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.

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!

Worship Service Recordings
for Shut-ins

First Church has a 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.

We now have a special page on this Web site devoted to the prior sermons from each week of service.

Please click here to view the sermons you can download.

New Member Classes have begun and are being held every Sunday at 9:45 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The class is open to anyone interested in joining our congregation and those who would like to explore a bit more. Classes are led by the pastors and Debbie Brighter, with many opportunities to learn about the mission ministry of First Church. To register, please call the church office or send us an email.

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.

Additional Worship Forums..... the last one will be held Sunday, August 1 at 9:15 AM.

Discussion will revolve around the following model:
NO SATURDAY SERVICE
Sunday, Traditional Service 7:45 – 8:25 AM
Sunday, Contemporary Service 9 – 9:45 AM
Sunday, Education Hour 10 – 11 AM
Sunday, Tradiitonal Service 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
(Contemporary elements included occasionally)

Once again First Lutheran will be assisting Christ the Redeemer host IHN families at their church in Brecksville from July 25 thru 31. If you can volunteer a little of your time to help cook and serve dinner, enjoy spending time with the families in the evening, or even sleep overnight, please give us a call. Dennis Beckman (440.238.0176) or Pat Sauernheimer (440.891.1505).

Priscilla Circle will meet Tuesday, August 3, 7 PM at the home of Barb Semisorow (18239 Glencreek Lane) for Game Night. All are welcome! Questions? Call Lynne Bures (440.846.8684) or Linda Walker (330.225.9340).

Annual Report - 2010

Click on the following file to reviewing the information concerning our Annual Report for 2010.

Annaul Report 2010

Readers and Communion Assistants are needed for the 5 PM service. Contact Barb Krueger (440.238.9072) if interested.

Ushers needed for the 11:15 AM services. Please contact Al or Dawn Evangelista (440.572.5327 or devangelista@wowway.com) if interested.

First Lutheran Busy Bags contain quiet items, crayons, and books for children to use during the service. They can be found under the table at the back of the church. Just ask an usher if you
would like one of these bags for
your little one.

Share your musical talent with the congregation in worship this summer. Pick a date and sign up on the sheet outside the Music Director’s office to offer some special music during one of our summer services. Vocal solos, instrumental solos, duets, trios –we welcome whatever talent God has given you.

Altar Guild needs one pound coffee cans. You may leave them in the church office.

Donations can be made to purchase Bibles for the Homeless. Place your contribution in the container on the Welcome Center.

Youth Events:

(K-5 grade) – TBA

(6-8 grade) - TBA

(9-12 grade) - Sunday, August 1, 1:30 PM. We are going to Hinckley Lake for some outdoor fun, burgers & dogs! Cost is $15 and 1 side dish or dessert to share. Sign up on the Youth Board or contact PK or Mrs Peach (330.273.1773) by July 29. “Hang Out” time. “Drop in Night” – Mark your calendars for the last Wednesday of every month where the high school students are welcome to come and hang out. During this time we will be exploring what it means to be daily living our faith. We will be doing Bible study, watching movies, having discussions, and generally just being together in the body of Christ. Next event: 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).

Cleaning for a Reason - If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning – 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. http://www.cleaningforareason.org.

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

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.

Prayer & Care – our group will be meeting on the first Thursday of the month. We address and send out cards, share concerns, and pray for members and friends at First Lutheran. Please join us at 1 PM. We usually meet about 1 hour. Questions? Call Sue Kalwasinski (440/238-5164).

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 Susan Elioff .

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!!