The Wonder of Being Loved - First Lutheran Church of Sioux Falls

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Mission Statement First Lutheran Church welcomes all people into the community of Jesus Christ, equipping and sending them forth to serve and witness in Jesus’ name. Guiding Principles We are grounded in the great commandment of Jesus. (Matthew 22:34–40) We are grounded in the great commission of Jesus. (Matthew 28:16–20) We are committed to welcome and minister to all people. We are committed to equipping people for ministry. We are committed to service in our community and world. We are committed to a ministry of relationship building. We are committed to our heritage and identity as a reforming church. We are committed to excellence in broadcast ministry. Worship Services Saturday (Christ the Victor Chapel) 5 p.m. Vespers with Communion Sunday (Sanctuary) 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship with Communion 9:45 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship 12 p.m. Worship in an African Context (Chapel) Every third Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. a healing service takes place in the chapel. Media Ministry Broadcasts 8:15 a.m. KELO-FM Radio (92.5) 11 a.m. KSFY-13 (Sioux Falls Cable 7), KPRY-4 (Pierre) and KABY-9 (Aberdeen) First Word is the monthly newspaper of First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, S.D. It is distributed to members of the congregation and others upon request. If you have material for First Word, please contact the editor, Kerrie Vilhauer, or a member of the First Lutheran Church pastoral or program staff (see staff listing on page 3). Opinions expressed in First Word are those of the author and are not necessarily shared by the First Lutheran Church congregation or staff. The editors of First Word reserve the right to edit submissions. Responses are welcome. The deadline for articles for the March issue is Monday, Feb. 9, by 12 p.m. Please e-mail articles or questions regarding First Word to: kvilhauer@flcsf.org. First Word is also available online (www.flcsf.org). “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents yet gentle as doves.” –Matthew 10:16 By Pastor John Christopherson Perhaps more than any other time in our history, 21st century Christians in America should pay “careful” attention to this categorical imperative of Jesus in the 10th chapter of Matthew—as he serves a toughminded but humble warning to John disciples of every age. Materialistic idolatry seemingly Christopherson has us cornered in recessive and depressive kinds of thinking. Increasing religious pluralism tempts us into thinking “all roads lead to the top of Mt. Fuji” and thus Christianity is but one among all the other religions of the world. They’re all the same. Right? And evangelism …? What’s that about? (Muslims sure know. Two new mosques are being built in Sioux Falls as I write this little pre-flection for 2009.) … “Tolerance” is so broadly defined as to imply “anything goes” (well, as long as you don’t hurt anyone else). And for fear of being arrested by the “thought police” of secularism, the church has become the silent minority where moral absolutes are only “good” on Sunday morning (at least for the few who take time to worship and study what God’s Word has to say). These are defining times. Listen to these defining, guiding words from the days of the early church written nearly a century after Jesus: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God …” (1 John 4:1–2). How then ought we to live? What is our foundation for ethical decision-making? There’s so much ambiguity! These are defining times. * * * Between services, on the Sunday Pastor John Christopherson announced that gifts had been received to cover the cost of a fullpage, full-color newspaper ad listing the Christmas services at ELCA churches and to fund the color printing of the First Word in 2009. President Eric Severson reported that Mark Smith, a structural engineer, examined the roof in the sanctuary in order to evaluate whether it could support the additional weight of gypsum board to improve acoustics; he determined that it could not. President Severson announced that a Project Task Force, with Steve Larson as coordinator, is being formed to gather information and to make recommendations on the scope of the renovations included in a possible Capital Campaign. He asked each board to nominate someone to serve prior to Christmas, a young newsman from KELO-TV asked if he could have a couple minutes with me to ask some questions. His litany began … “How has the recession affected the church? How will cut-backs in church budgets affect increasing poverty? Do you expect offerings at Christmas to be down?” My responses were those of how the church can affect the recession (not vice versa), and how most churches I was aware of in Sioux Falls were “up” in budgets, with “great expectations” as our very existence is to help those in need— especially with the reminder once again of “love came down at Christmas, not the DOW.” Well, the little “interview” never aired. Supposedly a town fire in Iowa caught more attention. “And besides, Pastor John, we were looking for more of a recession message.” Hmmm?! Defining times. * * * On the “first [or was it the second] day of Christmas” I finally got around to finishing Stephen Ambrose’s bestseller, Undaunted Courage. About a third of the way in, he describes the pivotal day when the famous explorers Lewis and Clark and their tiny band of explorers sent their large keel boat back down the river to St. Louis. The boat had carried all of their supplies, weapons and Church Council Highlights: Dec. 18, 2008 on the task force, which will meet every other week for approximately four months. First Lutheran members Bob Lommen, Morris Magnuson and Norm Ekeland, accompanied by Bob Perkins of Automatic Security, came before the council to present a proposal from the Board for Property and Administrative Services for the addition of a fire detection system in the sanctuary. They reported that the volunteers had discussed fire detection with representatives of the fire department and that the Property Board had requested a cost estimate for the project from GF Electric Inc., which totaled $35,709.02. Bob Perkins described the smoke detection system as it might be installed in the sanctuary and explained how it would function. Questions about the later addition of First Word • February 2009 Defining Times–A Pre-flection for 2009 It is in these defining times, that God’s Spirit is calling us to rise to the challenges of this new year— “being wise as serpents yet gentle as doves” … sharing the very best of our gifts as a Welcoming Home in the Heart of Sioux Falls and beyond. ammunition. It had served as a secure refuge from attack. Now it was gone and they were headed west toward the Pacific Ocean, alone. Lewis sat in his buffaloskin tepee late at night and entered these words in his journal: We were now about to penetrate a country at least 2,000 miles in width, on which the foot of civilized men had never trodden … The picture which now presented itself to me was a most pleasing one, entertaining as I do, the most confident hope of succeeding in a voyage which had formed [a calling for me] for the past ten years. I could but esteem this moment of my departure as among the most happy in my life. It seems to me that Lewis should have been scared to death. He had just watched all visible means of support and sustenance, all security, all contact with the “outside world” sail down river. And yet, he called it the happiest day of his life. It’s almost as if he knew it was his defining moment—the convergence of his particular gifts with a challenge that required the very best of those gifts. * * * Dear brothers and sisters of First Lutheran Church: so it is in these defining times, that God’s Spirit is calling us to rise to the challenges of this new year—“being wise as serpents yet gentle as doves” … sharing the very best of our gifts as a Welcoming Home in the Heart of Sioux Falls and beyond … Will we be at regular worship? Will we be in daily prayer and read the Bible? Will we grow into the wisdom of St. Augustine’s dictum of “faith seeking ever deeper understanding” through the many excellent children, youth and adult Christian education offerings? Will we be faithful in financially supporting the various ministry and mission needs by a strong tithe or pledge? Will we share our talents in volunteering? As we move into this new year, the answer to these questions will be most telling … of whether the times will define us (as the church) or whether we (as the church), by God’s grace, will define the times. In Christ-defining-times, j.r. christopherson Senior Pastor a fire suppression system and liability and insurance coverage were discussed. A motion was made that the proposal for a fire detection system considered by the Property Board and presented to the council by Bob Lommen, Norm Ekeland, and Morris Magnuson (based on the bid proposal) be approved, subject to all outstanding issues regarding final design, liability, and the participation of the volunteers being approved by the Executive Committee in consultation with Steve Larson. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. A request from Bishop David Zellmer to support Campus Ministry at South Dakota State University was announced. John Kittelson reported that the Board for Outreach Ministries had approved a $1,000 donation. First Lutheran Church • 327 S. Dakota Ave. • Sioux Falls, South Dakota • Phone (605) 336-3734 • Fax: (605) 336-8370 • www.flcsf.org
327 South Dakota Avenue Phone: (605) 336-3734 • www.flcsf.org First Word • February 2009 News, notes and items of interest Wednesday Night Meals Join the family of First Lutheran Church each Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Reformation Hall for a catered meal and fellowship. The cost of the meal is $3.50 per person. No one will be turned away. Lenten soup suppers will start on March 4, and Wednesday Night Meals will return on April 15. Here is the menu for February: Feb. 4: Turkey and mashed potatoes Feb. 11: Broasted chicken and cheesy hashbrowns Feb. 18: Taco bar and fruit Feb. 25: Ash Wednesday. No meal. Lenten soup and bread meals Lenten soup and bread meals will be served at 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday beginning March 4 and continuing through April 1. Proceeds will go to First Lutheran’s support of Adult Discipleship Jason Burggraff The Community Outreach and First Lutheran’s ministry at The Banquet. Pick up Lenten devotional Feb. 15 Lenten Devotionals, written by First Lutheran members, will be available at the church entrances and on the church Web site, www.flcsf.org, by Feb. 15. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please call the church at 336-3734. Perennial plant sale Don’t forget the perennial plant sale in late April. Start saving the plastic bags that are used to wrap the Argus Leader to put plants in for sale. Women of the ELCA Schedule WELCA board meeting Date: Tuesday, Feb. 3 Time: 9:30 a.m. Place: Gathering Room P.S. I love you! Experience reminders of God’s love at worship and Bible studies By Pastor Jason Burggraff Lately, I’ve been thinking about all of the great people and things happening at First Lutheran in all areas, and also specifically in the area of Adult Discipleship (check out the spring 2009 Adult Learning Opportunities Brochure). In view of all these great events, I began to ask myself: “What is Discipleship in Christ?” It seems like a simple question, yet its answer will determine a lot about our entire life. Is discipleship knowing God? Living generously? Praying a lot? Sure. All of these things help describe what discipleship looks like, yet none of these short descriptions help you to actually do what they’re saying. Think about it, if I say to you, “To be a disciple, you must know God,” you may understand what I’m talking about, but with that information alone, how will you ever know who God is? If I say, “To be a disciple, you must live generously,” you’ll probably appreciate the image of a generous life, and even try to emulate it. Yet it’s unlikely that Lutheran Men in Mission present the annual Valentine Breakfast such a command alone will make your heart generous. Even if I say, “To be a disciple, you must pray more,” you may wonder, “How much more shall I pray?” So what is discipleship? We often think that discipleship is all about us—what we do. Like good sinners, we always put the accent on the wrong note: on ourselves. Yet before generosity, prayer and even knowing a gracious God can happen, God must change us. 1 John reminds us that we love only because God first loved us in the person of Jesus Christ. You are Disciples of Christ, because he has made you so through the power of the Holy Spirit. That is discipleship. This happened once and for all time in your baptism, yet you and I forget so easily, so we must be reminded of it constantly—every day. And how are we reminded? By hearing God’s Word of Promise, both an announcement and a p.s. of what has already been given to you, and continues to be given to you: In Christ’s death and resurrection, you are forgiven, you are made a new creation, you are his, and he will never let you go. Now … go out and share the Word and all you have. You are Jesus’ disciple because he has made you so. All that you need has been given to you. Pray for every care. God has come Saturday, Feb. 14 9 a.m. in Reformation Hall Tickets are $5 each or $40 for a table of eight and are available at the reception desk or by calling 336-3734. Invite your family and friends. Ken Kessinger will conduct a Name that Tune contest. The featured speaker is Uncle Torvald (aka Bob Johnson). A perennial candidate for the White House, Torvald is sure to bring many laughs. WELCA general meeting Date: Thursday, Feb. 5 Time: 12 p.m. Place: Gathering Room Program: Melanie Bliss from the Homeless Coalition will speak on “A Peek at Homelessness in Sioux Falls.” Senior luncheon Evelyn Knoff will speak on “Life Between the Stitches” at the senior luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The luncheon will take place in Fellowship Hall. The purpose of the senior ministry is to provide opportunities for fun, fellowship and growth to senior citizens. If transportation is needed, call Project Car at 332- 2777 at least one day in advance. Learn something new this winter Winter 2009 Adult First Lutheran Church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” –Ephesians 4:12 Learning Opportunities Look for the Adult Learning Opportunities brochure in the publication racks around the church. for you in Christ Jesus—in his Word: in preaching, in the Lord’s Supper, in Baptism, and he weaves his way through your lives to touch others. What a joy it is to live in this promise! For more reminders of God’s love for you, come to worship on Saturdays or Sundays. If you’re yearning for more, check out one of the many Bible studies or small groups offered at First Lutheran: Sunday morning Adult Forum, Romans, Genesis to Revelation, Alpha (in the fall), care groups, Thursday morning men’s Bible study, Confirmation, 4:12, Theology on Tap, God’s Face Book, youth group, music ensembles, book studies and more. P.S. I love you! FLCW all you can eat Belgian Waffle & Sausage Breakfast Sunday, Feb. 22 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Reformation Hall Tickets $6 in advance, $6.50 at the door Tickets can be purchased between church services in the Welcome Center on Feb. 8 and 15 and at the reception desk during the week. Children 5 years old and under are free. To volunteer, call Bonnie Martin (212-7179) or Karen Saxvik (334-8233 Church Council Officers Eric Severson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President James Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President Dave Van Veldhuizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Diane Atchison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Council Representatives Corey Halstenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Services Jeff Stahl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adult Discipleship Char Peters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastoral Care Wendell Elliott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member-at-Large John Kittelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outreach Jeff Herbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CYYAFL Stan Meyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stewardship Tracie Osthus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member-at-Large Kris O’Connell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member-at-Large Glenna Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FLCW Todd Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Media John Hegg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Worship and Music Tim Heinemann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property First Lutheran Church Directory To reach a staff member directly, dial 339-1983 and the phone extension listed in parentheses. Pastoral/Administrative Staff (12) Rev. Dr. John Christopherson . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor (17) Rev. Jason Burggraff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor (21) Rev. Natanael Lizarazo . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor (19) Rev. Barbara Wangsness . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor (53) Rev. Dave Johnson* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor (11) Rev. LeeRoy Eikanger* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor (11) Rev. James Christopherson* . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor (11) Rev. LeRoy Nevin* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor (11) Rev. Paul Sanders* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor (26) Marilyn McNeill . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Church Administrator (11) Carol Knapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastors’ Secretary Children, Youth, Young Adult & Family Life Ministries (13) Marnie Dahle Backer . . .Director of Youth Ministries (34) Debbie Garcia*. . . . . . . . . . . .Administrative Assistant (45) Nancy Henrichsen . . . Director of Children’s Ministries (41) Mara Stillson . . . .Associate Director of Youth Ministries (40) Melody Roberts* . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nursery Coordinator/ Children’s Ministries Assistant (40) Irma Rodriguez Leon* . . . . . . . . . . Nursery Attendant (10) Kristen Wohlrabe* . . . . . . . . . . Recreational Ministries Coordinator Development of the FLC Foundation (17) Pastor Dave Johnson* . . . . Director of Development (53) Barb Peterson* . . . . . . . . . . . .Administrative Assistant Financial Services (18) LaVonne Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Specialist Library (43) Barbara Siebelts* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Library Coordinator Media Ministries (15) Kathy Hein* . . . . . . . . . . .Broadcast Technical Director (15) Tyler Johnson* . . . . . . . .Broadcast Technical Director (20) Heather Kuecker* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Media Assistant (15) David Palmer* . . . . . . . .Broadcast Technical Director (15) Kerrie Vilhauer* . . . . . Communications Coordinator (15) Joe Ward*. . . . . . . . . . . . .Broadcast Technical Director Outreach Ministries (36) Linda Carpenter* . . . . Visitor/Volunteer Coordinator Pastoral Care Ministries (24) Paula Bartels* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Nurse (26) Arlene Bich* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Coordinator (16) Dr. Mark Britzman* . . Christian Counselor (consultant) (26) Sarah Hagenlock* . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Coordinator (26) Sherri Schroden* . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Coordinator (22) Charlotte Peters* . . . . . . Caring Ministry Coordinator Property and Administrative Services (29) John Cerwinske . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Custodian (29) Jeff Hartnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Custodian (29) Rob Oswald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Manager (10) Connie Corey* . . . . Receptionist/Member Secretary (10) Barbara Johnson* . . . . Receptionist/Member Secretary (10) Kristy Zuraff* . . . . . . Receptionist/Member Secretary (10) Donna Doeden* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kitchen Assistant Worship and Music Ministries (35) Shirley Barlow . . . . . . . . . . . .Administrative Assistant (35) Dorothy Christopherson*. . Women’s Choir Director (14) Dr. Michael Elsbernd . . . . . . . . . . . . .Director of Music (35) Dr. Jerry Hanson* . . . . . . Director of Music Emeritus (49) Marcia Kittelson* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist/Adult Choir Accompanist (35) Gerry Kropp* . . . . . . . . FLYGHT and Jubilant Singers Accompanist (35) Bonnie Lindgren* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Choir Director (35) Sue Severson* . . . . Contemporary Music Coordinator (35) Pam Sonnichsen* . . . . . . . . Jubilant Singers Director (35) Hazel Wek* . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Choir/Women’s Choir Accompanist *Part-time Main Phone Line: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 336-3734 Direct Dial: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 339-1983 Toll-Free: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 425-9899 Fax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 336-8370 Youth Office Fax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 338-3758 Emergency Cell: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 323-7667 Custodian Cell: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 351-8281 Project Car: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 332-2777 First Lutheran Church • 327 S. Dakota Ave. • Sioux Falls, South Dakota • Phone (605) 336-3734 • Fax: (605) 336-8370 • www.flcsf.org
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The Wonder of Being Loved - First Lutheran Church of Sioux Falls

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