Parents of 2nd Graders – if you missed Bible Presentation last weekend, then we probably still have your child’s Bible! Please stop by the church office to claim your child’s Bible. If you need suggestions on how to make presenting the Bible to your child a special event, email or call Marissa - she’s full of ideas!!
The Last Day of Preschool Sunday School and KidZone is a week and a half away on, May 20! Be sure to say, “Thank you!” to your teachers – we couldn’t do without them! Also, all of the Children and Family Ministry volunteer staff are invited to breakfast on the 20th at 8 a.m. in the LFC!
Radical Hospitality Opportunity!
We’re looking for a few good host homes! On Thursday, May 31st a team of five young adults doing a year of ministry with an ELCA-partner organization, Youth Encounter, will be traveling through Cedar Rapids and are in need of our Radical Hospitality. We need three to four host homes for this crew, one being dog and cat-free. Host homes are asked to provide breakfast on the morning of June 1, and a sack lunch for the road. There will be a bonfire and cookout for the team and FLC youth on the evening of the 31st, so a gathering time for host homes is TBA.
If you can’t host, but would still like to affirm the ministry of this team, they have some needs that you can help with! They need: stamps (regular and post card), gas cards, restaurant and grocery cards, Target and Walmart gift cards, national and international phone cards. If you would like to gift any of these items to the team, please bring them to the church office no later than noon on Thursday, May 31st.
Strategic Planning Kick-Off, Tuesday, May 15, 6 p.m. in Luther Fellowship Center with Supper and Orientation to the Process. You are invited to shape the future of First Lutheran. Join a short-term planning team to improve how First Lutheran serves and makes a difference in the community and in the lives of members and friends. These planning teams will use the responses from the Lent discussions in a structured process over five meetings to discern God’s call for First Lutheran in specific areas.
The five teams are:
Radical Hospitality — Welcoming people into community
Passionate Worship — Experiencing God in Worship
Intentional Faith Formation — Lifelong growing as Disciples
Risk-taking Mission & Service — Serving Beyond the Church
Extravagant Generosity — Generosity in Life and Response
Sign-up for one of the teams in the Narthex. Choose an area of interest and passion for you. Our first meeting for all the teams will be a supper and an orientation on Tuesday, May 15 at 6 p.m. in the Luther Fellowship Center.
Hey Reading Bees! We’ve got a new book to read! It is Bleeding Kansas by Sara Paretsky. We’ve got plenty of books so new readers are always welcome! We’ll discuss this book on June 3 at 11 a.m. in Room 315. Enjoy!
Saturday, June 16 "Fatherhood, Football, & Faith", 6-8 p.m. Former Iowa Football star Lew Montgomery will highlight Father's Day weekend at First Lutheran Church. The All-Big Ten running back will speak at all worship services. In addition, men and boys can sign up for a special "Fatherhood, Football, and Faith" dinner. A plated meal will served. Cost is $12 per person, $30 maximum charge per family. Reserve your spot today.
Do you believe God’s Spirit wants to captivate your kids? Come find out how Spiritual Parenting could change your family life. Beginning June 3 and running through July 22 we’ll be reading the book and enjoying discussion every Sunday morning during the Education Hour, 10:05-10:55 a.m. Come see us at our sign up table in the Narthex. Books are a suggested donation of $5, or are available in Kindle and Nook editions.
Community Notes
Thrivent Builds with Habitat of Humanity – FLC has for years partnered with Thrivent and Habitat for Humanity on Thrivent Builds projects. This years’ project site is 1807 First St. SW and First Lutheran is on board to provide workers on Saturday, June 23. If you want to help, volunteer forms and liability waivers are available in the office or at the information desk.
Matthew 25 Hubfest – Saturday, May 19 Matthew 25 is a faith-based organization working to rebuild and restore the CR Flood Zone. In 2012 they continue rebuilding homes and have started an ambitious Urban Farming Project in the Ellis/Time-check neighborhoods. On May 19, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., they will celebrate with Hubfest; a plant and tool sale, family fun activities, food and live music. Visit hub25.org for details.
