First Lutheran Church of Strongsville
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Mission Statement: To live in the powerful example of Jesus, and to discover new pathways for spiritual growth.

Welcome to First Lutheran Church..... June 2009 - Revelations.....

DESIRE!
Come and explore your deepest spiritual desires with us!

Discover God's desire for you!

We invite you to discover our dynamic Christian Community dedicated to sharing the awesome love of God that is revealed in Jesus Christ.

Whether you are just beginning your spiritual journey or have traveled the Christian road for some time....

You are welcome here!

Location - 19419 Royalton Road, Strongsville, Ohio 44149

Phone: (440) 238-7890

Interested in Joining First Church?
Call 440-238-7890, or see Pastor Chuck or Pastor Kathy.

SUMMER - Worship Services
June 13/14 to Sept 12/13

Saturday

5:00 PM

Contemporary Worship with a Band
(communion every week)

Sunday

8:15 AM

Traditional Worship
(communion 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday)

Sunday

10:00 AM

Traditional Worship
(communion the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays)
WINTER - Worship Services
beginning Sept 19/20

Saturday

5:00 PM

Contemporary Worship with a Band
(communion every week)

Sunday

8:15 AM

Traditional Worship
(communion 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday)

Sunday

9:45 AM

Contemporary Worship with a Band
(communion 1st and 3rd Sunday)

Sunday

11:15 AM

Traditional Worship
(communion the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays)


 

$tewardship (Help!!!)

Weekly Offerings Received $3,657.00
Weekly Budget Requirement $8,708.00
YTD Offerings Received $219,664.78
YTD Budget Requirements $248,531.00
Over/(Under) Budget ($28,866.22)

 
   

If you’ve been following the local news you are aware that the Catholic Diocese of Greater Cleveland is closing many of the city’s parishes, mostly due to financial constraints and the dwindling numbers of worshipers.

Some of those parishes have petitioned the diocese to remain open. The vast majority of those petitions have been denied, but a small number have been granted. One of the fortunate is St. Ignatius of Antioch, a century-old church at Lorain Avenue and West Boulevard. If you know the Cleveland area, you are familiar with the parish’s soaring bell tower which is one of the city’s more noble landmarks. Incredibly, the congregation raised over $1 million from about 400 supporters in less than a month. Such was their commitment to the congregation’s ministry in one of the poorer segments of the city.

 

What also struck me was the deep connection the people of St. Ignatius have for their congregation. It’s “home.” For multiple generations baptisms, confirmations, first communions, weddings, and funerals have all taken place there. The parish is part of the fabric of daily life. Going on without it would have been unconscionable.

This story caused me to reflect on life at First Church. As we struggle with dwindling worship attendance and a bad economy that has caused offering levels to tumble, I wonder how we would respond if faced with the prospect of closing our doors for good. Fortunately, that’s not a very real possibility, but it does beg the question: How much do we love our church?

First Church is a place where amazing things happen. Like St. Ignatius (and countless other congregations regardless of denomination), here the Word is faithfully preached, the sacraments are rightly administered, the sick and dying hear words of hope, people genuinely care about each other, our children are nurtured in the Christian faith, together we strive for peace and justice. We are a family, a community of sinners who by God’s grace become saints, called to be the body of Christ in the world.

As we enter the summer months where, traditionally, churches are a bit emptier and offering plates a bit lighter, I urge you to give serious consideration to the question I raised above. Being a member of a church involves commitment and responsibility. Not just from a few, but from everyone. Let’s fill our sanctuary with faithful worshipers. Let’s be generous in our giving. And, let’s get involved the next time we are asked to volunteer.

 

First Church is a special place. It’s up to us to make sure the ministry to which God has called us remains vital and relevant as we move into the future.

In Christ,
Pastor Chuck

 

 

 

 


Church News..... Church Events and Important Dates.....
News

Please click on a link below to view the current newsletters published by First Lutheran Church:

Weekly Revelations
(news & events)

Current
Monthly Revelations

Last Month
Monthly Revelations

Prior Month
Monthly Revelations


 

Volunteer at First Church!

Update your Gifts Inventory or commit to a volunteer opportunity. Forms are available on line or at the Welcome Center at church or, you can fill out the on-line version and send it in.

Don’t know what your spiritual gifts are? Fill out a Gift Inventory (short form) or contact Debbie Brighter (440/238-7890) for a more in-depth survey. You can E-Mail your form(s) to Debbie Brighter as well......Make a difference in 2009!

  
   

c   c
 

Worship Service Recordings
for Shut-ins

First Church has initiated a new program to provide CD recordings, currently of the lesson readings, Gospel reading, and sermon, for members who are unable to attend regular services.

The shut-in will be provided with a CD player, on loan from the church, with which to listen to the service recording mailed or delivered to them each week. Plans are to expand the recording capability to the entire service in the future.

If you know of any or our members, or nonmembers, who may be interested in participating in this program, please contact the church office or click here.

 

 
U2charist in Columbus
(2008 & 2009)
  
 

 

Click Here to see some photos from the
U2charist in Columbus in 2008.

Pictures of the February 8, 2009 U2charist
are still in the making, stay tuned!!

  


The following are church events and fellowship opportunities at First Church. A complete listing of all of the Church Events can be downloaded by clicking on the "Weekly Revelations" located in the box to the left.

Summer office hours are now in effect. Connie will typically be in the office Monday, Thursday & Friday, 8 AM – 2 PM.

Congratulations to Pastor Kathy on the 20th anniversary of her ordination into the ministry of word and sacrament!

Summer music – there are still plenty of open dates for special music offerings during summer worship services. Stop by the Music Office and sign up, or talk to Ron Abbott, our Music Director. Show your thankfulness to God by offering your musical talent to the praise of God.

 

 

Men’s Bible Study will meet Thursday, July 2, 7 PM. Please join us.

 

 

Youth AND ADULTS needed for VBS. Looking for something great to do this summer? Come and help with Vacation Bible School July 13-17. It’s a great way to spend your mornings – playing games, crafts, SNACKS, and, of course, Christian fellowship. Talk to Pastor Kathy.

Volunteer at Concord Reserve – Do you have a hobby you’d like to share with others? We are looking for men and women to share their time and talents with seniors in our new assisted living community. Please call 440/871-0090 ext 2152 or 2215 for more information. Lutheran Home at Concord Reserve is located at 2116 Dover Center Road in Westlake.



Click Here to download an application form
to register your child.


Vacation Bible School - July 13-17, 2009.
Children ages 3 years old thru 5th grade are invited to attend the school.




All youth and families – our Annual Cedar Point Trip is postponed till August. Watch for details.

 

 

Men’s Retreat planned with the men of New Covenant Lutheran Church of East Cleveland at Camp Mowana on Friday evening, October 16 through Saturday afternoon, October 17.

Cost is $62 and includes lodging, a snack, and two meals.

A nonrefundable deposit of $30 is required no later than May 24.

If you are interested, please contact Bruce Holderead at vancepack@wowway.com or call for additional details at 440/582-3197.

 

Youth Events: 
(K-5 grade) – TBA
(6-8 grade) - TBA

(9-12 grade) - TBA
Youth are selling bracelets for $10 each. They would be great gifts for upcoming graduations, birthdays, etc. See a youth in the lobby.

FUEL, our High School youth, are selling Giant Eagle Gift Cards. Your purchase will help fund their trip to the next National Youth Gathering. You will still receive credit for the Giant Eagle Fuel Perks Program. Cards can be purchased at the youth table in the lobby.

General Information & Stuff

Do you have a prayer request? Please use the bulletin board over the water fountain to make your prayer concerns known.

Stop by the Welcome Center, in the lobby, for additional information on our activities and ministries.

Celebrations, parties, or just everyday living ... if you shop at GFS - don’t forget to mention First Lutheran when checking out and help First earn credit to supply future church functions.

We go every Tuesday evening to feed the homeless. If you are interested in helping, please contact Steve or Peg Gall (440/238-3019).

Donate your altar flowers to local nursing homes or our own church shut-ins. If anyone is interested in assisting with delivering these flowers, please contact Dave Potter (440/572-2675) or Reiner Mueller (440/846-0532).

We need choir members! Come and experience the joy of proclaiming God’s word in song. We’ll be looking for you. All of our choirs welcome new members.
Chancel Choir (9th – adult) – Wednesdays, 7:30 PM
Cherub Choir (K-2nd gr) – Wednesdays, 6:30 PM
Chapel Choir (3-8th gr) – Wednesdays, 6:30 PM
Bell Choir – Sundays, 7 PM
Brass Choir - Sundays, 8 PM

Attention Ladies: Are you ready to step into a great Bible study this fall? Why not consider joining Priscilla Circle? We will be meeting the first Tuesday evening of the month at 7 PM. This year, Pastor Kathy will be guiding us through a study of Revelations. All are welcome! Contact Lynne Bures (440/846-8684) or Pastor Kathy (440/238-7890) for more information.

MHS’ new supported employment program is asking for donations of men’s dress clothes in good condition. Dress shirts, sweaters, slacks, dress shoes, belts, ties, blazers, and suits are needed by clients going on job interviews. Larger sizes are especially needed, but all sizes are appreciated. Please place any donations in the bin in the Fellowship Hall entrance or hang the clothing in the closet area by the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your support.

Strongsville Emergency Food Bank - The Food Bank is open to Strongsville residents year-round: Monday thru Friday, 9:30 – 11:30 AM and including the 2nd Saturday of every month. Call 440/846-0197 for more information. Nonperishable food items can be placed in the shopping carts by the side and Fellowship Hall entrances. This is taken to the Strongsville Food Bank.

The Prayer & Care Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1 PM.

Stop by the Welcome Center, in the lobby, for additional information on our activities and ministries. The 2009 Altar Flower & Bulletin chart is up in the lobby. Sign up today!

Both pastors offer open office hours for anyone who wants to stop by to shareconcerns. It is helpful to call in advance for an appointment. Drop-in visitors are received on a first come, first served basis.
Pastor Chuck’s hours are 10 - noon on Tuesday.
Pastor Kathy’s hours are 10 – noon on Wednesday

CWWV/MHS are in need of furniture donations. If you have items to donate, please contact Tammy Widdows (216/548-2761).

CWWV has several families in need of bedding for twin and full size beds including pillows, sheets, blankets, and bedspreads. Please place any donations in the bin in the entrance to the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your support.

Celebrations, parties, or just everyday living ... if you shop at GFS - don’t forget to mention First Lutheran when checking out and help First earn credit to supply future church functions.

Click Here for Channel 5 news footage from the first U2charist at First Lutheran Church!!


Web Site Stats

Month

2007

2008
2009
2010
Jan

na

369

349

Feb

na

397

394

Mar

na

596

347

Apr

na

372

441

May

na

390

336

Jun

na

329

145

Jul

na

371

Aug

na

316

Sep

206

338

Oct

390

343

Nov

319

343

Dec

398

462

Totals

1,313

4,626

2,012

Grand Total

7,951

7,806 Hits as of June 1, 2009
7,885 Hits as of June 6, 2009
7,951 Hits as of June 12, 2009

You are our visitor, thank you!
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