NEW! (PDF) Newsletter for March 20 - April 3, 2016
We're trying something new with the online newsletter. Let us know how you feel about having a PDF version available to print or simply browse online. The blogs are still available for viewing.
We're trying something new with the online newsletter. Let us know how you feel about having a PDF version available to print or simply browse online. The blogs are still available for viewing.
"This is our God; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation!" Isaiah 25:9 Dear friends of Spirit…
Celebrate Generosity is the theme for the first Spirit Lutheran Annual Appeal which starts on March 30 and ends on Celebration Sunday, April 24.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to any men in the church to join us for breakfast! We…
Spring is almost here, and with it comes clean-up at camp. The spring work retreat is scheduled for…
On March 24, the congregation will participate in a traditional Seder Service as we remember that it was during the Passover that Jesus shared his last meal with his disciples. This service will move to the telling of the new covenant that is shared in Christ's body and blood.
In their book, The Godbearing Life, which has now become a youth ministry standard, Kenda…
Members of Spirit Lutheran are strongly encouraged to contact the church directly to let us know of your hospitalization.
During Holy Week, you are invited to spend some time in our Prayer Niche.
Hello, Church! Here's a preview of the music we're preparing for worship at 10:45 a.m. on Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016.
Worship with us on Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter! Here's our schedule.
With the consolidation sale completed this past weekend, Spirit has collected just over $8,500 for a number of items that our former congregations had determined could be given, sold, or used by others.
The congregation is invited to participate in a Seder service on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.
The Nominating Committee for Spirit Council is seeking three individuals who would be representative of the membership and wish to serve on the council.
The youth and Post Grads will serve breakfast on Palm Sunday this year.
We have changed the name of VBS (Vacation Bible School) to Spirit Camp!
Wondering about the work of the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic?-Read on!
You are invited to a "Conversation With God" this coming Thursday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. at The Meadows.
UW- Eau Claire Continuing Education offers Free foot and nail care clinics for the community two…
Cyberbullying presentation to help all teens make responsible decisions onlineand help parents and…
Spirit Lutheran's youth are selling Scrip grocery and gas cards from Mega Holiday and Kwik Trip! These gift cards range in denomination from $10 to $100 and provide our youth with an opportunity to earn funding for their mission trips.
Congratulations to all who helped achieve our goal for the 150th Anniversary of First Lutheran to fund the Chigumukire Clinic and Feeding Station. As of this date $40,000 has been sent for this purpose and the last $5000 from the Foundation has been sent for famine relief. Some preliminary work has been done on the building
We've got some really great music lined up for worship this weekend. Take a listen!
Much of our meeting was spent reviewing the findings from the Holy Cow Report and the discussions on February 13 and 14, 2016 with Walkalong Consulting, the planning team and committee members. In total, over 60 people were involved with processing this information and beginning to make plans to move Spirit forward
Do you have old tools that could use a new home? As our mission of the month, we wish to support the efforts of Inn Towne to create a woodworking shop for residents to use in productive ways in their spare time.
The thrift sale of excess and duplicate items from our two church buildings will be open to Spirit…
Summer Stretch is a faith-based service summer program for middle school and high school youth. We come together to study, learn, serve, and have fun. Our daily schedule includes breakfast, a morning devotion, service projects, lunch, and an afternoon fun activity at a mystery location.
Join Spirit Lutheran and others from throughout the NW Synod of Wisconsin for a day of learning, sharing, renewing and connecting at the UW Eau Claire, Davies Center on Saturday, March 12.
Learn how you can become more aware and involved in the work of the Free Clinic.
What does our parish nurse do? How do I contact her?
We invite families with youth to attend this sharing and caring session. Join us on March 3 at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Spirit.
Spirit Lutheran has much to be thankful for as we work hard to 'settle in'. Particularly helpful in…
Welcome to this week's Modern Worship Preview List! Enjoy these songs during your week, and then come to worship ready to sing with your whole heart.
Grateful and thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the National ELCA Youth Workers…
You are all invited to come together to worship, sing, hear marvelous speakers, meet new friends and…
The Women of ELCA Chippewa Valley Conference will be hosting their "Day of Renewal" at Spirit…
The Post Grads group will be viewing and participating in a Bible study on the story of God.…
The choir is evolving and we welcome more members! Please join us in the process preparing for Holy…
Here's a preview of modern worship music you'll hear at Spirit Lutheran's 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, February 21. Take a listen now, and sing along with us on Sunday!
Thank you for the energy and diligence in participating in the Congregational Assessment Tool - the C.A.T. We EXCEEDED our goal! Spirit Lutheran's consultant, Dr. Jim Pence, indicated that a strong completion figure would be at least 75% of weekly worship attendance.
Please join with Feed My People in serving our neighbors who struggle to put food on the table for their families.
It's back! You may signup to provide flowers for the altar on the flower chart hanging on the bulletin board in the office hallway. Flowers may be given in honor of or in memory of a loved one or a special occasion.
The Foundation provides long-standing support for several ministries. Two of those ministries featured in this article are the scholarships to post-high school student higher education and cab rides for the elderly and infirmed.
Support our Free Clinic Meal Ministry in February by providing food for our meal or preparing the meal.
We need your assistance as Spirit Lutheran takes our turn in reaching out to our neighbors served by Beacon House, the Eau Claire Interfaith Hospitality Network, Inc. Beacon House, a shelter for families and pregnant women who are temporarily homeless or at risk of homelessness, is located in downtown Eau Claire. Spirit Lutheran participates in the dedication and involvement of many churches who serve Eau Claire's homeless families.
We are looking for a Sunday School support person. This person would meet and greet new kids, assist teachers, organize supplies and help guide kids to their class rooms.
As Spirit Lutheran lives into our new life together, bringing two distinct cultures into one, there are some things that are bound to change and appear different to some of us. The age for instruction and receiving First Communion is one important cultural difference that we have experienced. First Communion often has deep tradition, ritual and practice, including the age which congregations feel children are ready to participate in this meal. Because there is no command from our Lord regarding the age which people should be first communed, the age at which baptized members of ELCA congregations receive their First Communion reflects a variety of practices and understandings.
Spirit Lutheran has many events coming up just for you! Driver's License Blessing, High School Lock-in, Lenten Happenings, Faith Chest Building Day, and more!!!
A time to learn about Lent. There will be crafts, cooking/baking, stories, and games. (Something for everyone!)
Find out more information about Luther Park Summer Camp and the Adult Ministry!
No experience needed! High School age and above are welcome. (Men & Women) We are building Faith Chests for Spirit Lutheran baptisms. We need 20 peopl
Thrivent members have until 3-31-2016 to direct their 2015 Thrivent Choice dollars. This can be done…
Parish nurses focus on the whole person, emphasizing disease prevention, health promotion and healthy spirituality. They help the congregation focus on the relationship of mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that a healthy well-being is not merely the absence of physical disease, but also includes a spiritual component.
Spirit's congregational survey is available now until February 7th. All members are asked to take this short survey to help determine where God is taking us. Please look for the instructions in the newsletter. Please participate and encourage others in your church family to do so too.
The first step in the creation of our strategic ministry plan is a congregational survey called the Congregational Assessment Tool©. By probing the perspectives, experiences, and aspirations of members, the CAT provides a powerful readout on the health and trajectory of our congregation. It generates a report called Vital Signs© that can help all of us learn more about peoples' dreams for Spirit and about challenges and opportunities that will shape our future.
Rainbow World will have an Open House on Sunday, February 7, between services. We will host fellowship in the preschool area from 9:45-10:45am. The Open House will continue from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm also in the preschool area. We are looking at this as an opportunity for the congregation to become familiar with the preschool and the ministry it provides to the church and the community.
If you know of someone who is 18-28 years old, please invite them to come and check out the new group just for them.
The group will be meeting for a dream and planning session and pizza on January 24 in the overflow of the church sanctuary. They will meet following the second worship service.
We will be gathering to continue the dream and help local organizations such as Hope Gospel Mission,…
The Eau Claire Express are excited to provide local Church members with the opportunity to enjoy a…
The Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity presents:Valley Gospel Choir Concert at Trinity Lutheran…
The Spirit Council has narrowed the field down to three top contenders. Now we need your help as the congregation voices its opinion and chooses the final logo.
After serving fifteen years as the former First Lutheran Director of Contemporary Music - and…
You know when you're talking with small children, and it helps toget down to their height, to be able to look them in the eye? I guess that's what God discovered about us, too - that to talk to us and have us understand, God really needed to get down on our level, to be able to look us in the eye, to be able to take us by the hand. That's what the incarnation is all about.
The Recharge theme is Breaking News: The Miracles of Jesus. Join Luther Park for a fun and faith…
We are excited to announce the following gifts given to Spirit Lutheran from the…
Buy an angel from the tree ($5.00/ea) in memory of someone, or for any other reason, and help others, too. Spirit Lutheran's high school youth are doing a service project in which they will research, learn about, and designate an organization to which the money raised will be donated
We need help putting the library back in order! We are looking for help organizing the library.…
Mark your Calendars! You don't want to miss Spirit Lutheran's first Christmas program on December…
No one can predict the twists and turns that life will present. Perhaps a downturn in one's health, a change in an important life relationship, a layoff at work. So, what happens when you suddenly find yourself with nowhere to turn for emergency assistance?
Spirit Lutheran is just that - a Congregation filled with Generous SPIRIT! We were given 100 cards from the Salvation Army to take on our holiday shopping trips, to find just the right gift for infants all the way to 17 year old teens!
The closing date for the Oxford campus is January 4, 2016. The Boys and Girls Club will be taking…
Advent is the Season of HOPE and TRUST, which means relax - take a big deep breath amidst a culture already at the manger (or the Christmas tree.) Taking a big deep breath sounds pretty good for many of us. Spirit Lutheran has been going at light speed these past few months.
Support our Free Clinic Meal Ministry for the volunteer Health Care Team at the Clinic by providing food for our December meal or preparing the meal on Tuesday, December 15.
This is a great event to have fellowship with our Spirit Lutheran members at Christmas time. It's also a fundraiser for the 2016 post-graduate Mission Trip to Norway, Michigan. (Post-graduate is 18-28 years old).
Spirit Lutheran is getting a reputation of sending BIG NUMBERS for the Feed My People (FMP) packs on Wednesday night and it's a reputation I would like to see us maintain!
Last night you probably slept in your own bed in your own home or apartment. Today you woke up, got dressed, ate breakfast and went about your day. Unfortunately, many families in the Eau Claire area don't have this luxury. For these families, "home" is a car, tent, or the floor or a couch of a friend.
We are in need of a few more things.We are looking for a few good men to be shepherds and wise men.
This event is for everyone! Come and prepare, learn about advent and take home projects for your family.
Rainbow World will offer a second semester program for 2 ½ year olds.
As you walk in the 'link' - the hallway from the sanctuary to the council room here at 1310 Main Street - you will notice something new posted on the windows. Red and green cards have been hung with great care; cards containing Christmas gift ideas for children, ages 1 month to 17 years. Some are fun gifts and some are very practical requests. The common thread among them is that their parents or guardians have met the standards of the local Salvation Army's "Gifts for Kids" program.
Help prevent the spread of colds and influenza by being creative in sharing the "Peace" during…
The women of Spirit Lutheran invite you to our Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 8 at 6:30 pm.
Scrip is here! You can buy Mega cards or Kwik trip cards and help out your church at the same time.…
Join Spirit Lutheran Men's Group on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Yankee Jack's at Princeton Valley Golf Course. (2300 West Princeton Ave. Eau Claire, WI 54703)
November is a month of thanks giving. It's a great time to show and speak of the gratitude we have for others in our lives and to give God thanks for our many blessings. So let me start with a few of my own.
As a fundraiser, Spirit Lutheran youth will be selling Kwik Trip and Mega Co-Op Gift cards.
We have received communication from Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi through our bishop, Bishop Rick Hoyme
In response to the terrorism around the world and people displaced from their homes and seeking refuge, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), issued a statement Nov. 18 to the 3.7 million member church.
Plan now for 2016! Now is the time to sign up for summer camp. The schedule is listed online and you can register at: www.lutherpark.org
For the 2015 - 2016 fiscal year, Spirit Lutheran has awarded financial support to Malawi (with a particular emphasis on the Chigumukire Village Clinic), Global Health Ministries, Cherish All Children and Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service.
Interested in becoming a Co-leader for CONNECTIONS?
Try a Personal Assistive Listening Device available at the back of the worship space.
"There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens:a time to be born…
This years' theme is "Gifts". The program is intergenerational this year with parts for singing, acting, speaking and non speaking.
Again this year, our Men's Christian Fellowship Group will be selling "turkey feathers" for $10 each…
One of the great benefits of blending our resources as two congregations in becoming Spirit Lutheran is that we're able to provide terrific staff support to multiple day-to-day operations and ministry areas.
We hope you'll join us for the celebration as Spirit Lutheran is born! On Sunday, November 8th,…
You are invited to a "Conversation With God" on Thursday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m. at The Meadows.
And he reminds his audience that Christ, who is our peace, comes to bring unity by breaking down those dividing walls…"that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross."
I have been so blessed to share this ministry with you. We have taken daring steps to follow who God…
Let's get together and talk about our future! Let's discuss where our Circles will meet, Circle…
Confirmation students and parents, come for a night of exploring your faith together on Sunday,…
JONAH (Joining Our Neighbors Advancing Hope) and Spirit Lutheran are collaborating on the third of three Community Conversations focusing on race issues.
"The LORD himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose…
Spirit Lutheran's budget was approved at our October 11th congregational meeting. The budget was prepared using a unified budget approach. This means that there are no separate checkbooks for various groups in the church.
Affirmation of Baptism, commonly called "Confirmation," is a time for ninth grade students of Spirit Lutheran to affirm their faith after instruction focusing on the teachings of the church and experiencing what it means to be involved in worship, fellowship and service through the body of Christ.
Halloween Treat Bags are on tables set on the stage of our Assembly today. They are designed to bring a smile and cure a sweet tooth for Spirit Lutheran's seniors that live in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living facilities.
Come enjoy a delicious Lutefisk dinner at Lyster Lutheran Church, W1771 County Road D Nelson, WI.…
Although it sounds like a long time away, the next Recharge for campers in grades 3 thru 12 is scheduled for January 9 & 10. Be sure to sign up soon because these events fill quickly.
Members of First Lutheran (Oxford Ave. campus) and Our Savior's Lutheran (Main St. campus) Churches are strongly encouraged to contact their congregation directly to let them know of a current hospitalization.
Your 150th Anniversary Task Force has been busy making plans for our Renew Sunday celebration on October 25, 2015.
The Commisioners report for the month of October 2015: A recap of the results from the October 11, Congregational meeting and more!
We invite you to attend Godstock High School Youth Gathering of the Northwest Synod of WI. The weekend will feature four keynote speakers and up-and-coming band, Boiling Point!
In partnership with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County, another Strong Bones Strength Training Program will be offered at First Lutheran Church beginning in the latter part of October. This exercise program is designed to help women and men become or stay strong.
Support our Free Clinic Meal Ministry for the volunteer Health Care Team at the Clinic by providing food for our October meal or preparing the meal on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The Fellowship Board at Our Savior's Lutheran will make and serve a Chicken N'Biscuits Dinner. There will be dressing, cranberries, assorted homemade salads and an ice cream bar! Carry outs are available.
Thank you for being part of the church body who cares for the youth of Spirit Lutheran.
This Sunday, October 11 please join us for spirit-filled worship beginning at 9:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church on Oxford Avenue! Following worship, eligible voters from the congregations of Our Savior's Lutheran and First Lutheran will register to vote in Spirit Lutheran's first Annual Meeting.
What ties us together in faith - what makes us community within our congregation?
The Women's Ministry of the new Spirit Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, is hosting a relaxing evening for women of all ages.
I hope Spirit Lutheran looks with such anticipation and energy toward the questions "Who are we going to be?" and "How will the power of the Spirit be known through this new congregation?
Free Foot and Nail Care Clinics will be offered at First Lutheran Church (Oxford Ave. campus) on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16.
As we move through this process, we are overwhelmed by the support you have given by providing comment and feedback, your willingness to assist in so many ways, and your confidence in the Holy Spirit working through us. We appreciate your continued prayers.
Being in the church changes people. Our words restore people, sustain them, love them, challenge them, heal them through our living Scripture words.
Gain control of your life by joining the Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshop that is being offered at The Meadows beginning Monday, September 21, 2015
The date for the 2015 Miracle Sale has been set for Saturday, September 19 from 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
As Spirit Lutheran gets closer and closer to becoming a reality, there continues to be a variety of emotions shared and shown.
Support our Free Clinic Meal Ministry in September by providing food for our meal or preparing the meal on Tuesday, September 15.
Read everything you need to know about Rally Day, Sunday, September 13
Who doesn't want to find a fantastic collection of recipes? "Cooking with Friends" will not disappoint you.
The Education committee is busy working on upcoming plans for Wednesday night Connections and Sunday morning education.
Here are the highlights of the work your Commissioners are doing:
Our first Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting of the Fall season will be the second Tuesday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly at the Oxford site.
Spirit Lutheran's Women's Ministry and the Mercy/Faith Circle thank you in advance for helping with this year's collection of School Kit items for Lutheran World Relief.
Our fall semester is on the horizon. We are looking for children who will turn 3 by September 1, 2015.
We are always walking into the future with a key ingredient of the past -- ourselves.
Spirit Lutheran's 2nd Annual "God's Work. Our Hands."
Sunday, August 16
We know many of you are wondering what the Commissioners are doing. We will continue to develop means of keeping you informed as we make this journey.
Summer Stretch ended this week with washing windows inside and out at the Main street location, washing toys for the church nursery, and weeding the church grounds.
At this time of year, we would typically place a group order of Companion Bibles and Leader Guides to enhance the Bible studies of our Circles.
We continue to celebrate 150 years of God's faithfulness through the ministry of First Lutheran Church and we welcome our ELCA presiding bishop, The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, as we give God thanks through worship today.
Throughout our 150th year, we have been encouraging gifts to build a clinic, feeding center and a deep well for our partners within the Salima Parish in the village of Chigumukire.
We are looking for your ideas again! All congregation members of all ages are asked to share your creativity to design a logo to represent the new church.
We started the day out by packing up the vans and took the shuttle from the hotel into Detroit!
Read a message from First Lutheran's youth on their work day in Detroit.
Read Friday's blog update from First Lutheran Youth at the ELCA Youth Gatering - Detroit 2015
Read the third update from First Lutheran youth at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit!
Read this special message from the ELCA News Service.
Reveling in God-given strengths and playing to the Spirit's gifts is one of the surest ways to recognize and respond to God's mission for our new church.
Summer Stretch is in full swing. This is a faith-based service summer program for middle-school and high-school youth.
Vacation Bible School 2015 was awesome!
Our August 16 "God's Work. Our Hands." is less than a month away!
Read the second update from First Lutheran youth at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit!
Read a Youth Gathering update from Cody, Aaron, and Kevin
God is calling us - Jesus has redeemed us - the Spirit moves us. We're being made new! Spirit Lutheran has been born!
Glyndon Lutheran Church in Glyndon, MN has extended a call to me to be their pastor. This is a church that has lots of exciting ministry opportunities and is a place that my husband, Eric and I are very excited about as well as the new opportunity.
As another summer rolls along I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on where I am at, what I have been doing, and what is next for me.
On Sunday, August 16 our congregation will come together as one to join in service to our community, our world, and our congregation's homebound.
In affirmation of their baptismal promise to "serve others and follow the example of Jesus," our high school youth and adult mentors will participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering July 14-19 in Detroit
At its June 23 meeting, the First Lutheran council received a report from the Property Committee noting that the Youth Building roof membrane seams and seam sealants are deteriorating.
As part of the 150th celebration we are building a medical clinic, a feeding station and a well at Chigumukire in Salima Parish of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi.
"Grace Lutheran stands ready to support and assist your new venture in any way we can."
How is First Lutheran living in ministry with Luther Park Bible Camp? Look inside to find out!
Looking for the potential in one another helps us to see that we can be and we are a community of love and life that witnesses to God's presence among us.
The First Lutheran Foundation Board is pleased to announce the 2015-16 recipients of $700 scholarship grants from the Mabel Otteson Scholarship Grant Fund.
Celebrate and share your gratitude with us as we say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" to Pastor Lowell as he retires from visitation ministry.
This award was created to acknowledge seniors in High School who have committed themselves to faithful discipleship during their middle school and high school years.
We give God thanks that even as we are being changed, this community of faith continues to grow!
At this time, our general offering is not supporting the church's operating needs. Thank you for making sure you are up to date in your giving.
On Sunday, June 7 we recognize the graduating High School Seniors who have been part of this faith community and who now will be heading toward exciting new ventures.
Limo Cab rides are provided at no-cost as part of the ministry of First Lutheran Foundation.
People of First, we are courageously facing the future before we are smacked head-on with change that is culturally inevitable.
Many hands and hearts, not to mention legs and feet went into a very successful NW Synod-wide Women's campaign to respond compassionately to the plight of teens crossing the Texas border from several Central American countries.
The Wisconsin Music & Memory Programis part of a national program designed to help people with Alzheimer's and related dementias find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music.
Our June 7th vote is quickly approaching. I am so proud to be serving in ministry with a congregation who is courageous enough to put everything on the table...[b]ecause if we can do that, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit fully, then we will have a sure future.
The time has come, though, now to retire "for real". It is only after much deliberation and discernment and prayer that this conclusion has been reached. And so, with much sadness, I will take leave of my active part-time ministry at First Lutheran Church on June 15, 2015.
A statement from the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW)
On June 7th, 2015, at First Lutheran Church there will be a congregational meeting following the one 9:30 a.m. worship service, for the specific purpose of voting on a Resolution presented by the Common Purpose Relationship Task Force (CPR) from First Lutheran Church and Our Savior's Lutheran Church.
We are truly blessed to be a small part of this 150-year-old community of faith. Thank you!
CARELink is an organization composed of Eau Claire area congregations working together to efficiently help those who need assistance.
Stay informed with final reports from the CPR Dream Teams and a new Frequently Asked Questions!
Join us for worship and participate in the first of four 150th Anniversary celebrations of First Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 3, 2015.
What's our task force been up to? Look inside to find out!
As a church called to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must continue to listen deeply, to speak out about racial equity and inclusion, to respect and uplift the dignity and humanity of every person and to join with others in organizing for change.
Home Hospice of HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital which serves Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and surrounding communities is offering a free-of-charge Hospice Volunteer Training Program.
Thank you to the many donors and volunteers who made the Good Friday Blood Drive at First Lutheran Church a success!
Dream Teams made up of First Lutheran and Our Savior's members have worked together as they imagine ways that God could work through our partnering. As teams have completed their work, a vision for ministry is emerging.
Nothing separates you from the love of God in Jesus….not insults, not betrayal, not suffering, and as we see at Easter - not even death itself.
We wish God's blessings upon the following young people who completed First Communion instruction and received the sacrament at the Seder service on Wednesday, April 1st:
We give thanks for the gift of baptism and for the people who are welcomed into membership on Easter Sunday.
A vision for ministry is emerging, even as the teams will now go back for a final opportunity to refine that vision.
Thank You to all who contributed to the, "Spice up The Beacon House Kitchen Shower".
The Anniversary Choir will include voices from First Lutheran and from the congregations in town that First Lutheran has participated in starting or supporting over the years. You're invited to participate!
We thank God for you and for our rich history of mission and ministry over the past 150 years. We look forward to our celebration and our future.
Your continued support of the Free Clinic's mission is always a blessing and is as important now as it has been in the past.
Even in our efforts to be a place of sanctuary and a House of Hope, we're often reminded that all of us live as humans on this earth - amongst real human problems and concerns.
We're living into God's vision of inter-dependence, where varieties of people and communities and institutions are free to partner with one another to care for this world that God loves so much
We are grateful to our community who supports the compassionate care given at the Free Clinic.
The Anniversary Mission Project is this Village Clinic and Feeding Center in Chigumukire, Salima Parish, Malawi, Africa.
The following article is written by the staff at Fierce Freedom, a local advocacy group fighting human trafficking and raising awareness as well as support for the victims of this heinous crime.
The CPR team is hopeful that the many ideas that have already been shared between First Lutheran and Our Savior's can now offer a broader participation level in specific mission and ministry areas.
All that we hoped for has been fulfilled in the person of the Christ Child.
Congratulations Dennis and Weekend Kid's Meals volunteers! We celebrate your efforts!
For several years there has been an event called "Godstock" in the NW Synod, specially designed for High School youth and produced by High School youth.
Last spring at UW-EC, students were encouraged to fill out a survey. The results revealed that a high percentage of students identified themselves as needing supplemental food assistance.
kəˌlabəˈrāSH(ə)n
noun - the action of working with someone to produce or create something.
Have you noticed the new bistro tables in the Lounge - or did you spot them in the narthex last Sunday?
Immigrants in this country face many challenges, such as that of transportation in their daily lives when they are unable to get a driver's license due to difficulties that originate in our current immigration laws.
We're proud of you, confirmands, and we are privileged to call you brothers and sisters in Christ!
Thank you for keeping current on your pledges and giving.
This week's feature article continues to highlight the work of JONAH by quoting from their website on the work of three of their four task forces.
On Sunday, October 19, the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship will have a theme of healing. The Health and Healing Ministry Advisory Panel works with and supports our Health and Healing Ministry staff members.
The Education/Administrative wing of First Lutheran has been very cold for the past two weeks while repairs have been made to First Lutheran's heating system. Thankfully, the heat is now back on!
September 26 Poverty Summit was an event where the conversation on poverty was expanded and deepened.
Why, after all these years of feeding the poor and hungry, are the numbers continuing to rise?
This is a new day. God is certainly stirring something in our presence and we all seem to be aware of a page turning.
First Lutheran has partnered with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Eau Claire and NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness to present our fall Community Conversation on mental illness/mental health.
Thank you for your generosity to the mission and ministry that God has entrusted to us.
Student food pantry to open at UW-EC on Tuesday, September 2.
Our joint C.P.R. (Common Purpose Relationship) Task Force has compiled a Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet to help communicate clear and concise information about the collaboration between our congregations.
Our local university expresses their gratitude as First Lutheran Church continues to serve as the site for free community Foot and Nail Care Clinics.
As we begin the first month of fiscal year 2014-15, I can't help but think how it must have been 150…
Our thanks go to Becky Riewestahl of Our Savior's for sharing her thoughts and recollections.
Have you ever noticed that it's often in the most challenging times of life that we sense God's presence most clearly?
We thank all the team leaders and team members, hosts at the work sites and the staffs of both Our Savior's and First Lutheran Churches for their invaluable support.
The Our Savior's and First Lutheran collaboration team, C.P.R., continues to meet and discern ways that our two congregations can work cooperatively together.
Become a part of our Visitation Ministry by delivering our weekly newsletter to congregational members who are residents of a local care facility.
First Lutheran and Our Savior's Lutheran are working together to imagine a new way of being the church. We're putting our trust in the One who promises us new life and life abundant.
Keep the C.P.R. team in your prayers as we give God thanks for their commitment, dedication and openness to the Spirit's movement.
Thank you to First Lutheran Church for extending your gracious hospitality to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County.
First Lutheran's council is happy to report that Karen Lionberger has been named as First Lutheran's new Director of Handbell Choir.
On May 16-18, First Lutheran underwent an extensive Comprehensive Ministry Review which was facilitated and overseen by a team from the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin.
Being in prayer and practicing prayer is a discipline that followers of Jesus engage in regularly and with intentionality.
This " traveling prayer shawl" was made by all the members of our prayer shawl group here at First Lutheran.
In this world of increasing need, First Lutheran is proud to be a covenanted member of CARELink, taking care.
After serving thirteen years as the First Lutheran Handbell Director, Norma Lionberger has indicated that she will retire effective May 31, 2014.
The following article is from Cherish All Children's Wednesday Prayer, a weekly on-line newsletter:
Please be sure to mark your calendars for these 150th Anniversary Celebration events.
A Comprehensive Ministry Review entails appraisal of worship, education, the facility, outreach, finances, congregational life, and how First Lutheran responds to needs within the community of Eau Claire and beyond.
Any amount is welcome - $10-$20 can go a long way for some who find themselves in a bind.
Although "thank you" may not seem to cover the gratitude that we feel for one another, it is a good thing to show our thanks by naming people who deserve to be recognized.
God is at work here at First Lutheran and our community of faith is growing!
The weekend of April 5-6, 2014 was particularly significant because of two events in the life of…
In a world and culture that is changing rapidly, perhaps the greater risk is to remain static - the same.
This week we give our thanks to the volunteers who offer to serve on our congregational council.
The Rev. Kathryn A. Ulrich, has attained the distinction of board certified chaplain.
At the Congregational Meeting held on Sunday, March 16th, time allowed for discussion regarding the conversations that are currently happening between Grace and First Lutheran.
This week we give our thanks to the many volunteers who give of their time and abilities in preparing for worship and special services by serving on the Altar Guild and the Emmaus Worship Team.
In the journey of GHM's hospitals and health programs, there is an urgency to move from dependency to sustainability with their overseas partners.
We lift up those who share their gift of music through the Amazing Grace Choir.
This week we give our thanks to the volunteers who have participated in Global Health Ministries.
This week we give our thanks to the many volunteers who donate food items and/or their time to prepare and deliver a meal each month to the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic.
The Chippewa Valley Free Clinic recently added a vision component to assist patients. Please take a minute or two to read about this exciting development:
As promised, we'll be looking at the variety of health care options that are available at the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic.
First Lutheran's February Mission of the Month
This week we give our thanks to the volunteers who give of their time in assisting our Treasurer by counting financial gifts and offerings.
The best way to design a campaign for building a clinic in Chigumukire, Malawi is to ask questions.
As we continue to recognize those who share their gifts and talents for the ongoing mission and ministry of First Lutheran Church, we focus on our Women's Ministries this week.
We give thanks for those who are generous with their time and commitment to the building and grounds of First Lutheran.
Over the course of the next two years, we will find exciting and educational ways to inspire all of you to support the efforts of the Children's Clinic in Chigumukire.
For all of you who made this Christmas special for others, thank you!
A recommendation is being made to each congregational council that First Lutheran and Grace Lutheran consolidate their ministries and become one - forming a new congregation. Together, I pray that we will seek to know God's will for giving both First Lutheran and Grace Lutheran abundant life and a certain future.
For all of you who have made this time of year so very special for so many, we say, "THANK YOU" for sharing your Generous Love with others
This Christmas, we invite you to share in the joy and experience God's Generous Love as a light shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.
We give thanks for the gift of baptism and for the 12 people who were welcomed into membership on December 8.
We are pleased and proud to announce that Debi Wing's design inspired the creation of our final product.
On Thanksgiving Day at Beacon House I was privileged to hand out the monster stuffed toys made by our CONNECTIONS students.
Today is the beginning of an important milestone for First Lutheran Church.
The Chippewa Valley Free Clinic staff expresses appreciation for the monthly meals that are supported by First Lutheran volunteers.
"Generous Love, Generous Lives" is our stewardship theme for the coming year.
We all need one another - and we need to remember that Jesus needs us for the sake of God's world.
Blessings to all of you this holiday season, and thank you for the joy you have given our families.
On Sunday, November 17, during 9 a.m. worship a special blessing for the Health and Healing Ministry Advisory Panel will be offered.
Take a walk to the chapel and look around - God is at work through all of the energy and hopefulness!
I'm not suggesting that you do what they've done, but maybe this will trigger a thought that's unique to you.
Recently the high school youth of First Lutheran Church organized a breakfast benefitting Faith Partners for Literacy.
After a full week under my belt, I am getting settled in and feeling at home here at First Lutheran.
First Lutheran is launching its fourth year of partnership with Sherman Creek Elementary School.
Your Anniversary Task Force wishes to thank everyone who submitted entries to the contest.
The measure of our Christian growth is the movement of our response from what I want to how do we as a community respond to God's children in need today?