February 2012 Newsletter

Bible Class
In the Sunday adult Bible class (all classes 10:45-11:15 AM, in the Overflow Room), we’ll continue a series of Bible classes under the theme of The Wrath of God. How do we understand Psalms, and other Bible verses, that call for the punishment of God’s enemies? Can the wrath of God be reconciled with His love? Come, and see.

 

Brown Co. Hmong ministry resumes
After a year of inactivity, outreach to our Hmong and Lao neighbors in Brown County is again moving forward. WELS Pastor Nau Lee, (already serving part-time at First German, Manitowoc, and at St Paul, Appleton) will be installed on Sunday, Feb 5 at 9:30 AM at Beautiful Savior, Packerland Dr., Ashwaubenon. A pot-luck will follow, bringing together Hmong and Anglo dishes for the meal! All are invited to attend.

NOTE: At this point, Beautiful Savior does not plan to use First’s facilities for their Hmong/Lao outreach activities.

 

Senior Breakfast/Bible study
Our monthly Senior Breakfast/Bible study continues on Thurs., February 16, 9:00-10:00 AM, at the Bay Family Restaurant, corner of 9th and Military. We’ll now switch to brief Bible studies that focus on the life of Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah. In February, we’ll look at sections of Genesis 25 and 26, which talk about the birth of Isaac’s sons Jacob and Esau.

 

Roller skating party, February 19
We’re invited to a family fun/fellowship event, sponsored by area WELS/ELS churches, at the Rola Rena (731 Morris Ave.) on Sun., February 19, 1-3 PM. Cost is $3.50/skater or $5.50/roller-blader for two hours of skate time, fellowship and fun.

Please direct any questions to Tammy (Mt. Olive, Suamico) at toddtam52403@yahoo.com. While registration is not absolutely required, some advance notice would help, in planning purposes.

 

Ash Wednesday, February 22
The overall theme for the Lenten sermons for 2012 is “See His Cross! Surprising Words From

Our Savior’s Passion.” In this series, we receive insights into God’s plan of salvation for us as

Jesus goes on His journey to the cross and to His resurrection.

Pastor Schleis will again be alternating with other area WELS preachers from First. St. Paul, Messiah, and Mt. Olive (Suamico). He will be preaching here for our Ash Wednesday Close Communion service, February 22, 6:30 PM, on the words of John 18:4-11 “Put Your Sword Away.” Our other midweek Lenten services will be held on Thurs. evenings in March.

   We plan to again use a special confessional service (“Remember Your Love”) introduction on Ash Wednesday, so Pastor Schleis is looking for adult singers to help with that service, and other Lent/Easter singing. He hopes to have a schedule, and planned music, out soon.

We also hope to have our tasty Lenten suppers before our Ash Wednesday, and March Lenten services, 5:00-6:00 PM, in the Overflow Room. Check the February bulletins for details.

 

Notes from the Jan. 22 Voters meeting:

- About 18 voting members, and guests, were present.

- The minutes of the Oct. 2011 Voters meeting, and 4th q. 2011 financial reports were presented and accepted. By God’s grace, all our bills and current commitments have been met., and we had about $7600 in the General Fund, at the end of 2011. Updated reports of various funds and CDS were also given.

- Pastor Schleis’ written report was accepted as presented. We number about 168 souls, 151 communicants. Pastor Schleis also gave oral reports about a restart of Hmong ministry at Beautiful Savior (Ashwaubenon), and various educational avenues.

- The Director of Shepherding’s printed report was accepted as presented.

- Under the Spiritual Life category, oral reports were given. Approval was given to pursue joining with our other area WELS/ELS churches to sponsor digital billboards, especially around Holy Week. Volunteers will be sought for a committee to organize activities in celebration of First’s 150th anniversary in 2013. We might be able to secure a Green Bay Neighborhood grant for a public carillon concert.

- The Properties Report brought the most discussion of the meeting. The Voters rejected leasing school facilities to Mayflower Nursery School, rejecting the five recommendations from the Church Council for a one year lease. The Voters did want there to still be open negotiations with Mayflower. The Voters also approved replacing the parsonage kitchen flooring, landing, and basement steps.

 

Saving Grace WELS exploratory
Saving Grace, an exploratory mission of Messiah (WELS), Bellevue, plans to have an opening worship service on Sun., March 04, 10 AM, at the Richard Mauthe Center at UW-GB. For more information, please check Saving Grace’s website www.mysavinggrace.net, and their Facebook page  www.facebook.com/SavedbyGraceGB

 

WOMEN’S RETREAT AT OSHKOSH
Our ladies are invited to the 12thPathways to Christ Retreat on March 9-11. The 2012 theme is “Reflections on His Cross and Ours”. The keynote speaker will be  Prof. em. Daniel Deutschlander, author of the book “The Theology of the Cross.” Brochures can be printed from the website at www.martinlutheroshkosh.com. Click on “Pathways Retreat.” If you have any questions, you may contact the Pathway’s Committee at (920) 233-1069, or at retreat@new.rr.com

 

District Leaders Workshops, March 24                   Seminars for Christian Service

The District Leaders Workshops are scheduled for Sat., March 24, at Fox Valley Lutheran (FVL) High School in Appleton. These seminars give quality, Scriptural, and inexpensive information for a wide variety of topics of interest to our members. As usual, First will cover the registration and lunch for any of our members attending.

Booklets with all the topics, and other details, will soon be available on the Entryway table.

Please register with Pastor Schleis by March 08, so Pastor Schleis can pass that information on to the District Adult Discipleship committee running these seminars.

 

Eagle Resale Shop
The winter hours for the Eagle Resale Shop continue to be Wednesdays from 9am-3pm. All proceeds go to tuition assistance for all the children attending St. Paul Lutheran Elementary School (WELS).

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

February 12 - Adam Nuthals

February 19 – Alexandra White

February 20 – Ronald Vanderheyden

                       Ronald M. Vanderheyden

February 24 - Clarence Hoagland

February 27- Barbara Vanderheyden

 

CONGREGATIONAL DINNER
The annual Congregation Dinner will be held again at the Woods, 530 Erie Road, on Sunday, March 11,2012. Fellowship and cocktails at 11:30 AM with Family Style broasted & baked chicken and tenderloin tips dinner at 12 noon. The cost is $15.00 per person incl.tip. Children, ages 3-5 is $6.00, ages 6-8 is $9.00. We will have a private room and our own bartender. Enter in the far north door.  Please sign up by Sunday Feb. 26 on the sign up sheet in the Narthex. Come and enjoy good fellowship and a very good dinner.

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

February 3 -     Allan & Florence Lemke (61)

February 9 -    Paul & Arlene Peterson (60)

February 14 -   Jeff & Lori Rose (31)

February 19 -   Robert & Sandra White (40)

                        Mark & Bonnie Teuteberg (35)

A keepsake from Northwestern Publishing House is the perfect way to commemorate confirmation. NPH features a wonderful selection of Christ-centered gifts, including jewelry, books, invitations, custom-imprinted Bibles and more. Visit www.nph.net/confirmation or call 1-800-662-6022

 

Recovery through Christ is a Christian 12 step program for those struggling with addictions. It meets on Fridays, 7-8PM at Mount Olive Lutheran Church (930 E. Florida Ave., Appleton). More info from Dave @ 920-233-0437.

 

Understanding alcoholism and Other Addictions is a one day seminar presented by WELS counselors, Phil & Pam Merten on February 18th at Mount Olive, Appleton. To register ($20), call WLIM at 414-259-4370.

 

The Needle Club will be meeting the first 3 Mondays of February at 9:00 AM, as usual. It was missed on the February calendar.