Page 1, Volume 5
May 25, 2017
SHARING FIRST
Monthly Newsletter of
Galesburg First Lutheran Church
We are children of God
called to serve and share the Good News
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may
abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit. Romans 15:13
June 4 is the Day of Pentecost! It has been
referred to as the birthday of the church
because on that day, we recollect the event
of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the
believers after the resurrection of Jesus.
The Spirit, as Luther wrote, “calls, gathers,
enlightens and makes holy (sanctifies) the
whole Christian church on earth and keeps
it with Jesus Christ in the one common,
true faith.” It is the Spirit that calls us together into the Body of Christ, the Church.
It is the Spirit that equips us with gifts for
service and ministry.
Go to 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 for a quick
refresher on the gifts of the Spirit, the
greatest of which is LOVE.
Romans is another great book of the Bible
to read to learn more about the Spirit.
And of course, if you really want to get
inspired by what the Spirit can do through
ordinary people like you and me, read the
book of Acts! This is what the Spirit can
do when the church is receptive to God’s
leading – and it’s exciting!
June 11 is “Invite a Friend” Sunday.
We hope you will prayerfully consider inviting a friend, acquaintance, family member, neighbor, colleague or perfect stranger,
to join us for worship and a potluck meal
after the service. Share with them what you
love about First Lutheran and bring them
along with you.
Let the Spirit do the work of joy and peace
and hope in us all!
Page 2 Volume 5
May 25, 2017
Prayer Book for Armed Services
Northern Illinois Synod Assembly
The 30th Annual Northern Illinois Synod
Assembly will be held June 16-17 at
Augustana College in Rock Island.
At First Lutheran’s Annual Meeting, we
elected Cindy Barshinger and Anders
Nelson to represent our congregation.
Pastor Pam Marolla will represent us as
our rostered ordained representative.
Myrna Anderson, who is a retired
Associate in Ministry (now referred to as
Deacon) will also be a voting member at
the Assembly.
If you have questions, please contact any
of us, or go to nysynod.org.
Published in 2013, this resource is the result of a collaborative effort with chaplains
and other service members. It is a durable
pocket-sized companion created not only
for active military members and veterans,
but also for pastors, congregations, friends
and families of those who serve. For those
who bravely serve, those who have served;
and, for their support network at home, this
prayer book is a companion and guide to
prayer and Christian faith in often difficult
circumstances.
Many congregations have shipped this
resource directly to those who are actively
serving our country or given it as a gift to
the young women and men who are entering the service upon graduation from high
school. To better facilitate this process,
Augsburg Fortress is pleased to announce
that they are offering free shipping of
orders of 12 or more copies to addresses
within the United States including APO/
FPO addresses using the code:
“PrayerBook 12”
Page 3, Volume 5May
25, 2017
Downtown Galesburg
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will be held this
year on July 16th - 20th from 5:30pm to
8:00pm. A snack will be provided.
Participating churches are:
First Presbyterian, First United Methodist,
Trinity Lutheran and First Lutheran.
Liz Smith, at First Presbyterian, is the lead
communicator. If you have any questions,
you can contact her at:
[email protected]
If you wish to register, the link is:
http://www.fpcgalesburg.com/vbs2017
Church Women United
The Church Women United will meet
Thursday, June 1st at 9:15 in the morning.
The meeting will take place at First Christian Church on 301 N. Broad Street
in Galesburg, IL.
There will be a program presented by Bob
Genisio who will be playing his guitar and
singing.
All women of the church are heartily invited to attend. Bring a friend and join us!
__________________________________
A Warm Thank You
There were so many positive comments
about how beautiful the Parish Hall looked
and how welcome everyone felt at the
brunch in May. The following note was
sent to the ladies of First Lutheran hosting
the recent “May Fellowship Day” brunch
on May 4th.
Thank you again for the lovely
brunch, the genuine hospitality and another opportunity to get to see your lovely
church!
Kathleen Geeseman
on behalf of your
CWU “sisters”
Page 4, Volume 5May 25, 2017
June Worship Assistants
Lectors
June 4th Pentecost June 11th
June 18th
June 25th
Assisting Ministers
June 4th
June 11th
June 18th
June 25th
Rhonda Sturgeon
Andy Hendricks
Jerry Albright
Phil Chadderdon
Phil Chadderdon
Judy Taylor
Communion Assistants
June 4th
1) Steve Cheesman, Carole Buebe
2) Phil Chadderdon, Dave Johnson
4) Barb Klein-Boyer
June 11th
3) Myrna Anderson, Verna Crouch
June 18th
3) Pat Smith, Kim Woodkirk
June 25th
3) Barb Klein-Boyer, Jane Dickerson
Ushers for June
Earlybird Usher Jay Barshinger
June Worship Schedule
June 4th 9:30am
10:30am 10:45am 2:00pm Pentecost Sunday (wear red)
Communion/Worship
Fellowship
Adult Forum
Pastor at Heartland
June 11th Invite a Friend Sunday
9:30am Communion/Worship
Noisy Offering
10:30am Fellowship/Potluck for
Invite a Friend Sunday
10:45am Adult Forum
June 18th 9:30am 10:30am 10:45am Father’s Day
Communion/Worship
Fellowship
Adult Forum
June 25th
9:30am Communion/Worship
10:30am Fellowship
10:45am Adult Forum
(last sunday of Adult Forum for summer)
Kids Connection is not meeting during the
summer months but there will be special
activities TBA.
Page 5, Volume 5
Friday Bible Study and Sunday
Faith Formation
The following lesson topics will be covered
through the month of June:
Friday, June 2nd and Sunday, June 4th
Isaiah on Defiant Hope
Friday, June 9th and Sunday, June 11th
Jeremiah on Anguish and Compassion
Friday, June 16th and Sunday, June 18th
Babylonian Conquest and Exile
Friday, June 23rd and Sunday, June 25th
Group Discussion
___________________________________
A Note of Thanks
Dear Lutheran Church Family,
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks
to my church friends and family. You were
so kind with the many cards and memorial
gifts after my father, Harvey Templeton,
passed away. (April 15th) Your words were
of great help to me during a most difficult
time.
Kelly Cheesman
___________________________________
We were also saddened by the passing of:
Dale Yeager - April 13th, 2017
May 25, 2017
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
A Thank You from
Galesburg High School
Dear First Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your donation to Galesburg
High School’s Project Graduation. Your
donation of $100 is greatly appreciated.
Project Graduation is a fun way for graduating seniors to celebrate in a safe,
chemical-free environment. We at GHS
take pride in our stance against any illegal
activities and promote making the right
choice.
Thanks again from all of us at Project
Graduation and the graduating seniors of
the class of 2017.
Ray VanHootegem & Curt Kramer
Project Graduation Co-Chairmen
__________________________________
Invitations sent to KCCD homes
The Faith Formation team wanted to let
the congregation know that during the first
week of April, invitations were sent to all
the KCCD homes in Galesburg inviting
them to worship with us on Sundays as
part of our community outreach.
As always, when we have new people in
worship, please help them feel comfortable
here.
Page 6, Volume 5May 25, 2017
A New Arrival!
Congratulations to Judy Taylor on the birth
of her new little granddaughter!
Her parents are Judy’s son, Michael and
daughter-in-law, Rachel.
Lucy Renae Taylor was born just in time
for Mother’s Day, May 13th 2017 and as
you can see, she’s beautiful!
She will be baptized at Hope Lutheran
Church in Farmington, MI on June 18th.
Welcome to our church family Charlie
Steven Fransene. Charlie is the son of
Jason Fransene and Ashley Shonkwiler.
The children and lots of cousins, came
forward to see Charlie baptized up close!
Lucy Renae Taylor
Charlie Steven Fransene
Page 7, Volume 5May 25, 2017
Quilts, quilts and more quilts beautifully
adorned the sanctuary on Sunday, May
14th, 2017.
The Piecemakers’ made 197 quilts this year
that will provide extra warmth and comfort
to all those that receive them.
They are distributed to local nursing
homes, social service organizations such as
LSSI, veterans homes in Quincy and Iowa
and Kids Care Station.
There was even a story and picture in the
Register Mail. A job well done, congrats
Piecemakers’!
Page 8, Volume 5May 25, 2017
Music at First Lutheran
Beverly Whiteside
.......but I can’t sing!
The Anchor choir will take a summer break
starting in June but you don’t have to be
a singer or instrumentalist to keep special
music up and running during the summer.
You just have to put on your thinking cap.
Maybe you have a grandchild who would
like to play a piano solo for us. Few things
are more endearing as a youngster haltingly playing a beginning piece for an appreciative church family!
Do you know any musicians that are home
for the summer from college? Invite them
to share their talent.
Have you ever experienced liturgical dance
in worship? Do you know anyone around
here that does it? It’s exhilarating!
Perhaps you would like to get together
with a couple of friends and sing something. If you need help with a selection
and/or practice of music, Bev will be happy to assist you and Amanda can whip up
any accompaniment you might need.
Please pray about it and be creative as you
consider your part in providing music for
summer worship.
A sign-up sheet is posted in the Fellowship
Hall. Please contact Bev Whiteside if you
have questions or suggestions.
Sons of the Rock Men’s Ensemble
Did you ever stop to wonder....
“Who are the Sons of the Rock?
Our men’s ensemble has become a vibrant
witness to their faith. It is exciting to hear
them create an inspiring musical offering
each time they sing.
In Deuteronomy 32:4 we read...The Rock.
God’s work is perfect. For all God’s ways
are just, a God of faithfulness and justice.
So who are they? They take their name
from the One whose work is perfect as they
bring their best effort to praise and worship
in song. The Sons of the Rock confident,
nervous, old hands and novices. Yet any
differences fall away as they strive toward
the Rock by singing together. We are inspired and served by their witness.
Men of high school age and above, watch
for the next time Sons of the Rock will be
singing and come join us. You need no
more than to show up. We’ll take it from
there!
Page 9, Volume 5May 25, 2017
June Birthdays
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
1
2
5
5
7
7
9
10
11
14
17
19
20
20
21
27
28
29
29
29
30
Carl Stodgel
Leslie Myers
Sonja German
Bill Hornbaker
Mark Haalboom
Elizabeth Myers
Amy Silber
Julie Nelson
Rylie Walters
Rhonda Sturgeon
Andrew Hendricks
Rose Chadderdon
Andrew Johnson
Cindy Mc Dorman
Britta Haalboom
Marsha Johnson
Sandra DeWitt
Deborah Bradbury
Diann Gunderson
Katherine Haslem
Peggy Redfern
If you have a birthday to submit - please
let us know. We have most of our members
but need birthdays of friends too!
MORE COMMUNITY OUTREACH
A Thank You from
Galesburg High School
Dear First Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your donation to Galesburg
High School’s Project Graduation. Your
donation of $100 is greatly appreciated.
Project Graduation is a fun way for graduating seniors to celebrate in a safe,
chemical-free environment. We at GHS
take pride in our stance against any illegal
activities and promote making the right
choice.
Thanks again from all of us at Project
Graduation and the graduating seniors of
the class of 2017.
Ray VanHootegem & Curt Kramer
Project Graduation Co-Chairmen
Page 10, Volume 5May 25, 2017
Food Pantry News
The work of the Food Pantry continues
on successfully due to the hard work
of the ladies that keep it all organized.
Thirty-five families were served recently
for a total of 60 people and 19 Easter
Baskets were distributed!
______________________________________
Shantytown Plans
We are again hosting a Shantytown this
September to help increase awareness of
those who are homeless or inadequately
housed. Spending the night in this boxmade community is a real eye-opening
experience.
McDonald’s fry boxes are going to be the
material Shantytown is constructed with
and many fry boxes are needed. We will be
collecting these boxes all summer. If you
are at a McDonalds, ask if you can pick up
their discarded fry boxes.
If you’d like to be in on the planning for acitvities, food or construction, contact Darla
in the church office Mon.- Fri.12 - 4:pm.
Page 11, Volume 5
Graduation GHS North
Throughout the school year, we have been
able to provide birthday cakes for Galesburg
High School North students, thanks to our
cake bakers.
This year for graduation 35 cakes are being
made with accompanying graduation cards
and will be taken to Galesburg North on
Sunday, May 28th. Its been a wonderful way
to reach out to deserving students and help
them celebrate their special days.
Great job bakers, shoppers and delivery
persons.
May 25, 2017
A look forward...
• Faith Formation Team is looking for
new members to join their committee. If
you would enjoy being a part of planning
faith building events and education for the
church you are invited to attend their next
meeting on June 2 at 4:30 in the Memorial
Room.
• Sunday, June 4th, is Pentecost Day and
all are invited to wear red to commemorate
Pentecost.
• June 11th is “Bring a Friend to Church”
Sunday. Do you know someone that would
enjoy a Sunday outing of worship, fellowship and food? Ask them to join you at
Sunday service on June 11th!
__________________________________
It’s One Way to Fundraise
A church in a rural area was badly in need
of repairs, and parishioners met to discuss
what could be done to raise the necessary
funds. One of the wealthiest - and stingiest
- of the members rose and said he would
give $500, then sat down. Suddenly a large
chunk of plastering fell from the ceiling
and hit him on the head. He jumped up,
looking confused, and said, “Did I say
$500? I meant $5,000!” Then he sat down
again. After a moment a voice said from
the back, “Hit him again, Lord!”
Page 12 Volume 5
May 25, 2017
NEWSLETTER
To cover the cost of postage,
we ask for a $5.00 donation from
those who receive the Sharing
First Newsletter for the 2017 year.
Thank you!
First Lutheran Church
Galesburg
POSTMASTER
Send change of address to:
First Lutheran Church
364 E. Water Street
Galesburg, IL 61401-4869
SPONSOR:
John R. Bicego, DDS
David Johnson - President
David Howland - Vice President
Kim Woodkirk - Secretary
Myrna Anderson
Jay Barshinger
Bill Hornbaker
Carole Buebe
Phil Chadderdon
Steve Cheesman
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Friday
12noon to 4:00pm
SHARING FIRST
Monthly Newsletter of
First Lutheran Church
(196-620) May 25, 2017
Annual $5.00 Volume 5
is Published Monthly
First Lutheran Church
Periodical Postage paid at
Galesburg, IL 61401-4869
COUNCIL MEMBERS 2016
Verna Crouch
Jane Dickerson
Barb Klein-Boyer
Pastor Pam Marolla
Dominic Michael
Pat Smith
STAFF
Senior Pastor: Pamela Marolla
Email: [email protected]
Office Manager: Darla Krejci
Mon. - Fri. 12noon - 4pm
Email: [email protected]
Communications Coordinator: Julie Huijbregts
Email: [email protected]
Pianist/Organist: Amanda Axley
Email: [email protected]
Director of Music Ministries: Beverly Hines Whiteside
Email: [email protected]
Building & Grounds Steward: Dan Randell
Church Office: 309-343-3176
On the web: galesburgfirstlutheran.org