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.
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.
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.
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
Please
click on a link below to view the current
newsletters published by First Lutheran Church.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Pastor
Kathy
Do
you have a prayer request? 
Volunteer
at First Church! 
Volunteers
are needed for the Gardening Committee.
If you are interested, or for more information,
please contact Barb Krueger (440.238.9072 or 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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.
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. 
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.
Gluten-free
wafers are now available at Communion on
the pedestal between the pastors. Verbal instruction
will be given at the beginning of distribution.
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.
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). 
