News
Upcoming events
- Sewing QSC(15 hours)
- Piano Class PL(22 hours)
- Kindermusik MR1(22 hours)
- Piano Class PL(22 hours)
- Piano Class PL(23 hours)
- TOPS Weigh-In & Meeting PMR(1 day)
Recent blog posts
- Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent
- Hello... It has been a while since I wrote a Notion Devotion...
- NINE WAYS GOD ALWAYS SPEAKS* by Mark Herringshaw and Jennifer Schuchmann
- Lenten Devotion for Saturday, April 23
- Lenten Devotion for Friday, April 22
- Lenten Devotion for Thursday, April 21
- Lenten Devotion for Wednesday, April 20
- Lenten Devotion for Tuesday, April 19
- Lenten Devotion for Monday, April 18
- Lenten Devotion for Saturday, April 16
News
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Mission abounds at First Lutheran. A thank you from Food To You.
First Lutheran Church has come together with 13 congregations of the ELCA to provide groceries and hygiene items to neighbors in need thorughout the Sioux Falls area.
In the past year, First Lutheran's support has helped support this ministry by:
* Providing financial support
* Donating food
* Volunteering for a distribution
* and more.
Check out the thank you note below. Thanks be to God for our ability to help our friends and neighbors.
First Lutheran has the opportunity to again serve at the Food to You Mobile Food pantry on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 5:10 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church. Contact lcarpenter [at] flcsf [dot] org or call 605-336-3734 if you would like to volunteer.
Learn more about Food To You here: http://www.mobilefoodpantry.org/
Watch the First Lutheran worship service on You Tube
Thanks to funds from the "God’s Gifts. Our Responsibilities." campaign, Media Ministries recently upgraded its equipment and is now broadcasting in high definition (HD).
Equipment to stream the Sunday service on the Internet was also purchased, and by the end of February each 9:45 a.m. Sunday broadcast will be posted to www.youtube.com/user/flcsf.
The 2011 Christmas Eve Worship is now available. Make sure to check it out.
February First Word available online
The February First Word is now available online.
Included in this issue:
God’s Healing Embrace: The Sacraments
Worship service broadcast now in high definition, streaming online
Abraham Gayetaye reconnects with family, helps to support African Ministry at First Lutheran Church
Piano Laboratory offers group piano lessons for adults
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Feed on Feb. 21
Click here to view the issue, or check out back issues of First Word under the publications tab.
Adult Forums scheduled for Winter/Spring 2012
As always, we will host an interesting slate of speakers. Identical forums will take place at 9:30 and 11 a.m. (with a few exceptions) in order to make it convenient to both worship in the sanctuary and attend the forums. Unless otherwise noted, forums will take place in the Friendship Room. Refreshments will be available. All are welcome.
Jan. 22—Pastor Barbara Wangsness | “Grief options”
New grief resources have recently expanded to focus on the grief of survivors. One such resource offers optional tools for confronting significant loss, based on interpreting one’s response to a loved one’s death and offers assistance for creating a new "normal" in one’s life. This week’s forum includes reflection on Dr. Susan Berger’s recent book, The Five Ways We Grieve: Finding Your Personal Path to Healing after the Loss of a Loved One. |
Jan. 29—Rev. Layne Nelson and Marnie Dahle Backer | “Camping in South Dakota”
Layne is the executive director for Lutherans Outdoors and Marnie leads youth and family ministries at First Lutheran. If you and your family are interested in camping this year, come and get the low down on what’s available (and new) and learn how to sign up for fun this summer. |
Feb. 5—Stan Christopherson | “Life lessons learned” Stan’s career in social work at Veteran's Affairs and the State of South Dakota spanned more than 40 years. He’s gained a wealth of knowledge and insights based on his experiences. Join Stan as he shares his insights and wisdom. |
Feb. 12—Georgia Larson | “Healthy habits in a fast food world”
Georgia is the clinical nutrition manager at Sanford Health. She will offer ways to make healthy choices among fast food menus as well as how to cook quick and healthy meals at home. Plenty of food for thought is in store as we contemplate New Year’s resolutions. |
Feb. 19—Sandy Jerstad | “Letters of Love” Letters of Love, represents a compilation of 26 sermons authored by Sandy's husband, the late Mark Jerstad, pastor and founder of the Good Samaritan Society. Sandy, Mark's wife of 31 years, a successful coach and South Dakota state legislator, completed the task her husband began years ago. She’ll share her reflections contained in Letters of Love based on Mark’s preaching during his tenure as Augustana College campus chaplain. |
Feb. 26—Cary Wencil | “LifeSource” Cary serves as the eastern South Dakota hospital services manager for LifeSource. He’ll explain medical advances in transplants, an easy way to become a donor, and how LifeSource benefits 500 people in the Dakotas and Minnesota each year. |
March 4—Ami Pearson | “My 15 years as a zookeeper at the Great Plains Zoo”
Ami’s career included a wide variety of funny, scary and emotional experiences. She’ll reflect on a number of those events as well as how caring for creatures of God’s creation also included a strong non-verbal and spiritual component. |
March 11—Don Sneen and Pastor Jason Burggraff | “The Dead Sea Scrolls”
The Dead Sea Scrolls provide biblical scholars immeasurable insights into the early writings and theology of the church. Yet they raise many questions, too. Join our speakers for a lively look at theology as well as human nature. |
March 18—James Johnson | “Lutheran Worship Wars: Soli Deo Gloria and other Latin roots”
Did Martin Luther really want all worship done in German—the language of the people? Was Latin forbidden because it was the official language of the Catholic Church? How were our modern forms of worship developed? Is it true that Bach—that most Lutheran of Lutherans—considered moving to the Catholic Church? Learn the answer to these and other questions from Dr. James Johnson. |
March 25—Pastor John Christopherson | “Rembrandt’s works”
If you enjoyed Pastor John’s presentation last fall on Vincent Van Gogh, you’ll certainly enjoy his rendition on the works and symbolism of this famous painter from the Dutch Golden Age. Special attention will be given to Rembrandt’s painting, “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” A reproduction of this famous painting hangs on the west wall of First Lutheran’s Welcome Center. |
Apr. 1—Pastor Jason Burggraff | “The Holy Trinity: God’s Hat Trick” Have you ever wondered about the Trinity? Come find out why in this day of many gods, the “one in three and three in one” is the very best for your life today. |
Apr. 8—Easter Sunday | No forums |
Apr. 15—John Hegg | “Understanding the contemporary family” Based on his experiences as a school counselor, he’ll address how family structure has changed in our culture today. He’ll also explain the realities and resulting difficulties that families and students deal with in our community. This program provides a segway for next week’s forum when we’ll hear from a Sioux Falls inner city school principal. |
Apr. 22—Twaine Fink | “Opportunities and challenges of inner city schools in Sioux Falls”
Twaine is the principal at Lowell Elementary. Lowell faces unique realities given the diverse and economically challenged population the school serves. Twain will describe the need for mentoring relationships and their life-transforming importance. He will also offer practical ways for First Lutheran to show the love of Christ and live out its mission through mentoring students at these schools. |
Apr. 29—Shirley Redmond | “VA then and now” Shirley serves as public affairs officer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Regional Office in Sioux Falls. She’ll compare what you might think you know about the VA to recent changes at the facility that serves veterans and their families in our area. |
May 6—Marian Henjum | “Surviving as an artist in Sioux Falls, S.D.”
Marion’s art, both recent and earlier paintings dating back to the early years of her 40 year career, tell part of her story. Along with her paintings, she’ll describe her career, from her teaching experience at South Dakota State University after graduation, as well as the ups and downs, tribulations, isolation, and coping mechanisms that brought her to where she is today. |
2012 Camp Dates
Summer adventures are on the way! It’s time to make those summer plans and get signed up for camp! To register, a $50 deposit is needed. If finances are tight, please visit with us; camp assistance is available.
Please call the Youth and Family Office if you have questions at (605) 339-1983, ext. 228.
2012 Camp Dates:
Kindergarten through 2nd grade:
Shetek Day Play on Thursday, July 19, or Wednesday, Aug. 8
Cost: $27
2nd through 5th grade:
Shetek Mini Camp on Sunday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 3,
or Sunday, Aug. 5, through Tuesday, Aug. 7
Cost: $160
3rd through 5th grade:
Shetek Full Week on Sunday, Aug. 5, through Friday, Aug. 10
Cost: $340
NeSoDak Full Week (near Waubay, S.D.)
on Sunday, July 22, through Friday, July 27
Cost: $360
6th grade:
NeSoDak (near Waubay, S.D.)
on Sunday, July 8, through Friday, July 13
Cost: $360 plus transportation
7th grade:
Outlaw Ranch (near Custer, S.D.)
on Sunday, June 10, through Friday, June15
Cost: $380 plus transportation
8th grade:
Discovers at Camp Metigoshe
(near Minot, N.D.) on Sunday, June 17, through Friday, June 22
Cost: $345 plus transportation
9th and 10th grade:
Seek Week at Camp Metigoshe
(near Minot, N.D.) on Sunday, June 17, through Friday, June 22
Cost: $350 plus transportation
An update from our missionaries
Pastor Andrew and Barbara Hinderlie serve as our missionaries in Eastern Africa. They recently moved to Tanzania. The following was published in the Fall 2011 "Hand in Hand," the ELCA's Global Missionary Support quarterly newsletter:
"Today," reflected Barbara, "I stand on the successful ministries of our predecessor missionaries." An ELCA missionary in Madagascar, Barbara Hinderlie has served with the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Madagascar. She has assisted the church with strategic planning, self-reliance and the monitoring and evaluation of existing ministries. ...
As Barbara's family recently prepared to leave Madagascar for new missionary responsibilities in Tanzania, she felt privileged to have helped prepare the Malagasy Lutheran Church for the next generation of missionaries. She notes that the "next missionaries will assist with bridge-building for the long-term relationships of the church. They will be called to fill a gap identified by the local church and their work will be done in coordination with a Malagasy counterpart."
"As a member of the ELCA, it has been exciting to serve in one of the fastest growing churches in The
Lutheran World Federation," concluded Barbara.
Our support of missionaries helps to equip the church for missions. We are thankful that as First Lutheran Church, we are part of it through our missionary sponsorship of the Hinderlie family!
Phone system upgrade: New staff phone extensions
First Lutheran’s phone system was recently upgraded. The old system malfunctioned due to a recent electrical surge. The new digital system requires that the direct dial phone numbers be changed. To reach a staff member or a room at First Lutheran, dial (605) 339-1983 followed by the extension number. Most of the cost of the new system was covered by an insurance claim.
For a complete listing of staff members, please follow this link.
Update from Bogota, Colombia
First Lutheran Church has a long history with Leadership and Development LIZWAN, a ministry that provides Christian leadership, development and evangelism among Lutheran congregations in Colombia.
Recently, a delegation from First Lutheran Church traveled to Colombia.
Click here to read the latest update from LIZWAN and to see how your gifts have made a difference in the lives of others. There are some great photos, too!
Wednesday Night Meals menu
The table is set. All we need is you!Wednesday Night Meals take place in Reformation Hall from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for those age 6 and under. Join your First Lutheran Church family for a meal before your Wednesday night activities!
Jan. 4: Chicken and cheesy hash browns
Jan. 11: Turkey and mashed potatoes
Jan. 18: Shepherd's pie/tator tot casserole and fruit
Jan. 25: Roast beef and baby red potatoes
Feb. 1: Ham and au gratin potatoes
Feb. 8: Lasagna and tossed salad
SD Synod social statement resources
Click here for resources from the South Dakota Synod: http://www.sdsynod.org/resources/social-statement-resources/
Stop by Luther Lounge to pick up a meal for a friend
Is there someone on your mind and heart who could benefit from a homemade meal? Meals from the Heart invites all ages to make a difference in someone’s life! Pick up the freezer key at the Information Desk; go to the Luther Lounge; select a meal; sign the log; deliver the meal to someone who would appreciate a homemade meal. Want to take the mission a step further? Purchase a Hy-Vee card from the Youth and donate the card to Meals from the Heart. For more information, contact Linda Carpenter at (605) 339-1983, ext. 231, or Jean Hoff at (605) 361-7267.
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