February 11-12, 2017

Prayer Shawl Gathering — Saturday, February 11

Prayer Shawl Gathering — Saturday, February 11
If you knit or crochet — or would like to learn how — please join us at the prayer shawl gathering this Saturday, February 11, 9 to 11 a.m. in Room 312.

Whether you’ve been knitting prayer shawls for years or have wanted to but didn’t know where to begin, please join us to learn the basics, receive help and inspiration from some “old pros,” or simply visit with friends as you knit. If you’re new to creating shawls, we have yarn and needles available if you’d like to try it before you invest. Yummy snacks will be provided too! Read more about the shawls and the event at on the Prayer Ministry page.

Annual Meeting this Sunday

Please make plans to attend the Annual Meeting of the Congregation this Sunday, February 12 at 1:00 p.m.

Maid-rites for lunch will be served 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Childcare will be available during the Meeting. The nursery will close at 12:15 p.m., following Celebration Worship, and re-open after lunch at 12:50 p.m.

We will be voting on the 2017 budget, a restatement of our First Lutheran Trust, and whether to enter a capital campaign to remodel our facility.  See the "Building" page for details.

This Weekend in Worship

Preaching: Pastor Steve Knudson
Sermon: : "RELEVANT: An Unrivaled Place to Grow in Faith"
We always have something to learn in and through the church.  Psalm 119:1-8 tells us "Happy are they who follow the teaching of the Lord."  This applies to all ages in all developmental stages of life.  Paul implies this is an ongoing process in 1 Corinthians 3:6 where he says, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth."  Society says, just tell people you believe in God; that's enough for your faith development.  But in the gospel Jesus exhorts his followers to embrace standards of righteousness that exceed legal requirements and traditional expectations.
Scriptures: Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-37 NRSV

For details on our worship series & services:

-  Visit the Worship Page  -

10:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Learning

Cedar Rapids Housing Issues – Expert Panel, LFC
Hear the latest details and join your voice and your heart in a discussion of how we can make a difference. First Lutheran’s Housing Team has assembled a panel of experts to discuss current housing issues that face the under-served in our community. Panelists include:  Jeff Capps - Exec. Director of Cedar Valley– Habitat for Humanity
Phoebe Trepp - Exec. Director of Willis Dady Homeless Shelter
Tammy Stines – VP Board of Directors of Family Promise of Linn Co.
Robin Brunner – COO Ecumenical Center, representing– Helping Hands Ministry

Everything is Spiritual
Feb. 5 - 19; Rob Bell video, Chapel
Discover the jaw-dropping science that allows our earth and all of us to exist us­ing the landmark video from trailblazer faith leader Rob Bell. Is it all chance? Pastor Craig will guide our discussion.

-  Visit the Adult Learning Page  -

10:15 a.m. Children's Options

It's A Milestones Weekend for Grades 2-5!
This weekend we ask that at least one parent of kids in 2nd through 5th Grade accompany their children to their Sunday Morning Learning classes. Milestones is a series of classes in which children learn about the "whos, whats, whys, and hows" of the faith, and equips parents as the primary developers of faith in their children. Details at firstlutherancr.org/milestones.

Children Ages 6 months to 4 years may use our nursery on the lower level.
Children Ages 3-4 check in at the bottom of the stairs by the Administrative Entrance for Preschool Sunday School.
Children Grades K-3rd check at the top of the stairs by the Administrative Entrance for Kidzone.
Children Grades 4th & 5th check in at the top of the stairs by the Adminstrative Entrance for Connect 45.