit
7:00 Women’s Bible
Study-UC
9:30 Inquirers-Office
2:00 OSL-CH
6:30 Stewardship-Lib
6:30 FLC Gardeners
7:30 Invite Team-CF
7:00 Sojourners I -CH
10:00 AA-YR
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
8:30 Worship - S
10:00 Worship in the
Park
9:00 Library
5:15 AA - PH
9:00-1:00 Synod Event
-PH
4:45 Extreme
Parenting-LC/PH
6:30 Ministry Bd-AER
10:30 Staff-AER
7:00 Women’s Bible
Study-UC
7:00 Sojourners I -CH
10:00 AA-YR
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
8:30 Worship - S
10:00 Worship in the
Park
5:15 AA - PH
6:30 Foundation-CF
6:30 Ukelele Fun-PH
10:30 Staff-AER
6:30 FLC Crafters-PH
6:30 FLC Gardeners
7:00 Sojourners I -CH
10:00 AA-YR
28
29
30
31
Labor Day
8:30 Worship - S
10:00 Worship in the
Park
9:00 Library
5:15 AA - PH
10:30 Staff-AER
As a way to honor Labor Day this year,
please bring a symbol of your work or the
work you have retired from to worship on Sun.,
September 4 or during the preceding week if
you won't be here and place it in front of the high
altar. (Don't worry; your symbol will be returned
to you).
Yard Games in the
Park
The Builder
August 2016
Page 15
VOLUME 69 No 8
The Builder (USPS 552-000) is published monthly by First Lutheran
Church, 1100 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802-2285.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Duluth MN 55806.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BUILDER,
First Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Superior St, Duluth MN 55806-2285
First Lutheran Church
1100 E. Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
218-728-3668
[email protected]
Welcoming
S ta t e m e n t
S ta f f
First Lutheran Church
Office: (218)728-3668
www.flcduluth.org
[email protected]
Pastors: (Ext. #)
E-mail
Pastor Dianne Loufman (207) [email protected]
Pastor Greg Garmer (202)
[email protected]
Program Staff:
Dr. Jason Branham (212)
[email protected]
Director of Music Ministry
Karen Sande (213)
[email protected]
Asst. Director of Music Ministry
Ann Beck (210)
[email protected]
Ministerial Associate
Deb Westerberg (215)
[email protected]
Director of Youth & Family Ministry
Office Staff:
Janet Freund (203)
Nancy Hamre (204)
The Builder Editor
Custodial Staff:
Duane Sieger (232)
Carl Guldner
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
First Lutheran Church, dedicated to the mission of Jesus
Christ, welcomes YOU into this community of faith, where
we share life in its entirety, with all its joys and sorrows. We
believe all people are created in the image of God and are
offered God’s love, grace and forgiveness, regardless of:
religious tradition, age, gender, race, education, economic
status, sexual orientation, family structure, mental or physical
abilities. We extend a special welcome in Christ’s love.
The Builder Schedule
The following date is the deadline for submitting articles.
Articles submitted after deadline will be published in the next
issue. If possible, e-mail articles to: [email protected].
Deadline date:
September 2016 issue: Mon. August 15, 2016
Other extension numbers:
Archives (211)
Youth Room (225)
Promise Preschool (214)
Kitchen (218)
For more information about staff, programs and
events at First Lutheran Church, please go to our
website:
www.flcduluth.org
PLEASE RECYCLE
Page 16
August 2016
The Builder