Announcements for Sunday, Jan. 17 2021
Inside: Faith Alive! U: Reconciling in Christ, Bible Readers start 1 Kings, Synod School of Theology
Fighting racism isn’t a one and done event, it’s an ongoing process. Whether you are a seasoned anti-racist ally, or the whole topic of racism just makes you uncomfortable, this 21-Day Challenge is for you. We hope you’ll join us starting this Monday, Jan. 18. More details below…
Worship
Join us for worship online this Sunday at 8am & 10:30am, and on Wednesday at 6:15pm, at 1stlu.org/live.
COVID-19 Update
Pastors and the Vision & Leadership team regularly evaluate when and how the church can be open. These are our current recommendations:
Worship: online
Education: online
Small groups: online
For an up-to-date list of online options and cancellations please visit firstlutheranonalaska.org/thisweek.
Second Grade Faith Building Block: What’s Fair?
Sundays, Jan. 17: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Jan. 24: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Throughout the year each age group will have a special “Faith Building Block” session in which parents or special adults are asked to attend class with their child on Sundays at 9:15am, sharing in conversation and growing together in faith. The session lasts for three weeks, and afterwards, the Faith Building Block will be lifted up in worship in celebration of what the students have learned. Gatherings will meet via Zoom; pastors will send out meeting codes to parents & guardians of youth in each grade before the first meeting.
21-Day Racial Equity Challenge
Fighting racism isn’t a one and done event, it’s an ongoing process. It takes about 3 weeks to form a new habit, so Dr. Eddie Moor, Dr. Marguerite Penick-Parks and Debby Irving developed the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge to help all of us develop self-awareness and intentionality to effect social change. A year ago, many of us read Debby Irving’s book Waking Up White and some participated in small group discussions during Lent. Whether you were part of that book read, or not, you are invited to be a part of the 21-day challenge. Starting Jan. 18, for 21 days you will be invited to either watch a short video, or listen to a podcast, or read an article and reflect. The entire schedule, with links to each day’s resources, are available to view/print/download here, and daily reminders will be posted on Facebook. The 21-day challenge is appropriate for teens and all adults. Whether you are a seasoned anti-racist ally, or the whole topic of racism just makes you uncomfortable, this 21-Day Challenge is for you. We hope you’ll join us.
Office Closures
The office will be closed on these days in January:
Monday, Jan. 18
Wednesday, Jan. 20
Read 2 Chronicles in 6ish Days!
Construction of the temple in Jerusalem dominates the story of Solomon, who is chosen to follow David as king. God’s promise of a dynasty to David is now joined by God’s promise of forgiveness to Solomon. Pastor Stanton will be introducing this book to Bible Readers starting Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Read Proverbs in 11 Days!
In the ancient world, wisdom was popular among intellectuals from Babylon to Egypt. Like our modern “how to succeed” books, the collection of wisdom in Proverbs, some dating as far back as 4th century B.C.E., offered instruction for successful living. Pastor Stanton will be introducing this book to Bible Readers starting Friday, Jan. 22.
Join at any time! These studies are for ANYone who can read, 3rd graders to our eldest friend; members and acquaintances far far away. Use whatever Bible you’d like! Follow Pastor Stanton’s daily guides on Facebook or YouTube, and if you’d like the daily video guides emailed to you contact Pastor Stanton at jason@firstlu.org.
Coffee and Conversation: Winter’s Two Worst Disasters and How to Survive Them
Winter is always a time when snow or ice storms can trap you inside without heat or electricity. Winter is also when house fires are at their peak. Are you ready for the worst the season has to offer? Great Rivers United Way is offering Coffee and Conversation, “Winter’s Two Worst Disasters and How to Survive Them,” Thursday, Jan. 28 from 9:30–10:30am. Molly McCormick of the American Red Cross will be offering advice and taking your questions. Find more info on Facebook: facebook.com/events/458995875260803, register for the Zoom link at greatriversunitedway.org/our-work/always-united/coffee-conversation, or call Julie Nelson at 608-796-1400.
Baptismal Preparation
The pastors are considering baptisms on an individual basis. The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 5, at 10am. To register or ask questions contact the church office at 608.783.3326 / office@firstlu.org.
Faith Alive! U: Teen Mental Health
Mental health issues are increasing for all of us right now, especially teens. What are some practical ways that we can do in our daily lives that will increase resilience and decrease distress? We will explore mindfulness and self-care through breath exercises, affirmations, and meditation, focusing on practices accessible to teens. Join us for a Zoom meeting on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 6pm with Sarah Hennessey, FSPA, a Franciscan sister and a spiritual director at the Franciscan Spirituality Center. A former junior high teacher, she is an active member of Depressed Anonymous and lives in recovery with mental health issues.This event is intended for confirmation students, high schoolers and all adults. To join the Zoom meeting go to the event page at 1stlu.org/FAUzoom.
Sugar Creek Summer Camp 2021
Back in the saddle again! Sugar Creek is excited to be back with world-class summer camp programs for youth this coming summer! As vaccines are delivered nationwide, safety practices are honed, medical knowledge increases, and the camp program and facilities are adapted, the camp is confident in moving forward with plans for summer Bible camp. By the very nature of all their programs at Sugar Creek, the camp is, in many ways, even safer than schools during a pandemic since we keep youth in small groups and run camp activities in the open, fresh, outdoor air. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, youth desperately need real connections in life and in faith. Kids need to be lifted up in ways that only happen in safe, small-group adventures at Bible camp. Leadership, life-long faith, healthy relationships, self-confidence – these are gifts you give your children and grandchildren with time at Sugar Creek. Sugar Creek hopes you will join them for wonderful, safe outdoor adventures in real Christian community. Registration is now open at sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.
Happy Birthday!!
If you have received a birthday postcard from First in the last several months and still have it, bring it into church Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm and pick up a small gift. Remember to ring the doorbell on the left side of the doors and Tamara will be happy to help you.
Readers!
We are seeking people of all ages who would be willing to be our readers each week. This would mean doing a video of yourself or family reading the assigned text and then uploading it to a google folder. If you are willing to do this, email Pastor Karyn: karyn@firstlu.org.
Scrip Cards Are Still Available
Scrip cards are still available from the church office even though the building is closed. We have Kwik Trip, Woodman's, Target and Festival cards. To find out what's currently available and when you can buy them, call the church office at 608.783.2236 or send email to office@firstlu.org.
Help Those in Need
If you are looking for ways to help locally, go to the Ugetconnected site to find a variety of needs, from writing letters or drawing pictures to seniors, to delivering pre-packaged meals or sewing. It's hard to keep track of all the various organizations, so this is a great spot to find out how you can help. Go to 1stlu.org/needs.
