First Things First 5-8!9!10

FIRST THINGS FIRST The Weekly News of First Lutheran Church and School

1644 Nursery Road, Clearwater, FL 33756

Phone 727-462-8000 For the church, press 1 For the school, press 2

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Internet address: www.flcclearwater.org

May 8-9, 2010

Mother’s Day – May 9, 2010

From God’s Matchless Word…

5Blessed are the peacemakers:

for they shall be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9

When we have peace with God and the peace of God, we will become peacemakers. We will not only be at peace with our neighbors, but we will be leading them to

discover the source of true peace in Christ.

Sunday School & Bible Classes SUNDAYS

* Sunday School and Bible Study classes will be cancelled on Mother’s Day morning.

9:15 a.m. Fellowship Hall The Book of Genesis Weekly Pastor Zimmermann Gathering Place Young Single Adults

Married Couples & Single Parent Adults Kathy Piering

Chapel in church Life Light Dan Snook

Loft-Youth Room in CLC High School Students 9-10-11-12 gr.

Rick Howard

Church Library Middle School 6-7-8 gr.

Ralph Otte

Church Nursery 0-2 yr. olds Erica Hinz

Room 10 in the Fellowship Hall 3-4-5 yr. olds & K-1-2 gr. / 3-4-5 gr. Jane Otte & Vicki Miller

7:00 p.m. Off-site Women’s Bible Study 1st and 3rd Sundays June Schultz

TUESDAYS 7:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall

Men’s Prayer Breakfast April 27th: “Nutrition and You”

Followed by the Worker Bees (work around the campus)

WEDNESDAYS 9:45 a.m. Fellowship Hall The Book of Zechariah – Adult Bible Study Weekly Rev. Arnie Piering

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 119:89 NIV

The Bible has survived every scratch of human pen. It has survived the assault of skeptics, agnostics, and atheists. It has never been proved wrong by a single archaeological discovery. It remains supreme in its revelation of redemption. God still speaks to us today through that same Word, which stands forever.

Prayers of the People For The People

Sick, Hospitalized or Recovering: -Jean Schultz -Linnea Starr -Doris & Lester Cecil

-George Bock -Dan Murray -Ryan Fox, cousin of Sandy Brown -Mary Lou & Carl Holdefer -Richard Hayes, son of Richard & Carole Hayes -Russell Philippy -Tamara Norton, family of Marge Carver -Rita Sivals, friend of the Hedricks -Troy McKenna, friend of Peggie McClave -Dee Nizen, aunt of Lynn Hedrick -Sarah Marsh Kertberg, niece of Lee Marsh -Henry Hammel, Joni Hammel’s brother -Janice Christensen, Maryland, sister of Fred Robbins -Melanie Salvaggio, Marge Carver’s niece

Birthdays: -Gini Deering, 85 on 5-9 -10 -Lee Harrer, 80 on 5-12-10 -Ashley Brown, 10 on 5-14-10 -Davey Bozosi, 9 on 5-14-10

Anniversary: -George & Joy Hanselman, 20th wedding anniversary on 5-11-10

Graduates: -Siobhan Sargent, daughter of “Sarge” and Adele Sargent, from Vanderbuilt

(Birthdays & anniversaries, etc. will be put in FTF only when they have been requested by the individual, family, or friend. Thank you.)

For The Church, Our Community, Our Nation and the World “…pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Thank the Lord for all his provision and blessings; pray for the forgiveness of our sins and shortcomings. Pray for our nation to be protected from the infiltration of terrorist cells and their attacks on our people.

Praise be given to God for the protection He gave to the NYC Times Square area. Pray for wisdom for those dealing with the ongoing oil spill and tremendous slick in the Gulf due to an

explosion on an oil rig as it is now damaging 100’s of miles of our coastlines and rapidly killing wildlife, fish and coastline plants. Pray for all those that are and will be impacted by this against their livelihood. Pray for the continuing research for alternate forms of energy and fuel.

Pray for all those endangered by the flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky and surrounding areas. Remember in prayer the families of the 29 who have lost their lives.

Pray for our nation’s continually threatened economy and for guidance and direction from the Lord; and, especially, for our nation “to humble themselves before the Lord”. (II Chronicles 7:14) Pray for Greece (and Europe) as their country experiences financial collapse and the impact it has upon the world.

Pray for positive results from our small group meetings and, as we go before the Lord corporately for guidance and blessing. Trust Him and thank Him for His faithfulness.

Pray for our children to come to know the Lord, to remain steadfast in their faith, & to praise Him daily during all times in their future. May we all take a stand for the Lord, especially during persecution.

Always remember to pray for the persecuted church worldwide. Pray for the safe rescue and protection of exploited children everywhere. Always pray for our military at all times and in all places.

Serving in the Military: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Deployed: -Tabor Cleberg, E3, Air Force, Kadena, Okinawa, Japan

-Christopher Gleaton, Captain, US Army, Iraq, godson of Mary Ann and Charles Domzalski -Janna Less, Air Force, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Keith Less, Baghdad. New address: SrA Janna Less, 732 ESFS/Det 3, APO AE 09378

-Sgt. Jonathan Norton, great-nephew of Marge Carver; deployed for his second tour in Iraq Stateside:

-Max Garrett, Army, son of Candy Garrett, Ft. Polk, Louisiana, under medical care following numerous surgeries for injuries received overseas

-ET1SW Chris LaGrange, Navy, an FLS Dad

-S/Sgt. Jimmy Lovett, National Guard,420 Special Forces Group, Birmingham, AL, husband of Erna Kollmeyer’s granddaughter, Jessica

-Maj. Kurt Mueller, Army, now in the U.S. at Command & General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS; grandson of Don & Joan Mueller

-Pvt. James Smith, Camp Pendleton, CA, the Holdefer’s granddaughter’s husband

-Danielle Taylor, PV2 Army, stationed at Ft. Jackson, S.C., granddaughter of Cindy Taylor & niece of Matt and Rebecca Fordham

-GySgt. Steven Murray, USMC, presently stationed at the Pentagon, son of Marge & Ken Murray

-MMFN Justin R. Holcomb, Navy, grandson of Carol Blue, is now serving stateside

-SPC Nathan Davis, Army, cousin of Ronda Farris

Flowers: ° Three yellow roses are placed on the altar by Tom and Wendy Eschler celebrating Davey Bozosi’s 9th birthday and in thankfulness for the joy and many blessings received. ° Two pink rosebuds are placed on the altar by George & Joy Hanselman in celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary. ° A floral arrangement is placed on the altar by Ed & Gini Deering in celebration of Gini’s 85th birthday.

There are a large number of vacant dates available for flower arrangements. Sign-up sheets for future floral donations are available in a binder in the Narthex. Thank you.

Newspaper Ad: The newspaper expense this weekend is donated by Lisa, Craig, Brandon, & Delaney Vaughan in honor of dad/granddad, Lee Harrer’s 80th birthday and Mother’s Day.

Please call the office by 10:00 a.m. Wednesday to give your floral or newspaper dedication message.

The next Adult Information Class is on Tuesday, May 11th!

This class is especially for all non-members interested in learning about our church, our theology, and our mission here at First Lutheran. If you are from a non-Lutheran Church Missouri Synod background, or already are a Lutheran and just want to review, please consider attending the 7-week, fun, fast-paced class on Tuesday evenings. Materials and resources will be provided at no charge to everyone in the class. Let the office know if you are able to attend. We would love to have you join us. Please call the office at 462-8000 x 1 or just come to the classroom!

Classes: 6:30 – 8:00 p. m. Gathering Place (East side of the church)

Class 2 May 11 Class 5 June 1 Class 3 May 18 Class 6 June 8 Class 4 May 25 Class 7 June 15 Reception into Membership: June 20

Look! Coming Soon to FLC! Next Adult Information Class – Come! Tuesday, May 11th, 6:30 p.m. Call church office. Mother’s Day Breakfast - Youth Fundraiser Sunday, May 9th, in the Fellowship Hall Men’s Prayer Breakfast Every Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Boy Scouts Court of Honor Tuesday May 11th, 7:00 p.m. Scout Roundtable Wednesday, May 12th, 7:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall FLS Athletic Banquet Friday, May 14th, 7:00 p.m. Financial Opportunities in 2010 Saturday, May 15th, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Thrivent)

`Éà{xÜËá Wtç is this Sunday, May 9th.

A special fund-raiser to support the youth of the church is this

weekend! We will sponsor a Mother’s Day Breakfast in the

Fellowship Hall between services. All monies received will go

toward funding the youth who are attending Youth Gathering

in July. Thank you for your support!

Congratulations to Siobhan Sargent, daughter of “Sarge” and Adele Sargent, on

her graduation this week from the Vanderbilt University Graduate School

of Divinity. Siobhan is a former Flame Award and Spirit Award winner, as well

as, valedictorian here at First Lutheran School. May God continue to bless her path.

Every other Sunday…

Pre-K 3 - 5th Grade

This weekend – May 9, 2010

…during the 10:30 a.m. service

Issues…Problems… We all have issues and problems that we face. For some, it is their attitude. For others, it’s a habit that they can’t seem to break. For many, it is something they have faced their whole life. The goal of this series is to take on each of those issues and problems and learn how to “Deal With It!” Not just our own way, but the BIBLE WAY! We need to find out what God has to say about how we should “Deal With It!”

May 9th: Caveman Blues (Depression) We don’t have to live in depression. God’s joy can be our strength.

Power Verse: Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" – Nehemiah 8:10

Children will enjoy videos, music, puppet skits, illustrated messages, power verse, and games! Children will be escorted to the gym after the children’s message in the Sanctuary. Parents, please pick them up in the gym after the service.

Altar Guild Announcement For Pentecost, May 23rd, we will have red geraniums on the altar. The

cost will be $5.00 each and the sign-up sheet is in the Narthex (on the Kiosk). The deadline to purchase the geraniums will be Monday, May 17th. Thank you!

Seniors Lunch Bunch Group

On Tuesday, May 18th, at 11:30 a.m., all members and guests 50 and over are invited to come to Room 10 in the Fellowship Hall for some time of fellowship, a luncheon, and an interesting, timely, and informative program. Our speaker will be Mr. Nick Hionedes, a WWII prisoner of war for 34 months in a Japanese prison. The lunch will include punch, a salad, meatloaf, potatoes, a vegetable, a desert, and coffee, tea, lemonade etc. So, mark your calendars and make your reservations either in the narthex or by calling the church office at 462-8000 x 1. Deadline for reservations is Wednesday, May 12th. The cost of the meal is $5.00 per person.

Please submit articles for First Things First by Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. unless prior arrangements have been made.

Please e-mail your article to: [email protected] and call 462-8000 x 1 to be sure it was received. Thank you!

`âá|v aÉàxá Bells: Wednesday – 6:45 p.m. until 5-19-10

Adult Choir: is on hiatus for the summer. Rehearsals resume Wednesday, 9-15-10 Please watch FTF for news about Summer Choir.

Praise Team: Thursday – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday – Warm-up at 5:30 p.m. Call Ann Hinz, Worship Director, to join one of these musical praise groups: 727-462-8000 x 104.

Visitor Corner Welcome to all who come here to worship our LORD. Another voice in praise of Him is a wonderful

blessing. We are so glad you have come. To show our appreciation we would like you to stop by our visitor center, located in the narthex, where you will find gift bags. Please take one.

Please introduce yourself to Pastor and perhaps to others you may notice just hanging around after the worship service has concluded. We sometimes get so caught up in our excitement at seeing friends for the first time in the past week that we forget to lookout for YOU! Thank you for joining us today, and please, thank our Lord for his free gift of grace.

Last Week’s Attendance: May 1-2, 2010 Saturday: 6:30 pm: 57 Sunday: 8:00 am: 40 10:30 am: 129

Sunday School: 8 Bible Class: 58 Church Offering – Unrestricted - Fiscal Year – Week 40 (May 1-2, 2010)*

Budgeted Weekly Income: ....................................................................................................................$10,858.00 Received This Week:....................................................................................................................................7,795.04 Special Sacrificial Offering: ........................................................................................................................4,700.00 Budgeted Year-to-Date:.........................................................................................................................434,320.00 Received Year-to-Date: .........................................................................................................................291,044.78

*Previously used Budgeted Weekly Income figure of $7012 has been adjusted to reflect change due to non-receipt of expected $200,000 gift.

Are you really here? Members, please “sign in”, so we know if you are active or inactive. Envelope donations ARE NOT used to record attendance. Please help us by signing in on a blue card for each worship service that you attend; IF YOU ARE A MEMBER, we only need your name(s) and the date – as a member, you don’t have to fill in the address, phone number, etc UNLESS THIS INFORMATION HAS CHANGED. All visitors please fill in the card in full. Thank you.

From: LHM Daily Devotions Ref: LHM0014719A-0265405#

May 1, 2010

Mold Me But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay,

and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Not so long ago, I was driving down a bumpy county road when I spotted a bag of cement that apparently had fallen off a delivery truck when it hit a bump in the rough road. Not wanting to see anything wasted, I stopped to pick the bag up. When I bent down to heft the 50-lb. bag, I about broke my back. The bag's contents were no longer soft and powdery. Recent rain had penetrated the bag and solidified the contents into one solid block of super-heavy cement.

In the course of my life, I've met a lot of people who have become like that bag of cement. According to God's plan they were originally designed to be shaped into something beautiful and useful. Then, because of situation and sin they had slowly, and so very surely, become hardened and inflexible. Their lives had become an unhappy lump alongside the road.

That is not what the Lord wishes for you. He doesn't want your life to become like a hardened bag of cement. If so, there is still room for you to be changed and enjoy the contentment which Jesus so freely wishes to bestow. You are different than that bag.

You see, cement, once it's hardened, can't be reworked. You, as one of God's children, can always be changed by His guiding hand. Today can be different than yesterday. God wants to fill your day with joy -- the joy of sins forgiven, the joy of possibilities, the joy which comes from having Jesus at your side.

By the miracle of His love, He can transform your life so it has a wonderful purpose. When that happens, both you and He will be glad. - From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"

THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I give thanks Jesus has forgiven my sins and transformed my life. In the moments where I feel myself getting hardened by the darkness of our days, I pray You would remind me of the love Jesus has given. In His Name I pray this. Amen.

Men's Prayer Breakfast at First Lutheran

MEN, come meet together again this week for food for the soul and for the body! Each Tuesday morning from 7:00 - 7:45 a.m. our men’s ministry hosts a fellowship and prayer breakfast in our First Lutheran Fellowship Hall. Come and bring a friend. Don’t forget! Bring a friend! Start your day praising the Lord!

We meet again next on: Tuesday, May 11th

Featuring: “Solving Our Temperment Problems”

“A laugh is a smile that bursts.” - M. H. Waldrip - This Day’s Smile.org

School News - By Principal, Elaine Popp Mission Statement: First Lutheran School exists to proclaim the Gospel as we teach academic skills and Christian values, establishing a strong foundation for a child to live a successful, positive, and Christ-centered life.

First of all, a big thank you to the Men’s Ministry for organizing last Friday’s softball game. It was fun to see so many of our students from all different grade levels participating. I know that the students really enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to the next time.

On Thursday, we had our National Day of Prayer chapel service led by Pastor Piering. We started first at the flag pole with pledges and then walked over to church for the service. Each class was assigned a Bible verse, prayer and song selection. We prayed for our homes and families, city, state, nation, and world leaders, our school, teachers and students and church leaders and members.

Remember, that this Thursday, May 13th, we will have an Ascension Day chapel beginning at 8:05 a.m. Following the service, we’ll have a balloon release on our soccer field. I hope many of you are able to attend.

On Thursday, our 8th grade students traveled to Orlando. They visited WordSpring which is operated by Wycliff Bible translators. The students learned about the work involved in translating the Bible into other languages. They also participated in some activities that demonstrated the challenges of Bible translation.

Also, on Thursday was our Fine Arts Festival. Our students demonstrated their musical talents and many art projects were displayed. Our students do some beautiful artwork. Many thanks to Ann Hinz, Micki Barrow, and all our teachers for all they did to make this a successful evening.

This week was Teacher Appreciation Week. On Monday, the PTL provided breakfast for the teachers in the conference room. There were eggs, bacon, waffles, fruit and more; it was awesome! Each day the students did something special for the teachers like bringing flowers, a card or a special treat. Friday was a half-day and the teachers and staff all got to go out to lunch at Brio Tuscan Grille in International Plaza. Thank you so much PTL, parents, and students for a great week!

Youth News! We now need to raise approximately $2,357.06 to cover the remaining cost of the nine

students attending the National Youth Gathering Believe in New Orleans this coming July. We will continue selling frozen Tawnya Lasagna as take out following all our worship services. Three sizes are available: Small (feeds one) - $5.00; Medium (feeds two) - $7.00; Large (feeds six) - $15.00

Chocolate candy bars are still being sold. See Ann Hinz or a youth to purchase. Look for More Fun Fundraisers

May 9th – Mother’s Day Breakfast - Sunday between services – This Sunday!

Bring your Mom, Grandmas, Aunts, & Sisters

Anyone interested in a rummage sale???? Thank you for your continued support!!

Youth Basketball! Youth Basketball continues through May 22nd. The cost is only $5 per week. Games start at 9:00 a.m. New players should plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Wear a gray or black t-shirt. Please call Melvin Maciolek with questions at: 449-9185.

Guatemala Missions News: Pastor Zimmermann has now made available for you to look online at some photographs of the team’s trip. Be sure to see it today at:

http://flcclearwater.org.guatemala

Christian Care Giving – a Way of Life

A new opportunity for Christian care giving will begin very soon at Faith Lutheran in Dunedin. Anyone who is interested in learning a little more about relating to those in need, whether in the hospital, nursing facilities, or even in the home, please contact Dan Snook at 727-797-7233. We will begin these daytime classes very soon, so do not delay. Pray about this opportunity and then if you think this might be for you, please call Dan.

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Bath & Body Works is increasing its contribution to 18%. Each of our cards are $10 and be sure to ask for the $10 off coupon (works with a $30 purchase).

You can pick up a card anytime in the school office or at the church services.

We're looking for volunteers to sell cards from time to time after Saturday evening services. They can contact Marge Murray, 584-8701, or Nancy Seltzer, below.

Talk to: Nancy Seltzer, Coordinator – 559-0606 or [email protected]

12 Honor your father and your mother,

so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

Don’t forget to bring in non-perishable foods for the RCS Food pantry. Collection barrel is in the Narthex.

This Week: May 9 – May 15, 2010

Sunday 9th WORSHIP .................................................................................................8:00 a.m. (Sunday School & Bible Studies are cancelled for Mother’s Day)

Mother’s Day Breakfast between services – Youth Fundraiser WORSHIP & Children’s’ Church – “DEAL WITH IT!”… ..........................10:30 a.m. Monday Wee Dance ………………………..Fellowship Hall....................................5:45 p.m. Basketball League Practice…………..CLC...............................................6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts………………….Fellowship Hall and campus ........................7:00 p.m. Board of Christian Education – Conference Room C - FLS......................7:00 p.m. Board of Christian Life……………Church Library.....................................7:00 p.m. Tuesday Men’s Prayer Breakfast………….Fellowship Hall .....................................7:00 a.m. Worker Bees………………..........Fellowship Hall......................................8:00 a.m. TangSooDo …………………...............CLC…….. ............................... …..5:00 p.m. LWML Meeting……………………….Room 10..........................................7:00 p.m. Board of Trustees…………….Maintenance Office ...................................7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Court of Honor……...Sanctuary ....................................... 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Adult Bible Study…………………….Room 10 ..........................................9:45 a.m. The Pinochle Group ………………...Room 10..........................................1:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry ..............……Library.......................................... 4:00 p.m. Bell Practice………………Church Balcony until 5-19-10 ..........................6:45 p.m. Girl Scout Troop #684…...Fine Arts/Multi-Purpose Room........................6:45 p.m. Scout Roundtable……Church Library, Room 10, Fellowship Hall.... 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Practice - is on hiatus for the summer. (To restart 9-15-10) Thursday Stephen Ministry…………………Gathering Place ....................................1:00 p.m. Wee Dance Aftercare………………Pre-School ........................................2:45 p.m. TangSooDo …..………………….Fellowship Hall ......................................5:00 p.m. Basketball League Practice… ...................................................................6:30 p.m. Praise Team …..…………………….Sanctuary .........................................7:30 p.m. Friday TangSooDo…………………….CANCELLED TONIGHT Athletic Banquet……………..Fellowship Hall & CLC .......................... 7:30 p.m. Saturday 15th Boot Camp Workout………………..Soccer Field .....................................9:00 a.m. First Lutheran Youth Basketball League – CLC........................................9:00 a.m. Financial Opportunities in 2010 – Thrivent – Fellowship Hall ........... 9:30 a.m. Scouts Pack Picnic ........... ..Soccer Field & Shelter.......10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. OE Serenity…………………………..Room 10 ........................................10:30 a.m. Praise Team Warm-Up........ .....................................................................5:30 p.m. CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP .................................................................6:30 p.m. Sunday 16th WORSHIP .................................................................................................8:00 a.m. Sunday School & Bible Studies.................................................................9:15 a.m. WORSHIP ...............................................................................................10:30 a.m.

CHURCH OFFICE: If anyone would be available to answer the phones in the church office and/or help with printing, etc., the last week in May or June 1st - June 4th in Jan’s absence, please let the office know.

Please call 462-8000 x 1 to volunteer. Thank you very much.