First Lutheran Church September 2018

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1 Jesus said to his disciples, Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:14, ESV) When I was serving in my first congregation, I was walking through the church narthex one snowy Sunday morning when, all of a sudden, the door swung open wide. In walked a young boy about eight or nine years old. He was all bundled up and he was covered with snow from head to toe. As he pulled the door shut behind him and stomped the snow off his boots, he let out a big Whew! And then he said, It s really coming down out there! I looked at him in amazement and said, Did you just walk to church? He said, Yeah! My parents don t go to church, so I walk here by myself every Sunday. Church wasn t due to start for another twenty minutes, so I decided to stop and have a conversation with this amazing young man. I found out that his name was David and that one of his school friends, who was a member of our church, had invited him to come to Sunday School. He accepted the invitation and he started walking to church every week, because he had no other way to get there. He lived way over on the other side of town, about a mile away, but he came faithfully, no matter what the weather. I asked David why he was at the church so early that day and he said that he always woke up early, so he just started coming to our eight o clock worship service and then going to Sunday School afterwards. He said, I like going to church on Sunday, but I really love going to Sunday School. My friends are there and the teacher is awesome! At that moment, I decided that I was going to do two things. First, I asked David for his address and he gave it to me. I said to him, How would you like to have someone give you a ride to church on Sunday morning? He said, That would be great! So I told him, If you can be outside of your house every Sunday morning at a quarter to eight, I ll make sure that someone is there to pick you up. Then I gave him a high five and I went to get ready for worship. Second, when I saw his Sunday School teacher come into church that morning, I went up to her and said, I just want to tell you how great a job you are doing as a Sunday School teacher. She said, Thank you. But what have I done that s so special? I said to her, You have made a boy named David so excited about coming to Sunday School, that he has been walking all the way across town to get here every Sunday. Thank you for making him feel so welcome. Thank you for showing him the love of Jesus! As we begin a new school year, I pray that we will always make this church a welcoming place for people of all ages. I pray that we will always make this church a place where the love of Jesus is on display in the lives of all his people. And I pray especially that we will always, always, welcome the children as Jesus did. May our hearts and minds be open to their love and joy and laughter. And may this be the place where they come to know the Lord and enter into the joy of his Kingdom. Pastor Bill Page 1

Don t forget, you can listen to and view Pastor s sermons on our website at www.flcprinceton.org. Check us out on Facebook. Contact us at 815-875-1685 or office.flcprinceton@gmail.com.

2 Don t forget, you can listen to and view Pastor s sermons on our website at Check us out on Facebook. Contact us at or office.flcprinceton@gmail.com. OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED SEPTEMBER 3 FOR LABOR DAY Council Summary: July 10, 2018 Mary Ann Smith & Glenn Allen were excused. The June minutes were approved along with the June Financial Reports. Thank you notes were received from River Bend Mobile Food Bank, B.C. Food Pantry, Life Touch, World Mission Prayer League and Church World Service Blankets. Along with his usual activities, Pastor officiated a wedding held at Hornbaker s, OWLs worship, Vacation Bible School, a Rotary Luncheon for Princeton Ministerial Association, WUNT Radio show with Tommy Rose, WZOE with Norm Vandermoon, Old Wheels, there will be a community worship service during the B.C. Fair afterall, we will have a shortened service here on Aug. 26 th from 9-9:45am. Pastor scheduled vacation for August th. Pastor Phil Gronbach will preach August 19 th. Attendance for June was 95, a check for $1000 air fare for Kari Richardson has been requested, a check to LCFS has not been requested at this time, the News Tribune cancelled their Faith & Values publication. No committee reports, however, Property committee fixed the north air conditioner themselves, there was some seepage in the Fellowship hall due to heavy rain on July 4 th. Council approved payment of the final $650 from Endowment toward Kari Richardson s Romania trip. The next meeting is Tuesday, August 14 th. Council Summary: August 14, 2018 Pete May, Glenn Allen & Pastor were excused. The minutes from July and Financial reports were accepted. Thank you notes from Freedom House, Ted Johnson and Abigail Women s Clinic. First Lutheran turned in $ in the Baby Bottle campaign. Pastor left a written report in his absence. He has begun work on his lectures for his Africa trip. He & Lisa are on vacation. Attendance for July was 95. Council approved adding June to those who have access to our safety deposit box. Property Council approved a service agreement with AmeriPro Heating & Cooling for $700/yr. for our boilers and A.C. units. Speaker has been installed in the nursery. Service & Mission Council approved their requests for a prayer breakfast for Kari October 6, $1000 to next mobile food pantry and Glenn Allen & Kari Richardson will take over scheduling for PADS. Outreach & Fellowship Swim party was good & will probably repeat it. Bowling night coming up and will cost $5 per household. Youth & Education An Advent devotional was selected for Sunday School families, fall teaching staff is being recruited, curriculum ordered, a new 1 st -3 rd grade class will be added this year, Rally Day is Sept. 16 th and Christmas Program December 16 th. (continued next page) Page 2

Worship & Prayer Candles have been ordered for the year during August sale, Carol Sing was discussed, tree will go up November 18 th, pie

Finance & Stewardship Income $7,702 behind for the year.

Emalie Ohlson as First Lutheran representatives to the LCMC Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa.

Try it, they always have a lot of fun! Meet in the North parking lot by 10:15am Bus leaves promptly at 10:30am.

3 Worship & Prayer Candles have been ordered for the year during August sale, Carol Sing was discussed, tree will go up November 18 th, pie fellowship after Thanksgiving Eve service, 3 Wed. Advent services with Soup & sandwich suppers before. Finance & Stewardship Income $7,702 behind for the year. Endowment 7 requests were approved: 1 - $250 Community Worship Service 2 - $100 Mary Michael Romania trip 3 - $600 Christmas Carol Sing 4 - $500 Special Needs Prom 5 - $ Continuing Ed for Choir Director 6 - $1000 Rise Against Hunger 7 - $1500 LCMC Awakening Lives to World Mission Council approved David & Emalie Ohlson as First Lutheran representatives to the LCMC Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa. Cubs vs Reds game Saturday, September 15 th Pastor s Bible Studies will begin again: 11:00am Wed. Sept. 5 7:00pm Thurs. Sept. 6 And every Wednesday & Thursday thereafter. Try it, they always have a lot of fun! Meet in the North parking lot by 10:15am Bus leaves promptly at 10:30am. There may be some snacks on the bus, but you are welcome to bring your own. Choir begins Wed. Aug. 29 7:00pm & every Wed. Join us whenever you can, we d love to have extra voices! Sunday Kids Club Staff Meeting Tuesday, September 4 th 7:00pm This will be a brief meeting to get your room assignments, materials, schedule and find out where supplies are located. Meeting will be in one of the classrooms as other committees are meeting, too. Page 3

Wednesday evenings @ 7:00pm Aug. 29 until the end of April Students 7 th grade & up Talk to Pastor Bill Thank You!

Altar Flower Dates Open dates: September 16 October 7, 14, 28 November 4, 11, 18 FYI 1 st Lutheran filled 28 bottles with a total of $655.38. Thank you from Abigail Women s Center. Oct. 7-10 in Des Moines, Iowa 2018 LCMC Gathering David & Emalie Ohlson will attend representing 1 st Lutheran.

4 Wednesday 7:00pm Aug. 29 until the end of April Students 7 th grade & up Talk to Pastor Bill Thank You! Joshua Wooden, VBS kids, Alice Scruggs, Audrey Labuda, Kari & Ashley Richardson for providing Special Music this summer. Much thanks to our musicians: Lynne Swanson, Gayle Little & Kathy Allen. Altar Flower Dates Open dates: September 16 October 7, 14, 28 November 4, 11, 18 FYI 1 st Lutheran filled 28 bottles with a total of $ Thank you from Abigail Women s Center. Oct in Des Moines, Iowa 2018 LCMC Gathering David & Emalie Ohlson will attend representing 1 st Lutheran. If anyone else is interested, let the office know so reservations can be made. Library Committee Please check your home or cars for any books belonging to the First Lutheran Library. Several books are missing and not accounted for. If you have any suggestions for books, series or authors, the committee welcomes your input. PADS Shelter Beginning in September, the Peru PADS Shelter is open for business. Our assignment is the third Friday of each month. If you can help serve local homeless people 1 Friday night, talk to Glenn Allen or Kari Quilts & Prayer Shawls Dedication During 9:30am worship Sunday, September 23 COFFEE FELLOWSHIP On Sept. 9, coffee fellowship will continue as it has in the past. Those willing are to make coffee & lemonade each week. Offering treats are completely up to those who are serving. Provide whatever fits your budget & ability. Remember, coffee & lemonade only are just fine. September 18 th LCMC Pastors Conference On Tuesday, Sept. 18 th, Pastor Bill will be hosting LCMC pastors here from 10am 2pm. They will be using the Fellowship Hall. Please be aware if you stop by the church that day. Page 4

First Lutheran Church 116 N Pleasant Street, Princeton Sunday, September 16, 10:45am Join in the fun as we begin a new season of Sunday Kids Club New teachers, New friends, New classrooms Food and a

5 First Lutheran Church 116 N Pleasant Street, Princeton Sunday, September 16, 10:45am Join in the fun as we begin a new season of Sunday Kids Club New teachers, New friends, New classrooms Food and a Craft Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14 We have a place saved for YOU! See you then Bureau County Food Pantry 1019 N. Main Princeton Will be open 1 st Thursday of each month from 4-6:30pm. Other hours are: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-11:30am. Coming for the first time, please have Driver s license or photo ID & a current piece of mail for address verification. Questions: call Vanessa Page 5

6 LCW NEWS I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer. July 5 th we provided sandwiches for CWU Bloodmobile. August Road Trip to see Hunchback of Notre Dame by Festival Lunch in the Park Bake Sale dampened by rain & parked inside the Prouty Building but thanks to Judy, Mike & Mary Lee who took to the streets with signs & baked goods, every morsel was sold & we made $326.60, the best we ve ever done! Thank you Jo Kloster for picking up the items left at church and Sue Scruggs for tables & cash box. -- Pizza on the Patio & Packing for LWR was Wed., Aug. 29 th September Quilt & Prayer Shawl Dedication Sunday Sept. 23 during worship If seeing the beautiful quilts & prayer shawls peaks your interest, please come join one of these groups. The Prayer Shawl groups meets 2 nd & 4 th Tuesdays at 10am in the Library and Quilters meet the 2 nd & 4 th Thursdays at 1pm in the Fellowship Hall (check calendar for dates). Experience not required. October OWLS Fall Gathering Pie Fellowship Thursday, October 4 th at 1:30pm JoAnne Kloepping & Gay Kyle will host this event. Two birthdays will be celebrated in September by Sue Scruggs & Carolyn Mahon. These items will still be accepted for school kits & personal care kits. Personal Care Items School Kit Items Bath towels 70 sheet notebooks Bars of soap 30c/12in ruler Adult toothbrush Pencil sharpener Sturdy hair combs Pink eraser Metal nail clippers Blunt scissors (steel blade) Unsharpened #2 pencils Ballpoint pens (no gel ink) Box of crayons (16 or 24) Enjoy the End of Summer & the Beginning of Fall! Arukah Institute of Healing A fund-raising Farm to Table meal will be served on Sunday, September 30 th at the Hornbaker s Gardens. They are looking for donations of 4 lb. chuck roasts, locally sourced bacon, able bodies to work in the kitchen the day of the event and able bodies to serve the food that day. If you can help, please see Sue Scruggs. Page 6

BUREAU COUNTY MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers +) Momming is hard. You deserve a break. Childcare available. 1 ST & 3 RD Tuesdays Sept.

com/bureaucountymops or contact Emalie Ohlson (815)303-8047 Hollowayville United Church of Christ Annual German Buffet & Country Store Sunday, September 9 th 11:00am 2:00pm $12.00 Seniors & Adults $6.

Several opportunities are listed on the bulletin board near the office: Lutheran Marriage Encounter October 12-14, 2018 IVCC Community Tutoring Program September 12 & 24 OSF HealthCare Volunteers for

7 BUREAU COUNTY MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers +) Momming is hard. You deserve a break. Childcare available. 1 ST & 3 RD Tuesdays Sept. May First meeting September 4 th 6:00 8:00pm (doors open 5:30pm) Evangelical Covenant Church 24 N. Main St, Princeton bureaucountymops@gmail.com facebook.com/bureaucountymops or contact Emalie Ohlson (815) Hollowayville United Church of Christ Annual German Buffet & Country Store Sunday, September 9 th 11:00am 2:00pm $12.00 Seniors & Adults $6.00 Youth ages 7-12 Children 6 & under free Menu: salad bar, pork & kraut, roast turkey in gravy, ham, German potato salad, red cabbage, mashed potatoes, corn, beans, dessert & beverage. Several opportunities are listed on the bulletin board near the office: Lutheran Marriage Encounter October 12-14, 2018 IVCC Community Tutoring Program September 12 & 24 OSF HealthCare Volunteers for Hospice care. Check them out. BUREAU COUNTY MOPS Lunch in the Park Meal & Bake Sale Friday, September 28 th Donations for the bake sale would be appreciated or just come and have lunch! St. Matthews Saintly Spaghetti Supper Saturday, September 22 4:30 7:00 pm $7.00 per person $5.00 children age 12 & under Age 3 & under Free Carry outs available. Proceeds go to support: Second Story Teen Center Put a little LOVE In Your Heart Concert of great pop songs To benefit Second Story Teen Center glenhagen farm retreat Sunday, September 4:00pm At Evangelical Covenant Church Tickets are $25.00 Tickets can be purchased through Johnson s Carpet Shoppe or Julie Portillo (815) or julie.portillo2011@gmail.com Page 7

First Lutheran Church November 2018

First Lutheran Church November 2018 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV) When I was on my recent teaching trip to South Africa, I met a wonderful Dutch couple