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.

Vacation Bible School - Aug 4-8, 2013... June Revelations .....

Click Here to download the Registration Form

Click Here for additional information about VBS

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.


Welcome to First Lutheran Church

  • 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

8:15 AM

Traditional Worship

Sunday

10:00 AM

Worship On the first and fourth Sundays the service will be TRADITIONAL. On the second and third Sundays the service will be CONTEMPORARY.



$tewardship

YTD As of June 15, 2013

Envelope & Loose $189,536.82
Budget Requirements $188,850.00
Ahead $686.82


2013 Church Annual Report:
Click Here


Council Highlights & Notes:
TBA


Northeastern Ohio Synod Notes:
Click Here


Contemporary Worship.



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In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with Long Island. But, bridge-building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the idea. Roebling, however, could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion, he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.

Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and with a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge. The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling; and left his son Washington unable to talk or walk.

Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. However, Washington was far from discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge. Suddenly, an idea hit him. All he could do was move one finger and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife. Eventually he touched his wife’s arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then, he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project was under way again.

For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their teamwork, and to their faith in a man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands, too, as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife, who for 13 long years patiently decoded the messages of her husband and told the engineers what to do.

Often, when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life they seem overwhelming and all consuming, and yet, when we stop and look at the world around us, often the reality of our hurdles is small in comparison to what many others have to face. But, no matter whether they be small or big there are always possibilities when we hold on and keep pushing forward. Amazing things can be realized when we use a sense of determination and persistence. St. Paul reminds us of that same message in the words of Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

What is it that we need to push through? Is there something that we might apply the lesson of this story to in our own lives?

Pastor Kathy


 

 

 


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).



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.


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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.


Attention all you musicians out there! We will be going into our summer service schedule shortly. We are looking for special music to enhance our summer worship. If you have a solo or want to get a group together, we would love to have you! There is a sign-up sheet outside Don’s office. Don will help you with music selection, or accompanying if you need it! We look forward to seeing First Lutheran’s musical talent this summer!


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 – Results

- Ray Treudler, Council President
- Amy Kuntz, Council Secretary
- Len Taylor, Council At-large
- Gary Walters, Endowment
- Janeen Leon, Endowment


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.


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!


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.


Pastor Chuck’s sabbatical begins June 10. He will return September 3.


Church office summer hours begin June 10. Connie will usually be in the office on Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 8 AM – 2 PM thru August 16.


Lydia Circle will meet Wednesday, June 19, 10 AM. Please join us!


Painting Party – Saturday, June 22, 9 AM. Property is looking for all experienced painters to paint the Sunday school wing classrooms in preparation for new carpeting. Stay one hour or all day to beautify our church. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Ron Shorts via text or call (440.725.0444).


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

467

Jun

NA

329

379

475

667

497

395

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

3,718

Grand Total Hits
as of 6-18-2013

36,268


 

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