“The Book of Faith”
This fall the ELCA is launching a church wide program entitled “Book of Faith.” It is an initiative that calls for deep and broad conversation in the Bible. This program will go into greater depth in Scripture and will re-examine key Lutheran insights. We are considering dates in October or November to offer this 4 week series. We'll keep you posted as scheduling is finalized. For more info on this program go to ELCA.org and select “The Book of Faith.”

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Conversations on the ELCA's statement on Sexuality

The task force for ELCA studies on sexuality has been gathering input and has formulated a first draft of a social statement.  In 2006 and 2007 there were discussion panels and a study entitled “Free in Christ, to serve the neighbor”. The draft that we will read and study together is a response from throughout the ELCA and is designed to help the church finalize a proposed social statement to bring to the 2009 churchwide assembly. We are encouraged by the task force to provide study and mutually respectful dialogues. These meetings are being offered across the church to provide conversation and to help people respond to the task force so that they will have data to review later this fall when they continue their work on the document.

Pastor John and Pastor Sherry are offering an opportunity at First Lutheran to discuss and respond to this most recent draft. These conversation are scheduled for Thursday, August 21 and 28. You may choose either 10:00 AM or 6:30 PM and all interested members are invited to attend. If you plan to attend and would like a copy of the document, please contact the church office.

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Are You Interested in Becoming a Member of First Lutheran?

We Welcome You!

”Faith and Life at First” is an orientation designed for folks seeking membership or for members wanting to review First's history & the exciting things happening in our faith community.

•  The orientations are held in the Family Room

•  The upcoming orientation dates are (you need attend only one):
    Monday, August 11 th at 7:00 pm - or-
    Thursday, September 18 th at 7:00 pm

•  The New Member and Sponsor dinner will be Thursday, October 16 th with new members received the weekend of Oct 25 and 26.

If these dates don't work with your schedule, we will be offering them again in November & December.

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DISCUSSIONS!

The FOCUS Book Club meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Room. Everyone is welcome to participate ... men included!! If you have any questions, call Jo Bjerknes at 762-2858.

The Book Seekers Book Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Room.  All adults welcome to join the discussion!

Thomas' Table - a place for our questions:
will meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale. Bring your current faith questions and issues and join others as together you dig a little deeper and grow in faith. All adults welcome!

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Women of Faith! ...
Come and join this recently formed women's Bible study group.  We've just started the book "Running the Race," a study of endurance based on Philippians written specifically for women.  This Bible study group will meet the 3rd Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the church Family Room.  Our next studies are June 21st and July 19th!  Call Stacey Lamski at 808-5231 with questions ... all women are welcome!