FIRST FRUITS WE GIVE OUR FIRST FRUITS BECAUSE HE GAVE US HIS ONLY SON February 2016 Volume 19 No. 2 First Things First … Love God, Love your neighbor, Love yourself It feels great to honor resolutions and commitments, doesn’t it? And we have! In joining together in the 2016 Three Days of Prayer, you not only showed your love and commitment to one another, but also to the wider Body of Christ throughout the US and the world. Keep it up. In your daily devotion, Remember that WE are the Church together and that the church belongs to Jesus and not to us. Continue to pray intentionally and specifically for our congregation, First Lutheran Church, El Campo: † Ask that the Lord lead highly committed and accountable people with a heart for Him and his people to fill the upcoming council vacancies. † The continuance of our congregation depends on regularity and equitability. Giving is directly tied to attendance. Most times, when you don’t attend, you don’t give. Also when you don’t attend, you do not hear the whole of the Gospel and what it is that God is calling you to do in the Body. Let’s become a whole -hearted church, not a half-hearted one. † Equal distribution of the work required to ensure the longevity of a congregation is essential. Currently the work load is bearing down on just a few which threatens burn out and creates “church drop outs”. All who are connected to our church must respond to God’s call. And it is in doing so that you will experience the joy of giving, sharing and living in the way in which God intends. I pray that this year First Lutheran Church, El Campo will once again experience the Holy Spirit actively moving among us to help us overcome the half-heartedness, which like a fog has settled upon us. A time of forgiveness and repentance is nigh. The Season of Lent is a time set aside traditionally in the church year for reflection, repentance and renewal. Let’s commit now to move intentionally together this year through the 40 days of Lent. We then can expect to emerge this coming Easter Sunday—The Day of our Lord’s Resurrection--newly restored to the fullness of life promised for us in Him. We rise with Him as renewed active members in the Body of Christ here at First Lutheran, El Campo. Ash Wednesday begins on February 10: “Broken Hearts Restored” • Joel 2:12-14 Our hearts are broken in sorrow over sin; Christ restores our hearts through his forgiveness. Midweek Lenten Services follow every Wednesday. We begin in Fellowship together at 6:00 p.m. for a Lenten Soup Supper. The brief, but powerful service follows at 6:45 p.m. Each service in the series focuses on a certain event in the Lenten story and takes a good, hard look at a broken element from that particular story. Coming to an understanding of how each of these broken elements in these services leads to restoration in Christ is key to understanding what it ultimately means to live today as new creations in Christ. Feb. 17, Week 1: “Broken Vessel Restored” • Mark 14:1-9 A broken vessel holds costly perfume; we are broken vessels restored when Christ pays the price for us on the cross. Feb. 24, Week 2: “Broken Trust Restored” • Matthew 26:14-25 Judas breaks his trust with Jesus by betraying him; our broken trust is restored through the sacrifice of Christ. Mar. 2, 2016, Week 3: “Broken Bread Restored” • John 6:48-58 Bread is broken at the Last Supper; we are restored through the Bread of Life, Jesus. Mar. 9, 2016 Week 4: “Broken Promises Restored” • Matthew 26:69-75 Peter’s broken promises to never deny Jesus are restored by the surpassing love of Christ. Mar. 16, 2016 Week 5: “Broken Justice Restored” • 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 A broken justice system put Jesus on the cross; we are restored when by his death we are declared not guilty. Come, and be restored. Yours in Christ, Pastor Donna
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FIRST FRUITS WE GIVE OUR FIRST FRUITS BECAUSE HE GAVE US HIS ONLY SON
February 2016 Volume 19 No. 2
First Things First …
Love God, Love your neighbor, Love yourself It feels great to honor resolutions and commitments, doesn’t it? And we have!
In joining together in the 2016 Three Days of Prayer, you not only showed your love and commitment to one another, but also to the
wider Body of Christ throughout the US and the world.
Keep it up. In your daily devotion, Remember that WE are the Church together and that the church belongs to Jesus and not to us.
Continue to pray intentionally and specifically for our congregation, First Lutheran Church, El Campo:
† Ask that the Lord lead highly committed and accountable people with a heart for Him and his people to fill the upcoming
council vacancies.
† The continuance of our congregation depends on regularity and equitability. Giving is directly tied to attendance. Most
times, when you don’t attend, you don’t give. Also when you don’t attend, you do not hear the whole of the Gospel and
what it is that God is calling you to do in the Body. Let’s become a whole-hearted church, not a half-hearted one.
† Equal distribution of the work required to ensure the longevity of a congregation is essential. Currently the work load is
bearing down on just a few which threatens burn out and creates “church drop outs”. All who are connected to our church
must respond to God’s call. And it is in doing so that you will experience the joy of giving, sharing and living in the way in
which God intends.
I pray that this year First Lutheran Church, El Campo will once again experience the Holy Spirit actively moving among us to help
us overcome the half-heartedness, which like a fog has settled upon us.
A time of forgiveness and repentance is nigh. The Season of Lent is a time set aside traditionally in the church year for reflection,
repentance and renewal. Let’s commit now to move intentionally together this year through the 40 days of Lent. We then can expect
to emerge this coming Easter Sunday—The Day of our Lord’s Resurrection--newly restored to the fullness of life promised for us in
Him. We rise with Him as renewed active members in the Body of Christ here at First Lutheran, El Campo.
Ash Wednesday begins on February 10: “Broken Hearts Restored” • Joel 2:12-14 Our hearts are broken in sorrow over sin; Christ restores our hearts through his forgiveness. Midweek Lenten Services follow every Wednesday. We begin in Fellowship together at 6:00 p.m. for a Lenten Soup Supper. The brief, but powerful service follows at 6:45 p.m. Each service in the series focuses on a certain event in the Lenten story and takes a good, hard look at a broken element from that particular story. Coming to an understanding of how each of these broken elements in these services leads to restoration in Christ is key to understanding what it ultimately means to live today as new creations in Christ. Feb. 17, Week 1: “Broken Vessel Restored” • Mark 14:1-9 A broken vessel holds costly perfume; we are broken vessels restored when Christ pays the price for us on the cross. Feb. 24, Week 2: “Broken Trust Restored” • Matthew 26:14-25 Judas breaks his trust with Jesus by betraying him; our broken trust is restored through the sacrifice of Christ. Mar. 2, 2016, Week 3: “Broken Bread Restored” • John 6:48-58 Bread is broken at the Last Supper; we are restored through the Bread of Life, Jesus. Mar. 9, 2016 Week 4: “Broken Promises Restored” • Matthew 26:69-75 Peter’s broken promises to never deny Jesus are restored by the surpassing love of Christ. Mar. 16, 2016 Week 5: “Broken Justice Restored” • 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 A broken justice system put Jesus on the cross; we are restored when by his death we are declared not guilty.
Come, and be restored. Yours in Christ,
Pastor Donna
First School
And Day Care ews
First School is having a blast this month! During January we have been learning about the animals that live in the Polar Regions. We have had some winter fun with magical snow and making winter art! In our Preschool and Pre-K Bible lesson the children memorized and learned about the scripture in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - “Pray without ceasing.” We have been taking the children’s prayer request and teaching them how to talk to God. Our goal this new year is to keep prayer a top priority!
Many Blessings,
Bree Joines
First School Director
02/07 Psalm 99; Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-36[37-43a]
02/14 Psalm 91;1-2,9-16; Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13
02/21 Psalm 36:5-10; Genesis 15:1-12,17-18, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35
02/28 Psalm 63:1-8; Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9
Please Help! We are trying to collect clean, empty, butter tubs of all sizes for use by the children of the church and First School. We are also looking for Easter egg baskets, Easter grass, plastic eggs and individually wrapped candy.
March into Spring Sale! @ FLCEC
Crafts, gently used garage sale items
Saturday, March 5th
Broccoli Cheese Soup & Chicken Salad Sandwich Lunch
Reserve you space now! -- One table for $20.00 Two tables for $40.00 For more information please call Sharon Nielsen.
WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US
OR
Office hours: Tues & Thurs: 8:00am - 4:30pm Wed: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Phone: 979-543-5847 Email: [email protected]
02/18 Kyle House
02/20 Ellis Lundy
02/21 Ty Schoenfield
02/23 Tammy Campbell
02/27 Nora Borak
02/15 Cori Bram
02/22 Daniela Rodriguez
02/22 Ivan Rodriguez
02/23 Ty Schoenfield
02/25 Tammy Campbell
02/14 Lionel & Shirley Chatel
02/18 Warren & Helen Johnson
COUNCIL MEETING Thursday, February 11
th
6:00 p.m.
Pray for our loved ones
In the Military
Jake Barosh Sarah Langston Michael Monreal
Pastor Donna Zipp:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 979-332-2938
Our FLC Family
Dorothy Atchetee
Charles & Vernell Bard
Lorene Bard
Judy Bezdek
Calvin Borak
Henrietta Bram
Lynda Christenberry
Elenora Hadash
Thomas Hernandez
Nora Hollingsworth
Robert Hollingsworth
Jimmy Joines
Bonnnie Jones
Harry & Marilyn Kight
Justin Lormand
Grace Moulden
John Nelson
Sharon Nielsen
Forrest & Norma Newton
Odis & Lorraine Newton
Elsie Overstreet
Nelda Wagner
All caregivers of FLC
First School – Teachers,
Families and Children
Friends of FLC
Eddie Graeter
George Jalowy
Vanessa
Lawrence & Marcy Berglund
Valrie Gann
Grace Lowery
Norma Englund Joslin
Vernon Winfield
Avery Roan
Shanelle Henson
Persecuted Christians
Anthony Preite
Meredith Borak
Ray & Penny Janak
A.W. Tvrdik
Rose Merta
Danevang Lutheran Church
Riley Sless
Sgt. Aaron Felty
Jackson Barnes
Doug Whitehead
Noah
Doris Berglund
Melissa Miller
St. Peter Lutheran
Hallettsville
Donna Crawford
Clyde Morton
Connie Martin
Michael Grissom
Jackie
Melanie Vick
Lori Young
.
LCMC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ~ April 10-12, 2016 Altoona, IA
Click the link above for registration info, see the brochure in the vestibule outside Pastor Donna’s office, or let Pastor know if you are interested in attending.
WOMEN OF THE WORD
MEETING
Monday, February 8th
6:00 p.m.
WOW Food Drive
Sunday, February 7th
Prayer Time
Wednesdays
5:30 PM (Before Bible Study)
During Lent, Prayer Time
will be included in the mid-
week worship service.
Lord we are dust and ashes. We humbly come before You in
repentance. We have sinned against You and deserve nothing
but punishment. Lift up our hearts, that we may rejoice in Him
who was sacrificed for us and for our salvation on the cross.
Give us hope in Him who returned from the dust on Easter
morning, that we may live eternally; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen. --- Portals of Prayer (January-March, 2016) p.100
CONFIRMATION (Affirmation of Faith for Youth)
Dear Parents of Youth Grades 6-12,
Baptism is the beginning of your life in Christ. It does not stop there. A continued hands-on intentional course of study which allows youth Grades 6-12 to explore their faith and ask questions they wonder about the Bible, theology, Jesus, church history and other hot topics is necessary to grow in their faith. Failure to do so results in becoming an illiterate Christian and early church drop-out.
If you have, or know of, a youth in grades 6 through 12 who wishes to affirm their faith and become an adult member of the congregation through public affirmation of Baptism (the rite of Confirmation). Please notify me. I am currently registering youth for the upcoming Confirmation Retreat Training. This is a Two-Year Course of Study. Sessions are held in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Your youth must attend all 3, regularly participate in worship, and serve in First Lutheran Youth Service Projects in order to be confirmed.
Contact Pastor Donna at 979-332-2938
2016 Annual Scandinavian
Pancake Supper
Sunday, February 28th
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free Will Offering
Pastor Elroy Haverlah will preach during morning worship. He is a retired
pastor and the author of The Swedish
Lutheran Churches of Texas. He will be
available for book signing at the Pancake
Supper.
SUNDAYS IN LENT
Feb. 14, 2016 – First Sunday in Len Feb. 21, 2016 – Second Sunday in Lent Feb. 28, 2016 - Third Sunday in Lent- Swedish Pancake Supper-Elroy Haverlah will be present to preach and sign his recently published book: History of Swedish Lutheran Churches in Texas. He will have copies on hand for purchase, or they can be ordered from amazon.com. March 6, 2016 Fourth Sunday in Lent March 13, 2016 Fifth Sunday in Lent March 20, 2016 Palm Sunday- Sunday of the Passion March 24, 2016 Maundy Thursday March 25, 2016 Good Friday March 27, 2016 Easter- The Resurrection of Our Lord
+ + + + + + + +
Lenten Theme – Restored in Christ Wednesday – February 17, 24,
March 2, 9, 16 Soup Supper – 6:00 p.m.
Mid-week Lenten Services - 6:45 p.m. Prayer Time will be part of worship
Good News! VBS—Summer Camp!
First Lutheran will collaborate with other community churches this summer in hosting the Lutherhill
Summer Day Camp for youth throughout the community. Transportation, if needed will be available
for our kids to the host church. This year we have been invited to participate jointly with the other
churches (First Pres., First UMC, Christ Lutheran) in El Campo. I am not clear as of yet if it is the week
beginning June 6, or beginning June 18. Hours 9:00-3:00. It will be open to the children of the
community. The children enrolled in preschools of the participating churches will participate, and are
transported daily to whichever church is hosting it (TBA). So, we can include our First School Pre-K's and
Schoolers in the mix. Sounds like there may be a modest fee per child. But it is early and we can certainly
hold a fundraiser if need be.
I have participated in this program before. It's great. Each church will be responsible for 1 day that week
to be in charge of preparing lunch and snacks for the entire camp (we did this in Seguin and we had over
100 kids…EC has had 60). We will need FLC volunteers on our assigned day to stay on site and assist.
The beauty of this VBS/Summer Camp program is that it is planned and run by college-age kids from
Lutherhill, LaGrange, TX. So we get to hangout with the kids and assist the Team as needed...not run the
show!: Day Camp | Lutherhill Ministries - La Grange, TX
February 14, 2016
Valentine’s Day Breakfast
The youth will have a Valentine's Day Breakfast on Sunday morning, February 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Make plans to join us before Sunday School and Church for food and fellowship and help us raise funds to attend Camp Eagle this summer at the same time!
February 16, 2016 – ARC of Texas Meeting – 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall
February 21, 2016
ARC of Texas will host a community showing of the movie, “Where Hope Grows” on Sunday
afternoon, February 21st, at 2:00 p.m. This will be in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Manna Meals 5-6:30 PM
2
3
Prayer Time
5:30PM
Bible Study 6PM
4
Manna Meals 5-6:30PM
5 6 Call Committee & Certification
Interviewer Training @ Danevang
7 Sunday School
9:30 AM Worship Service
10:45 AM w/Communion
WOW Food Drive
8 WOW
Meeting 6PM
Manna Meals 5-6:30 PM
9 10
Ash Wednesday
Service
6:45PM
11 Church Council
Meeting 6:00PM
Manna Meals 5-6:30PM
12
13
14 Sunday School
9:30 AM Worship Service 10:45 AM
Valentine’s Day Breakfast – 8:30AM
15
Manna Meals 5-6:30PM
16 Newsletter Items Due
ARC of Texas Meeting
5:30 PM FH
17
Soup Supper
6:00PM
Lenten Service
6:45PM
18
Manna Meals 5-6:30PM
(FLCEC serves)
19
20
21 Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship Service 10:45 AM
w/Communion ARC of Texas Movie – 2PM
22
Manna Meals 5-6:30PM
23
24
Soup Supper
6:00PM
Lenten Service
6:45PM
25
Manna Meals 5-6:30 PM
26
27
28 Sunday School
9:30 AM Worship Service
10:45 AM Pancake Supper
5-7PM
29
February Responsibilities
ASSISTING MINISTER: Ted Schoenfield
SEXTON: David Kight
USHERS: Ed Campbell, Kirk Marek
ALTAR GUILD: Gloria Campbell,
ACOLYTES READER
7th
Ty Schoenfield 14
th Nelda Wagner
21st
Ted Schoenfield 28
th Cathy Schoenfield
If you are unable to serve on your date, please find someone to take your place.
FEBRUARY FLOWER
CALENDAR
February 2016
7th
Ted & Cathy Schoenfield
14th
Open
21st
Calvin & Nora Borak
28th
Open
First Lutheran Church
304 Oscar
El Campo, TX 77437
979-543-5847
Email: [email protected]
ESTABLISHED FEB 1893
Worshipping Christ and Sharing the Word for over a century.
Donna Zipp, Pastor Helen Marie Kight, Organist
Christine Richter, Office Manager Bree Joines, Director of First School
Join us on FACEBOOK or check us out at
www.FIRSTLUTHERANEC.COM
CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS: Calvin Borak, Billie Jean Bram, Nerissa House, Doug Mathews,
Sheila Miller & Ted Schoenfield.
Our Newsletter
can be found on
our website at www.firstlutheranec.com
Join us on Sunday mornings!
Sunday School – 9:30 a.m
Worship Service – 10:45 a.m.
Annual Swedish Pancake Supper
Sunday, February 28, 2016
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Questions?
Register to attend the upcoming Adult Inquirer’s
Class
Overview of Christian doctrine and the
teachings of the Lutheran Church
Can lead to membership at First Lutheran
church through public affirmation of faith
No obligation to join after class is completed
Duration: 6 consecutive weeks, once a week
for 1-1.5 hours long
Contact Pastor Donna at 979-332-2938 if you
are interested in the class
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