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THE MESSENGERMAY 2020

The monthly newsletter of First Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Makrothumia

Pastor Michelle and I planned our 2020 Wednesday Evening Lenten Services around the theme “Fruit of the Spirit” based on Paul’s words in Galatians 5:22-23. We were anticipating five weeks of services with each service having a meditation based on Paul’s list of the Spirit’s fruit. Unfortunately, because of Covid-19 we only were able to hold two Wednesday evening services. One of the Spirit’s fruit on which I had written a mediation that was never delivered was “patience.” The actual Greek word Paul used in Galatians 5:22 is makrothumia which my Greek dictionary defines as the “state of remaining tranquil while awaiting an outcome.” Little did I know when I composed my original Lenten meditation in early March how important (and hard) that particular fruit of the Spirit is as we are in the midst of the effects of the coronavirus. Thousands upon thousands of schools, stores, offices, churches, eating establishments, and events have been closed or cancelled across of America in the last six weeks. On top of that, there is no immediate end to all of this in sight. In light of this reality we are all experiencing, I would encourage you to pray each day that the Spirit would grow makrothumia in your life. We are really (sometimes desperately) awaiting an outcome to the effects of Covid-19, but we can ask the Spirit to keep us in a state of remaining tranquil on a daily basis. Right now, patience is not easy; it does not always come naturally from us. Yet, the Holy Spirit seeks to grow it into us. I’d encourage you each morning to pray “makrothumia” from the Spirit for that day because we sure need it at this chaotic time.

Pastor Rick

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K e a r n e y C o m m u n i t y R e s o u r c e s

Kearney Community Resources During the COVID-19 Virus

Our Mission Outreach team wants to provide you with a list of community resources as we are all seeking to deal with these trouble times cause by the coronavirus.

• Buffalo County Community Partners They offer information and help in a variety of areas including Physical and Mental Health Resources, Education Website Links for children K-6th grade, Financial Support, Food, Transportation, and Housing. These resources can be accessed through their website which is: https://www.bcchp.org/covid19/

• Safe Center The Safe Center offers help for those affected by domestic and sexual violence. Their website is: safecenter.org and their phone number is: 308-237-2599

• Suicide Prevention Coalition This coalition seeks to reduce suicide in Buffalo County through instilling hope and healing by empowering mental wellness to save lives. Their website is: bcch.org/suicideprevention/ and a suicide prevention hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.

• CarePortal First Lutheran is an active participant in CarePortal which helps uncover and share needs to which we can respond. They can be accessed through their website at careportal.org/covid19 or by calling 308-237-4085.

• Meals on Wheels This organization is committed to support individuals who need nourished, healthy meals in their own homes. Their website is http://www.kearneyhousingagency.com/meals-on- wheels/ and their phone number is 308-234-1851.

• Hot Meals and the Jubilee Center Hot Meals USA delivers a hot noon meal prepared at the Kearney Jubilee Center at no charge during the COVID-19 crisis. The Jubilee Center offers a Food Pantry to assist those in need of food. The phone number for both Hot Meals and the Jubilee Center is 308-234-3880.

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K e a r n e y C o m m u n i t y R e s o u r c e s

Message from the Pastor.................1

Office Updates…..............................4

Worship Themes........…...................6

Adult Education & Fellowship...........7

Outreach Opportunities........................8-9

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

Women of the ELCA.......................10

Office Announcements....................11

Music Opportunities........................12

Preschool........................................14

Announcements.……...…...............17

“LIKE” us on Facebook:First Lutheran Church - Kearney

Sign up for weekly E-mail updates:Send request to:

office@firstlutherankearney.org

LIVE Radio Broadcast:Sundays 8:45 AM – KXPN 1460 AM

LIVE Webstream Broadcast:Sundays 8:45 AM & 11:00 AMwww.firstlutherankearney.org

View our Event Calendar:www.firstlutherankearney.org

• Region 3 Behavioral Health Services This resource offers assistance to youth and young adults between the ages of 3-25 who have a serious emotional disorder. Help is also available for family support services. Their phone number is 308-237-5113. Additional services and resourceses can be reached by the following: Nebraska Family Helpline/1-888-866-8660 and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/1-800-985-5990.

• Kearney Public Schools KPS social workers (which include two members of First Lutheran: Lori McArthur and Nikki Peterson) have created a list of many resources called Family Resources During Covid-19 which includes information on employment, food, transportation, support groups, utilities and internet resources. The website is https://www.kearneypublicschools.org/news/covi dresources.html

Finally, if you need help in other ways as you cope with COVID-19 feel free to call the church office at 308-237-5544.

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O F F I C E U P DAT E S

Church Officeoffice@firstlutherankearney.orgPastor Rick CarlsonPastorrcarlson@firstlutherankearney.org

Pastor Michelle CarlsonPastormcarlson@firstlutherankearney.org

Mike McGuireExecutive Directormmcguire@firstlutherankearney.orgKandy BaconAdministrative Assistantkbacon@firstlutherankearney.org Marti BrockmeierBookkeepermartibrockmeier@firstlutherankearney.org

Natalie RadcliffeWorship Music Coordinatornatalieradcliffe@firstlutherankearney.org

Adam EilersMaintenance Coordinatoraeilers@firstlutherankearney.org

Judy O’DonnellPreschool Directorjudyodonnell@firstlutherankearney.org

FLC STAFF E-MAIL ADDRESSES

USE OF OFFERING ENVELOPESThank you to all those who regularly make use of the weekly offering envelopes. It may not be possible to keep an accurate recording of your contributions if you do not use your envelopes. If you choose to contribute by check without using the envelopes, please write your offering envelope number on your check. This will enable us to record your contributions accurately. Any loose checks that are received without an envelope number noted may not be reflected on your contribution statement.Contributions to the Ministry Budget and Facilities Budget can be combined in one check. If you are not receiving offering envelopes and would like some, please contact Marti in the church office. Thank you for your help!

MARCH FINANCE REPORT Ministry Budget: Mar. 2020 YTD '19-'20 YTD '18-'19Budget Supporting Revenue $ 59,006 $ 547,661 $ 536,956 Budget Related Expenditures $ (55,954) $ (566,972) $ (555,740)

Total 2019-2020 Ministry Budget: $794,482 Facilities Budget: Mar. 2020 YTD '19-'20 YTD '18-'19Revenue $ 6,176 $ 70,181 $ 61,569Expenditures $ (697) $ (24,250) $ (22,036) Total 2019-2020 Facilities Budget: $30,000

Offerings Year to Date

2019 2020 %Change

Mar. $50,551 $51,133 1.2%

Year to $500,845 $517,292 3.3%Date

Average per week giving $12,783

Goal per week $15,279

Per Week vs. Goal -$2,496

CHURCH FISCAL YEAR-END APPROACHINGMay 31st will mark the end of the current fiscal year. Is your pledge current and up-to-date? Now is the time to do that “catch-up” as we complete this year and journey forward. Thank you for participating in all that God is doing among us and helping First Lutheran's ministry!

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CO U N C I L U P DAT EGreetings from your Church Council,

Here’s an update on the latest happenings and discussions within First Lutheran Church.

In the past month church council has spent a good share of their time discerning how to respond to the COVID pandemic. We have had three special meetings in addition to our regularly scheduled monthly meeting. All these meetings were conducted remotely using Zoom. We are asking that our church teams continue to meet on a regular basis as well, with the use of Zoom. What a blessing to have technologies such as this available to us through this unprecedented period of time.

In the past month the council has voted to suspend in person worship services indefinitely until the threat of COVID infections has diminished. We are very thankful for the ability to stream our services online and to be able to join together in worship remotely. It seems that the words of the liturgy and our familiar hymns become even more meaningful as we live through this uncertainty. But what a joy it will be to come together again to worship, commune, and pass the peace of Christ in person.

Council also voted to postpone the congregational vote on the remodeling project for the north part of our church building and the proposed capital campaign associated with it and other needed updates. The building committee, with the help of Wilkins ADP, has done a great job in providing a vision for building improvements that will enhance our ministry. The building committee and council are excited for the time when we will be able to bring these ideas to the congregation for your questions and input. The foundation is in place and we will be able to move forward when the timing is correct.

Council considered and approved entering an application for the Paycheck Protection Program. PPP is a part of the CARES act and the purpose of the program is to help small businesses and nonprofits to maintain payroll over an eight-week period. PPP is a Small Business Association loan that essentially turns into a grant if the guidelines of the program are followed. The guidelines include using the funds for maintaining staff at current pay levels. FLC will also be able to use a portion of these funds for utility payments. The amount of the loan is for 2.5 times average monthly payroll. Thanks to Lee Fritson and Marti Brockmeier for your work in the application process and in gaining loan approval quickly.

Many thanks to all of you for your generous stewardship. No doubt these are difficult financial times for many families, and we appreciate your doing what you are able to do to support the needs of the church and our community. Thank you for your prayers for our staff, pastors, and our leaders – both locally and nationally through this period of time.

Blessings to you and your families,

First Lutheran Church Council

Lee Fritson, Judy Henning, Rachel Leach, Kyle Means, Miranda Obermeier, Kelly Russman, Kim Troudt, Dave Zimmer, & Mark Kottmeyer

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Mark Kottmeyer - Presidentmkottmeyer@gmail.com(308) 380-3487

Kim Troudt - Vice President

Kyle Means - Treasurer

Judy Henning - Secretary

Lee FritsonRachel LeachMiranda ObermeierKelly RussmanDave Zimmer

Contact information for our Congregational Council

Representatives are available in the lobby or the church office.

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W O R S H I P T H E M E SMAY 2-3

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTERACTS 2:42-47; PSALM 23; 1 PETER 2:19-25; JOHN 10:1-10. Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.

MAY 09-10

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTERACTS 7:55-60; PSALM 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 PETER 2:2-10; JOHN 14:1-4. As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life.

MAY 16-17

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTERACTS 17:22-31; PSALM 66:8-20; 1 PETER 3:13-22; JOHN 14:15-21. Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our

gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.

MAY 23-24

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTERACTS 1:6-14; PSALM 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 PETER 4:12-14, 5:6-11; LUKE 17:1-11. In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.

MAY 30-31

DAY OF PENTECOSTACTS 2:1-21; PSALM 104:24-34,35b; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:3b-13; JOHN 20:19-23. Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world.

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MARTIN & KATIE’S COFFEE HOURPlease join our seasoned and sensational members and friends in the Café Thursday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am for delectable delights and candid conversation. All are welcome for this great time of fellowship.

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAYLearn to Knit or Crochet

Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every Wednesday in the coffee area from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm during the school year. Please join us for Knitting, Crocheting, Conversation and Prayer. If you have any questions, or if you know of someone who might be able to use a Prayer Shawl as a tangible reminder of God’s love and grace during hard times and good times, please call or text Theress Bricker 308-233-2469.

A D U LT E D U C AT I O N & F E L LO W S H I PAdult Education and Fellowship opportunities are in abundance at First Lutheran Church. If you are curious about any of the programming we offer and want more information, please contact the church office at: 308-237-5544 or just show up!

SUNDAYSUNDAY MORNINGCOFFEE FELLOWSHIPSundays 9:45-11:00 am in the Café

MONDAYQuilt Tying

Quilt Tying takes place the first Monday of every month at 8:30 am in the Quilt Room. All are welcome.

SUNRISE PRAYER & STUDY GROUPThis group meets at 7:00 am on Tuesday mornings in the Fellowship Hall. This study takes a look at the upcoming gospel text from the lectionary and discussion is centered around how this applies to our lives today.

TUESDAY

Bible StudyOn the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall there will be a Bible Study called “Unexpected” by Christine Caine. All are welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please contact LaVon McLane at (308) 293-1882.

JOIN US IN PRAYERAre you concerned about what’s happening in our nation? Do events in other parts of the world cause you concern? Would you like to be part of the answer? If so, you might want to JOIN US IN PRAYER. We meet every Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 at Welcove. You do not have to be an “expert pray-er”. You don’t even have to pray out loud, if you’d rather not. Jesus has promised that where two or three are gathered in His Name, He is in the midst of them. Consider joining us as we talk to Him about our community, our na-tion and the world.

DON’T WORRY! JOIN A PRAYER CHAINHelp pray for brothers and sisters in Christ, or share requests for prayer. Paul reminds us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. (Phil 4:6).

Telephone prayer chain members are led by Jeanette Andersen (308-237-3634), Marlene Kotrc (308-234-3293).

If you would like to participate in email prayer requests, pass your request along to the church office (office@firstlutherankearney.org) or Theress Bricker (tmbricker4@gmail.com). Requests will be emailed to you, and all you need to do is pray for the person or event.

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S E R V I C E O P P O R T U N I T I E SREMINDERS

First Lutheran Church has a lot of ways to help others:Education coupons on products - helps Mosaic in Axtell buy equipment.Pop tabs go to McDonald’s house in Omaha and pays for their utilities.Family Fresh cash register tape dollars are counted, and when there is enough, they are turned in for $1,000 for our youth.Taking pop cans to Andersen Wrecking can provide funds for the youth. Just apply the cash to their account.All of these items can be put in the box on the cabinet in the Narthex. They are then collected, and distributed.Also, there are new hearing amplifiers for those, without hearing aids, that require help in hearing. The old black ones no longer work, but there are new ones in white boxes, also in the north cabinet drawer in the Narthex.

HELP TIE QUILTS FOR LWRJoin us the first Monday of each month, 8:30-11:00 a.m. in the quilt room, to assemble and tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Our goal is 100 quilts each year!Please consider donating supplies for our LWR quilts. We’re in need of fabric and thread, as well as used sheets, blankets and mattress pads. If you have questions please call Betty Young 308-440-7313 or Sandy Pratt 308-627-1995. Thank you!

LEARN TO KNIT OR CROCHETPrayer Shawl Ministry meets every Wednesday in the coffee area from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Please join us for Knitting, Crocheting, Conversation and Prayer. If you have any questions, or if you know of someone who might be able to use a Prayer Shawl as a tangible reminder of God’s love and grace during hard times and good times, please call or text Theress Bricker 308-233-2469.

ARCHIVESAs the archive committee sorts through hundreds of pictures of past events at First, we are realizing that we have very few recent pictures. The main reason is technology has changes that. Our pictures are now on our IPhones. We are asking that if you have any past events at First Lutheran that are hiding out on your phones please share them with the archive committee. Our email address is archives@firstlutherankearney.org. We also want to encourage you to bring in any printed photots or documents that you would like to share with us.

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W I T H I N O U R C H U R C H FA M I LYPrayers of sympathy and

comfort for:

Andrew and Miranda Obermeier and family on the death of Miranda’s father,

Mike Gardels.

Alexis Page and family on the death of Alexis’ grandmother, Vicki Arfmann.

Thank you

Thank you to our church family for praying for our son, Mark, who recently had a heart attack. After two postponed surgeries, he finally got into the hospital last week for two stents. Mark will need another stent in the future when he is stronger, and the pandemic is over. We appreciate your prayers.

Milt & Marlene Kotrc

May Volunteers of the Month

This month the Congregation Council decided to honor our office staff as the Volunteers of the Month. While they are not technically volunteers, they certainly have been going above and beyond during this critical time of Covid-19. Kandy, in her kind and conversational way, has been checking on our homebound and vulnerable members. Mike has been diligently researching and setting up cost effective ways for us to work from home, so we have limited folks in the office. Natalie is still churning out PowerPoints for our weekly services and finding a limited number of musicians to help with worship on Sunday mornings. Marti did an excellent job preparing our paperwork for the Payroll Protection Program as well as keeping a close eye on the offering and our congregation’s financial situation. Adam thoroughly cleaned the preschool classrooms and is preparing for the roofers to begin their work now that the weather has hopefully turned toward the better. This is just a little slice of the ways they have been adapting to our new reality and we are SO GRATEFUL!

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W O M E N o f t h e E LC A

Ladies who are interested in joining a monthly Bible study are invited to attend a women’s circle. Circles can be joined at any time during the year.

Co-Chairs:Lil Larson (308)-224-6207Judy Workman (308)-237-2781Secretary:Bev Vacha (308)-468-6239Treasurer:Jo Smallcomb (308)-234-3053

ABIGAIL CIRCLE (SEPT.–MAY)9:00 am—3rd MondayCo-Chairs: Joan Swanson (308-234-2835) and Evy Kuecker (308-237-5651)

DEBORAH CIRCLE7:00 pm –3rd MondayCo-Chairs: Deb Schauer (308-233-2669) and Ellen Epp (308-234-5696)

GLORIA CIRCLE12:00pm—3rd ThursdayChair: Karen Foster (308-234-2157)

NAOMI CIRCLE7:30pm—4th Thursday (3rd Thurs. in Nov.)Chair: Judy Niemann (308)-234-4332

The COVID 19 pandemic has taught us that our nation depends on having strong resilient leaders. Please heed their guidelines for safety and protect yourself and others!

Let us all remember to Pray for those recovering from illness or family members that have lost loved ones in the past months. The health crisis COVID 19 has made us all appreciative of our National and local Government Leaders, Doctors and Health Care Workers, Clergy and Church Staff, Teachers, Emergency Response personnel, Fire Dept., Police, Sheriff, Public Works, City and County staff, Postal and delivery services, Truckers, Stores and Pharmacy personnel, restaurants and home care delivery, caregivers, volunteers and some many others. All providing necessary supplies and support while working hard to keep us all safe. THANK YOU!

God has given us strength to meet challenges to keep families safe and provide education for our children at home. Let us grow closer by siting at the table together at dinner, discuss how we can help each other cope and help those in need. We have seen some truly amazing acts of kindness. Easter was a time to celebrate Jesus Christ gift of salvation for us. What a beautiful message during this difficult time. We all need to remember God’s Love.

Spring Fling at Frist Lutheran will be cancelled this year due to the difficulties in scheduling and in keeping with the First Lutheran church cancellations and COVID 19 warnings.

W.E.L.C.A. board members will meet after May and will have elections then. We ask you to prayerfully consider stepping up to become WELCA president next year. Please call Lil Larson or Judy Workman to volunteer (numbers listed on the side page).

Naomi circle had their March 26 meeting on Zoom and perhaps Circle Chairs may want to consider doing the same. You can connect by using electronic or digital tools such as conference calls, webcams, or sites with free service or have a small fee: (go to website for directions) www.zoom.com; www.webex.com, GoToMeeting and Skype.

The Women of the E.L.C.A. wish you all good health and pray for the healing of our country and the world. On behalf of WELCA Board we can get through this together - Judy Workman.

Upcoming EventsCANCELLED Spring Fling at First Lutheran Church this year!

The W.E.L.C.A. Spring Gathering date was moved to fall- October 3 in Hastings.

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F L C O F F I C E

First Lutheran Church Office is remaining open during this time. If you are in need of assistance please contact the church office, and we will help you get the resources you need.

office@firstlutherankearney.org

308-237-5544

Office Hours are subject to change throughout the month of May.

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M U S I C O P P O R T U N I T I E S

CHANCEL BELLSTuesdays 5:30-6:30 PM

SanctuaryDirector: Natalie Radcliffe

PRAISER BELLSYouth in Grades 3–8

Wednesdays 5:15-5:45 PM Sanctuary

Director: Angela Wright

WORSHIP TEAMSThese groups sing for the Contemporary Worship

Service. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays @

5:30 PM in the Choir Room

R E S O U R C E S

http://www.firstlutherankearney.org308-237-5544

http://www.elca.org800-638-3522

http://www.nebraskasynod.org402-896-5311

http://www.nlom.org402-944-2544

http://www.lwr.org800-597-5972

CHANCEL CHOIRWednesdays 7:00-8:15 PM

Sanctuary Director: C.J. Sabah

CHILDREN’S CHOIRChildren Pre-K through

Grade 5. Meets during FROG & Sunday School

Director: Amanda Lewis

HEAVENLY TREBLE MAKERSGrades 6-12Wednesday

6:15-6:45 Room 9Director: Angela Wright

http://www.nelcm.com/(308) 234-1828

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S E N I O R H I G H Y O U T H

SUNDAY MORNINGSTOGETHER

9:50-10:30 AM LOWER LEVEL YOUTH ROOMJoin Dave Behle, Keith Powell & Friends Canceled until further notice

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS TOGETHER7:00-8:15 PM - ONLINE MEETING WITH KEITH

If parents would like their child to be included on the invite, please send Keith your email address at kcp12001@hotmail.com.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORSAll 2020 High School Seniors will be recognized at an 8:45 a.m. service at some point this summer. There will be a reception in between services in Centennial Hall. Please contact the church office or Jen Puls to ensure your student is on our list. Thank you!

2021 YOUTH GATHERINGMark your calendars for 2021. Youth Gathering will be in Minneapolis from June 29, 2021 to July 2, 2021

We give thanks to Keith Powell for his connections with the youth. If you want toget in contact with Keith here’s his cell #(402) - 270 - 4914kcp12001@hotmail.com

.

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F L C P R E S C H O O L N E W S

Happy May! Well, things at preschool look a lot different, but we are still getting many things taught and skills practiced. We have been having Zoom meetings every week and work on a site called Seesaw. I create videos to explain assignments, read stories, rhymes and sing songs. We have been learning about spring and different types of weather. They made a cute sun out of a paper plate, yellow and orange materials. The kids shared their projects on our Seesaw site and I communicate to them. They learned about wind, rain, hail, and the sun. They know what the word precipitation means! Then we learned about the lifecycle of the butterfly and frog. They made a paper caterpillar, lifecycle of a butterfly using noodles and did many cutting and handwriting activities. We worked on the letters X, Y, and Z. Now we are talking about taking care of the Earth. They are learning to save electricity, recycle, save water and pick up trash. We have taught all the letters and have reviewed the numbers. We are about to finish up the year with the 5 senses. God Bless and go take care of that Earth that God made!

Mrs. Amanda & Mrs. Lora

3/4 YR. OLD/PRE-K CLASSROOM NEWS

Greeting from Pre-k!!

Wow what a crazy time we are in right now. We hope everyone is staying well and being safe. We said our good-byes on Thursday March 12th, like we do every end of the week. We sure didn’t know that was going to be a long good bye that day. We have really missed our classes and the church staff so much. We have become very creative in our approach to this new way of teaching. The children have taken to this on-line learning so well. We are using an app called Seesaw and have been been able to Zoom with them so they can see each other too! The Pastors have taped chapel so the children can watch it weekly. As we continue to work through this time we ask for your prayers for each and everyone at First Lutheran Preschool and Pre-K. We continue to pray for you and for our normal routines to return to all of us soon.

God Bless,

Mrs. Judy & Ms. Sonya

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U p d a t e f r o m A r g e n t i n aUpdate from Argentina missionary Rachel Ringlaben:

Rachel celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with her friend, Agustina, and her family. Instead of gathering in a sanctuary to sing hymns and light candles, Argentinian families gather around a dinner table to share drinks, a meal, stories, and laughter. The celebration starts around 10 p.m. and lasts until 6 or 7 a.m. - filled with music and fireworks!

In February, Rachel celebrated the first anniversary of her commissioning as a missionary in the ELCA. The first week in February, Rachel led the YAGMs (Young Adults in Global Mission) in the Argentina/Uruguay program in a mid-year retreat in Colonia Valdense, Uruguay to reflect on compassion, peacemaking, and reconciliation. One evening they held an affirmation of baptism liturgy on the shores of Rio de la Plata river.

On Sunday Feb. 9th, Rachel worshiped at IELU (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Unida) congregation, La Paz’s, 90th anniversary celebration. La Paz is a bilingual German/Spanish speaking congregation with a heart for ecumenical (many different Christian churches) collaboration, community outreach, and education. Former pastors of the congregation attended as well as the grandson of the pastor who founded the church.

Additional information and pictures of Rachel’s missionary work can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/YAGM-Argentina-Uruguay-538939472824198/).

Rachel sends these prayer requests:• For unity in our YAGM cohort amidst transition• For our YAGMs’ gracious host communities, congregations, host families, and “padrinos and madri nas” this year…that they may be blessings to our YAGMs and blessed by the accompaniment the YAGMs offer each of their communities this year• For our YAGMs sending communities in the United States…that they may continue to grow in the wonder of discipleship• For all YAGMs serving in different parts of the world this year…including Mexico, Jerusalem/West Bank, the UK, Rwanda, Senegal, Madagascar, Central Europe, Argentina and Uruguay• For all deployed Global Mission staff who serve in various ways across the globe• For our companion synod, the IELU, as they prepare to gather for their assembly and elect new leadership• For peace and health across the world

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!

HERE’S HOW TO GIVE: • By check: Make payable to “ELCA Global Church Sponsorship” with “Ringlaben GCS2056” in the memo line. Give through your synod office or mail your check to: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009.

• By credit or debit card: See https://community.elca.org/Argentina-Uruguay and specify Ringlaben in the drop-down box, or call 800-638-3522 and specify “Ringlaben, GCS2056”.

• By automatic monthly bank withdrawal, or to establish a covenant of prayer, communication and support: Contact 800-638-3522, ext. 2657, or globalchurch@elca.org.

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

Noisy OfferingAs you watch the children walking to the front of the sanctuary for the Children’s Sermon each week, do you ever wonder where all the coins that are clunked into the “Noisy Offering” go throughout the year? Well, this year the “ELCA Good Gifts” program was selected to receive the money to purchase Solar Lanterns. According to the ELCA Good Gifts website, “in sub-Saharan Africa, only 19 percent of rural households have access to electricity and without a reliable source of light, it’s difficult for children and families to walk home, read, study or com-plete other household tasks without burning costly fuel and breathing in dangerous fumes. A portable, solar-charged lantern is a perfect solution.”

So far this year from June through April, First Lutheran Church has collected $776.22 for the Good Gifts program to help purchase these valuable lanterns for families in Africa. All of those coins add up and help make positive, lasting change for people around the world. Thank you for your generosity!

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

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MISSIONARIES DEBORAH AND JOE TROESTER

After serving our Lord and the ELCA 14 years in Africa, Deborah and Joe Troester, the missionaries we have been helping to support, made the decision to retire and move back to the United States. Their plans were to leave Africa the end of April.

However, their plans were changed. Because of the coronavirus, all missionaries were called back to the United States. Deb and Joe are now in the United States. Deb is hoping to find a pastoral call; Joe is looking for a water-resources position to help the developing world.

Our prayers for Deb and Joe continue. For missionaries who have been serving in the third world a long time, moving back to this country is often more difficult than moving to their country of service was, because they are moving back to what is practically a foreign country for them. Deb and Joe ask for our prayers as they try to reintegrate themselves into 21st century America.

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M A YM

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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH3315 G Avenue - Kearney, Nebraska 68847

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 155Kearney, NE 68847

First Lutheran Church, ELCA3315 G AvenueKearney, Nebraska 68847-3699

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MAY 2020

RECEIVINGGOD’S GRACE

SHARINGGOD’S LOVE

UNITINGIN CHRIST