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..... News.....

  • 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!

19419 Royalton Road
Strongsville, Ohio 44149

Phone: (440) 238-7890


Worship Services
(Summer Worship starts June 16th)

Sunday

7:45 AM

Traditional Worship

Sunday

9:00 AM

Contemporary Worship

Sunday

11:15 AM

Traditional Worship



$tewardship

YTD As of May 25, 2013

Envelope & Loose $167,176.82
Budget Requirements $166,050.00
Ahead /
$1,126.82


2012 Church Annual Report:
Click Here


Council Highlights & Notes:
TBA


Northeastern Ohio Synod Notes:
Click Here


Contemporary Worship.



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2012 Annual Report.....

Click here to download the 2013 Annual Report


Music Director News.....

We are pleased to announce that Donald M. VerKuilen III has been hired as our Director of Music Ministries beginning May 13.

His first Sunday at the organ will be May 26. Don is finishing his first year at Oberlin College majoring in both organ performance and choral conducting. He is an amazing talent with a deep appreciation for the Lutheran tradition, and we are thankful he will be joining our ministry staff.

Donald M VerKuilen III is a native of Appleton Wisconsin and is a student at the Oberlin Conservatory of music pursuing a degree in organ performance. Don has served in many churches, the most recent being the First Congregational Church UCC, Elyria and the First Presbyterian Church in Green Bay Wisconsin. Don has performed in concerts all over the world and has won many prestigious competitions in organ performance and hymn playing. Music has always been Don's passion in life. He feels called by God to share his music with the world. He believes music can be an incredible link to God from which he can speak to us.

Don looks forward to sharing his gifts and carrying out the work of God through music at First Church.

http://www.donaldverkuilen.com/#


May 2013 Revelations.....

Dear First Church Family:

Thank you for the opportunity to be on sabbatical from June 10 – September 1. It has been seven years since my first sabbatical, and I’m very appreciative of being able to do a second. I want to let you know how I will be spending my time.

I will be studying Shame Resilience Theory, which is grounded in the research of Dr. Brene Brown, and offers a set of propositions about how shame affects men and women, and how we build shame resilience.

 

 

Some of those propositions include:

  • Shame is best defined as the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing we are flawed and therefore unworthy of acceptance and belonging.
  • Shame often creates feelings of fear, blame, and disconnection.
  • Shame is organized by gender.
  • The opposite of experiencing shame is experiencing empathy.
  • Empathy is necessary for practicing courage, compassion, and connection.

Shame tells us that our imperfections make us inadequate and our vulnerabilities are weaknesses. It sends two primary messages: “Who do you think you are?” and “You’ll never be good enough.” One goal of the practical application of SRT is to help people understand two points:

  • Our imperfections do not make us inadequate; they are what connect us to each other and to our humanity.
  • Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we’re all in this together.

My study of Dr. Brown’s work will involve three steps:

1. A thorough reading of three books authored by Dr. Brown: Daring Greatly, How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead The Gifts of Imperfection I Thought it Was Just Me (But it Isn’t), Making the Journey from “What Will People Think” to “I am Enough”

2. Working through Dr. Brown’s curriculum entitled Connections, A 12-Session Psychoeducational Shame-Resilience Curriculum.

3. Dr. Brown does not make specific theological and/or biblical connections in her work. But I think there can be many. I will be using her work to help create a theological and biblical framework for how God works to move us from shame to vulnerability to salvation.

I also want to build on our congregation’s relationship with Children Who Witness Violence, along with my experience as a “buddy” at Camp Bridges. I therefore plan to volunteer with CWWV in some capacity that is yet to be determined, but will be defined by the CWWV director, Eileen Zatta.

If time permits, I would also like to do some study in the area of evangelism. We are experiencing slowed growth in both our congregation and community, and so I would like to take a look at some possible strategies to spur membership growth (with the understanding that any strategy would involve the entire congregation). I have some reading in mind that includes the following:

1. Unbinding the Gospel, Real Life Evangelism by Martha Grace Reese

2. Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels

My sabbatical will also include time for rest, prayer, worship, and personal travel. When I return I will be sharing my experience with the congregation through forums and adult classes. Thank you once again for this opportunity to grow spiritually.

In Christ,
Pastor Chuck

 


 

 

 

 

 


Do you have a prayer request?

Please use the bulletin board over the water fountain to make your prayer concerns known, or Click Here to submit one for inclusion during our next service.



 

Volunteer at First Church!

How do I get involved?

Click on the “Share Your Spiritual Gifts Volunteer Form” link below if you know your gifts and let us know how you would like to share your gifts this coming 2013-2014 year.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/SHAREGIFTS

How do I know what my spiritual gifts are?

You can start by clicking on the “Discover Your Spiritual Gifts” link below. The survey is simply a list of questions that help identify what gifts, skills and interests you have within you.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/DISCOVERGIFTS

Questions regarding the surveys, or opportunities to share your gifts with First Church, can be directed to Connie at (440)238-7890 or send and email to firstchurchalive@hotmail.com.

 
   


Church News, Photos, etc.. Important Dates - Church Events - Stuff.....



The CWWV staff are glowing! They are so thankful for the generous food baskets & so excited to deliver them!

Email from Tammy Widdows



News

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

Weekly Revelations
(news & events)

Sunday School/Youth
Faith & Family

Current
Monthly Revelations


Last Month
Monthly Revelations


Prior Month
Monthly Revelations



Geranium order forms are available in the lobby. Help decorate the sanctuary for Pentecost. Click Here to download.


Volunteers are needed for the Gardening Committee. If you are interested, or for more information, please contact Barb Krueger (440.238.9072 or kruegbg@att.net).


Painters wanted – Property Committee is in need of experienced painters to help with our major painting project before new carpeting is installed. Contact Ron Shorts (440.725.0444) if you can help.



Our community Food Bank is running low on food. Donations may be dropped off in the shopping carts located near the doors. Items needed most: canned soup, canned tuna, canned vegetables, peanut butter, and jelly.


SCS offerings thru the end of the program year will go to Providence House, one of the oldest child care organizations in the country to house newborns to children age 10 for an extended period of time. They are voluntarily placed there when there is fear of abuse or neglect within the family. The family also receives needed help and support to change the home environment. Watch for more details on this service project.



Our Prayer & Care Group prepares and sends cards to those of us, young and old alike, who are lonely, suffering from illness or injury, or those with on-going issues. Join us the first Friday of every month at 10 AM. Questions? Contact Sue Ludwig (440.238.5164 or suziezoo24@yahoo.com).

 


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.

 


Mental Health Services/Children Who Witness Violence is in need of men’s business clothes and shoes, furniture, cleaning supplies, pots, pans, and casserole dishes. If anyone has donations, please place them in the Fellowship Hall entrance. Questions? Please call Tammy (216.548.2761).


The Street Ministry continues to collect men’s socks for the homeless. Please place your donation in the marked box by the Fellowship Hall entrance. Questions? Contact Steve Gall (440.238.3019).



Join the Red, White, and Blue Team!

A new Mission Ministry is being kicked off to help military families within our congregation and community that have a parent or loved one currently deployed overseas. We are looking for volunteers to provide meals, home handyman, and babysitting services for military families that could use a little extra help and support.

Help fulfill your patriotic duty while doing the work our Lord has called us to do!

If interested, please contact Penny Stupka (pstupka9754@wowway.com or 440.238.1667) or Reiner Mueller (reinermueller@sbcglobal.net or 440.846.0532).



The ELCA Malaria Campaign intends to contain malaria on the African continent by 2015. To help, make a donation using the special envelope in the pews. Make checks payable to First Lutheran Church, and place envelopes in the offering plate. Our goal is to raise $5,100.


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


Need to get rid of your old cell phone? Recycle the old one! Please drop off old cell phones and used ink cartridges – boxes located on the table under the youth bulletin board by the Fellowship Hall entrance. Questions? Contact Debbie Brighter (440.572.2627).


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


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 Penny Stupka (440/238-1667).


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.


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.


Both pastors offer open office hours for anyone who wants to stop by to share & concerns. 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


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.


CWWV is looking for a gas stove, beds (any size), vacuum cleaners, men’s business suits, and kid’s summer clothing (shorts, swim suits, short sleeve/tank tops). Please contact Tammy Widdows (216.548.2761) if you have a donation.


The PATH Program (serving those living under bridges and in the woods) needs canned food to hand out to people they find. Please put your donations in the shopping carts. Questions? Please contact Tammy Widdows (216.548.2761).


WOW will continue to collect women’s full-size personal hygiene items and diapers for Laura’s Home. Donations may be placed in the container on the Welcome Center.


c   c
 

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.


 

 

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.


Share Your Gifts with First Church!

We believe that the Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to each and every one of us. This is based on Biblical passages found in 1Peter:4:10, Romans 12:4-6a and 1Corinthians 12:4-7, 11. The scripture tells us that each of us has received gifts from the Holy Spirit and that we are each called to use our gifts. It also states that we are all one body in Christ and that each member is essential to that body. Our congregation needs you, because without you, we are incomplete!

Sign up for the First Church Spiritual Gifts Rewards Program. Share your gifts and reap the rewards of Joy, Fulfillment, Accomplishment, Friendship, Confidence, Satisfaction… and so much more!

How do I get involved?

Click on the “Share Your Spiritual Gifts Volunteer Form” link below if you know your gifts and let us know how you would like to share your gifts this coming 2013-2014 year.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/SHAREGIFTS

How do I know what my spiritual gifts are?

You can start by clicking on the “Discover Your Spiritual Gifts” link below. The survey is simply a list of questions that help identify what gifts, skills and interests you have within you.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/DISCOVERGIFTS

Questions regarding the surveys, or opportunities to share your gifts with First Church, can be directed to Connie at (440)238-7890 or send and email to firstchurchalive@hotmail.com.


We have open Council positions up for election in May – President, Secretary, and Member At-large. Anyone interested should contact Dawn Zima (440.886.3634).


Board members wanted! Lutheran Family Services is seeking Christian men and women who want to serve the Lord by serving on our Board of Directors. Board meetings are held on the 4th Monday of the month at the agency (4100 Franklin Blvd, Cleveland). If you would like more information, please contact the agency at 216.281.2500.


Semiannual Congregational Meeting – Sunday, May 26, 12:15 PM. Election of Council & Endowment officers, financial update, property update, open forum. 75 voting members required for quorum.


Summer Worship Schedule
Begins June 16

Worship services will be at 8:15 and 10:00 AM. The 8:15 service will always be traditional. On the first and fourth Sundays the 10:00 AM service will be TRADITIONAL. On the second and third Sundays the 10:00 AM service will be CONTEMPORARY. This is the same summer schedule as last year. We hope that everyone will use the opportunity to worship at a service they don’t normally attend and get to know more of your sisters and brothers at First Church.


Gluten-free wafers are now available at Communion on the pedestal between the pastors. Verbal instruction will be given at the beginning of distribution.



First Lutheran Legacy

As spring approaches, this time of year may also be perfect for you to consider making a planned gift to our First Lutheran Legacy program. Longer days, warmer weather and Easter aren’t the only blessings of this season. Are you receiving a year-end bonus from work? How about a tax refund? If one of these financial blessings has happened or is on the horizon, we hope you’ll consider sharing it with the Church through a planned gift.

Most people, when they prayerfully consider their annual stewardship pledge, take into account their annual income and take-home pay. But, many people do not think about giving back to God in the same way when they receive a financial windfall. We all have plenty of plans for that extra money – and so does God. Won’t you take a moment and consider making a planned gift to First Lutheran Legacy?

A planned gift is one that is well thought out by a donor in response to the many blessings God has given them. A planned gift differs from our normal stewardship giving in that it is usually of a larger amount and is either a one-time or less frequently given (e.g., annual) gift. Likewise, a planned gift is different than a restricted or endowment gift in that it is not designated for a specific purpose – it is available for the Church to use in helping to accomplish our mission. For more information, pick up a brochure in the rack above the credenza in the narthex or check out the Planned Giving section on our website, http://www.firstchurchalive.org/stewardship.htm. There is also a form there with instructions on how to inform the church of your planned gift. You can also call Wayne Mosley (440.238.6470) with any questions.


The 2013 Altar Flower & Bulletin list is on the bulletin board above the water fountain in the lobby. Sign up for your special date today!


2013 Offering Envelopes are in the lobby! Pick yours up today.


Please be good stewards of our building. If you are the last one to exit, please check ALL of the doors to make sure they are locked. Thank you!


Sunday School - Education Hour Topics:


3-yr thru 5th gr – Pentecost
6th gr – Witnessing (Paul and Barnabas)
7th gr – Smart Decisions
8th gr – Annoying Your Family


Coffee and donuts are available in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings. This is a service project of our Confirmation students and their families. The donuts are purchased at a cost of $.50 per donut. All other items are donated. Please help us cover the cost of the donuts.



 

Semiannual Congregational Meeting – Sunday, May 26, 12:15 PM. Election of Council & Endowment officers, financial update, property update, open forum. 75 voting members required for quorum.

 


Car Wash.....May 26th

Sunday school will be having a Car Wash to raise money for Providence House on Sunday, May 26, 11 AM – 2 PM. There will also be a lemonade stand and popcorn being sold. 100% of the money that we bring in will be sent to Providence House in conjunction with our Spring Service Project. We are in need of soap, lemonade, and old towels to dry off the cars. Donations can be dropped off in a box next to the Welcome Center. There will also be a sign-up list on the church office window for those kids and adults interested in helping out. Please pass around the word of our car wash to friends and other community leaders and help our students make a difference. If you cannot make the car wash, you can still make a donation to Providence House. Outside the high school classroom are birds taped to the wall. Each has the name of an item needed by Providence House. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Mike McNamara (mrmac1977@gmail.com) or Judy Peach (jrpeach2000@gmail.com).


The Synod Assembly is May 31. Both pastors, Amy Kuntz, and Bruce Holderead will represent First Church.


Summer Worship Schedule
Begins June 16

Worship services will be at 8:15 and 10:00 AM. The 8:15 service will always be traditional. On the first and fourth Sundays the 10:00 AM service will be TRADITIONAL. On the second and third Sundays the 10:00 AM service will be CONTEMPORARY. This is the same summer schedule as last year. We hope that everyone will use the opportunity to worship at a service they don’t normally attend and get to know more of your sisters and brothers at First Church.



Get ready to visit Athens this summer where we'll accompany Paul on his journey to share the truth about Jesus!

First Church Vacation Bible School will be an evening program again this summer - and we are excitedly planning a fun week for kids and adults. This year, we'll kick off VBS on Sunday, August 4 at 5 PM with a pot luck dinner. Everyone is welcome! Tell your neighbors - bring your friends - even if you can't stay for VBS - join us for dinner!

While we are in Athens we will be learning about how much God loves us. We will travel in groups, called an Oikos (Greek for “household”) — each named after one of the early churches visited by Paul. Every day each Oikos will gather for lessons to connect our Bible lesson to everyday life. An adult Oikos will include a Bible study during VBS.

VBS will run Sunday, August 4 through Thursday, August 8. This year, Monday through Thursday evening we will offer a light supper from 5:15 - 6:00 to help busy families fit in some extra time for food and fellowship. Our opening will begin at 6:15 and our evening will run through 8:30. Thursday, we'll close our week in Athens with a program for parents, kids and everyone to share what we've learned. Kids will sing and share all about their week!

Please mark your calendars so you can come learn about God's love for us - and what we should do with all His love! More details will be coming your way soon, but we wanted you to know planning is underway. If you would like to help - watch for opportunities to volunteer in the coming weeks - or contact Pastor Kathy or Laura Hardin (440.454.4789 or lauramhardin@gmail.com) for more information.


2013 Living Water Mission Trip to El Salvador The trip is scheduled for August 11-17 and will provide the practical service of digging a well for an impoverished community that desperately needs clean water and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Minimum age requirement is 14, volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The cost of the trip will be partially subsidized by the Endowment Committee. No experience is required and training will be provided. If interested or need more information, please contact Pastor Chuck or Reiner Mueller


 


Red Number indicates "New Record" in monthly or yearly hits.
Blue Number indicates "Highest All-time Month" in hits.

Mth

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Jan

NA

369

349

539

753

544

580

Feb

NA

397

394

498

767

559

794

Mar

NA

596

347

569

847

476

961

Apr

NA

372

441

506

756

563

521

May

NA

390

336

481

697

412

291

Jun

NA

329

379

475

667

497

0

Jul

NA

371

415

432

663

705

0

Aug

NA

316

486

421

646

665

0

Sep

206

338

501

446

732

511

0

Oct

390

343

454

440

567

501

0

Nov

319

343

548

642

564

441

0

Dec

398

462

553

1,014

652

715

0

Tls

1,313

4,626

5,023

6,463

8,311

6,535

3,147

Grand Total Hits
as of 5-17-2013

35,697


 

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