EKKLESIA

Helping Those in Need

First Lutheran seeks to be God’s hands in our neighborhood and the world by caring for all of God’s people in need. Life’s journey is different for everyone, and we want to accompany those whose circumstances have left them in need of support and care. Our First Lutheran family can do this through increased opportunities to provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless and medical and spiritual care for the sick. All resources are carefully allocated to allo-cated for their effectiveness at meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity

In keeping with our strategic mis-sion to combat homelessness, First Lutheran has, again, donated to Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity. Our gift will help PPHH to contin-

ue the mission of putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. PPHH Executive Direc-tor and CEO writes: “We are extremely grateful for the ongoing relationship with the First Lu-theran congregation! You are an amazing team to work with and we deeply appreciate your help in strengthening our community.” (continued page 4)

PROVIDING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

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BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS

March 10 Cheri Bergst Joshua Cole Krista Hjelmstad Kara Rule March 11 Lynn Eggum Abby Hospador Emma Jurek Brian Rau Sandy Wiebe Gloria Ziegler March 12 Jay deHalas Don Diaz Velma Naber Isaak Walker March 13 Emily Astor Lauren Halla Aiden Johnson Nickolas Laffen Sue Schomber Jeanne Steiner

March 14 Molly Brady Steve Brown Eve Koger Janey McDougall March 15 Eli Coupas Meredith DeLuca Erik Fredell Michael Lans Chris Lieber Andrea Silvola Sam Smith March 16 Erna Haring Katherine Jarmusz Myrna Smith Mark Weeks Ricky Winter

Happy Anniversary

March 10 Dan & Tonya Kemmling - 1 year March 11 Michael & Terra Totton - 10 years Keith & Bronwynne Wilkinson - 19 years March 14 Skip & Judy Robinson - 55 years

Thank You…

“It was very thoughtful of the church to remember me and send such a delightful young man for a Sunday visit. .. The nice pleasant visit made my week. It is nice to know you have willing and useful people to conduct your programs. I certainly did enjoy the visit and I thank the church for their hospitality. Ruth Freitag

“I want to thank everyone for all their support, love and prayers for myself and my family since Jack died. I especially want to thank Joan, Eric, and Elisa and

the Choir for their beautiful music at Jack’s memorial service. It means a lot to me to be in such a loving and supportive congregation.” Annette Kester

Daylight Saving Time Returns this Weekend!

Daylight Saving Time returns on Sunday, March 10th at 1:00 am, Mountain Time here in Colorado. Don’t forget to set your clocks one hour ahead before going to bed Saturday night.

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PRAYER REQUESTS

Mike Abbey Cliff Allen Wanda Anderson Felicia Arnold Jaclyn Arnold Gene Burklund Gene Cartwright Laura Clark & family Del Claussen Dave Collier The Compton family Mary DelBuono Todd Dierdorff Anna Dillow Sierra Drager Shae Dutton Steve Erickson & Family Michael Foret Dr. Steve Friberg Grace Gerard Jackie Gonzalez Katherine Greene Lee Gross Butch & Deb Grove Bob Guenther Jon Haring Sandra Harris Diane Hart The Hawkins family Eleanor Hjelmstad Casey Jacobs Josh Jones Diana Keys Dr. J.O. Klajnbart John Klatt Meho Kreso Martha Leiker Pastor Hank Maertens

Roland McAninch Jay McCoy Debra Mills Brandon Miller & Family Lucille Moe Mary Montie Mark Mueller Patrick Murphy Don Nelson The Nichols Family Rhea Nordberg Logan Oakley Sarah Ostrem Stephanie Petersen & family Joe Ramaglia Don Reed Don Reichert The David Reid family Connie Rowton Silke Sauppé Lisa Scarcello Ron Scott Kathy Shelton’s family Charles Simmons & family James Solberg Angie Stott Teri Swanner & Family Mark Timby Steve Tompkins Roberta Valdez Tanya Warrington The Carl Wetzig family Scott Wilkinson Ben Zeeb Michael Zoughbi Nick Zuardo & family

Please keep these members of First Lutheran, their family and friends, in your prayers this week.

Gallery of Living Art Presentation Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to usher, greet visitors or assist with the cast dinner during Gallery of Living Art presentations. Please sign up in church or call 719.632.8836 if you can serve in this way.

Our condolences and prayers surround the family and

friends of Bob Swanner

who peacefully entered eternal life on March 1, 2019.

Teri Swanner’s husband, Ron and Grayson’s father. His memorial service will be held on Saturday,

March 9th at 2:00 pm in our Sanctuary.

Our condolences and

prayers surround the family and friends of

Anne Sandall Who peacefully entered eternal life

on February 26, 2019. Bob’s Beloved Wife

Daughters - Beth, Kris, and Diane Anne’s Memorial Service was held

last Saturday in our Sanctuary.

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FROM THE PASTOR Last week, Drew Lindsey, handed me his letter of resignation and two weeks notice. He will be stepping down as youth director. His last day will be Wednesday, March 13th. I accepted his

resignation and shared with him what I share with you, that we are grateful for the work he has done with our youth over the past several years.

What I’ve noticed most about Drew is how much of an encourager he is. He is always quick to notice and lift up the positive work that others are doing. He recognizes the good in people and makes sure that they know they what he sees in them. He is a good teacher, leading our 6th and 7th grade students through the Bible. He will be missed.

I encourage you who have been blessed by Drew’s ministry to write him a note and share what he’s meant to you. We will look for an opportunity to

celebrate him and thank him for serving our youth in the near future.

So what’s next for this position? Whenever a staff member leaves it provides an opportunity to pause, step back and think about the big picture. We’ll be praying and discerning how to move forward. Do we want to find another part time youth director? Is there another way to do this ministry? The goal is clear, that we want to support our youth in their faith development and help them live out their calling as disciples of Jesus during these formative years. We will look for ways and staffing structures to accomplish that worthy goal. In the meantime we will ask volunteers and other staff to step-up to make sure everything is covered while we discern next steps.

In Christ, Pastor Travis

March Event Schedule Change

Our Wednesday OWLS event will be a pot-luck lunch (please bring a dish that will provide 8 servings) where Matt Mayberry, the director of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum will give a presentation about The History of the Alexander Film Company.

The Alexander Film Company was founded in 1919 in Spokane, Washington, and later based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It produced films that were shown during the intermission at drive-in movie theaters. The use of theater advertising grew so rapidly in the early twenties that Alexander Film Co. decided to relocate to a larger studio in Eng-lewood, Colorado, in 1923 and then again in 1928 to an even larger lot in Colorado Springs. By the early 1950s Alexander was producing be-tween 2000 and 3000 advertisement films a year and had a library covering over 8200 dif-ferent subjects.

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Partnering with Mission Medical Center

This February, FLCCS, on behalf of our congregation, was happy to donate to Mission Medical Center in Colorado Springs. Mission Medical is a faith-based non profit organization that provides free healthcare to uninsured, under-

insured, and low income members of the Pikes Peak Region. On site volunteer doctors, optometrists, dentists, mental health providers, diabetes specialists and chaplains offer their services to those in need. The services offered include primary care, dental, optometry, behavioral health, diabetes care, spiritual care, and the ability to offer over the counter and prescription based pharmaceuticals. Barbara Cronin, Executive Director of MMS, wrote, “We are very excited to have you on our team to further our goal and mission: Healing the sick in the name of Jesus! Your sacrifice and generosity has made this a possibility for MMC.”

PROVIDING FOR OUR COMMUNITY (continued) Partnering with Rainbow Trail Camp

Summer will be upon us before we know it and again, FLCCS has contributed to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for this-

coming season. David Jarvis, Executive Director sent us a note, thanking us for our donation, “Thank you so much for your recent gift to Rainbow Trail’s Annual Fund. Your continued support of the day-to-day operations of this ministry has been a true gift. Your gifts will help as we host our retreats through this winter and spring, and begin purchasing equipment for the upcoming summer. THANK YOU for the gift you give children, in helping provide their week at camp.

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COMING SOON Immigration Through the Eyes of Faith

Join us as we explore our church’s teaching from the resolution Toward Compassionate, Just and Wise Immigration Reform, which guides how our church publicly addresses contemporary questions about immigration policy.

We Lutherans have roots as an immigrant community. We honor those roots through our Lutheran legacy of compassion for those who must leave their homeland and the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS). Susan Bolduc will lead the discussion and will be joined in week three by a representative of LIRS.

Sow the Seeds of Joy

Seeds of Joy Garden Group is happy to announce that plans are underway for the 2019 gardening season. Anyone who is interested in gardening is welcome to join us. The meetings are informal and with many hands the work goes quickly, not to mention it’s fun and the results are beautiful.

Book Discussion Group

The next book for the First Lutheran Book Discussion Group is Beartown, A Novel by Fredrik Backman, the author of one of our favorite reads, the #1 New Your Times bestseller, A Man Called Ove.

Please note that we will be meeting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13th, a week later than usual, due to Ash Wednesday.

Lutheran Refresher Course

Pastor Travis will lead a refresher course on Lutheranism for any members or visitors who are interested. This 90-minute class covers the basic Lutheran beliefs including topics such as baptism, the Bible, Holy Communion, salvation, vocation and discipleship. This course is a part of our new member program, but is open to any who would like to attend. Lunch is provided.

Easter Basket Project

First Lutheran will once again assemble Easter Baskets for underprivileged children in Colorado Springs. The baskets are distributed by the Department of Human Services. Donations can be left in the designated boxes in the Gathering Place.

Items needed at this time: • candy • dressy socks • small games • puzzles • crayons • jewelry • small cars • ribbon • plastic eggs • baskets • hair accessories • small children’s books • small stuffed animals • coloring/sticker books

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Finding Your Place in God’s Family

We are always delighted to greet new people who are participating in this community of faith. You will discover that this congregation is alive with Christ-centered worship and faith-inspiring opportunities. We realize the importance of your becoming involved in the life of our congregation. Anyone who would like to explore membership at First Lutheran is invited to join our new member gatherings. You will meet with the pastors and staff about the work and ministry of our congregation. The meeting includes an overview of Christian faith from the Lutheran perspective.

The service of inclusion will be on Sunday, March 31, during the 10:45 am service. If you will not be present on this day, you may be received in absentia. A reception will follow at 11:45 am in the Gathering Place. Sign up in church if you will be attending the gathering, or are interested in sponsoring a new member. Child care will be provided.

The Art of Contemplative Prayer

Are you able to watch yourself think? If so, who’s doing the watching and who’s doing the thinking? A problem many of us have is our mind taking us for a ride, which can sometimes result in the loss of sleep and inner peace. Much of the art of Christian Contemplation is learning how to tame the monkey mind. It will consist of learning how to deal with mental distractions when they occur, followed by 20-30 minutes of quiet group mediation, which will be followed by discussion on how it went. Another name for Contemplative Prayer is Centering Prayer. Come learn how to find the peace of Christ within.

MidSingles 40+ Sunday Brunch

Ann Titus leads this monthly Singles gathering. Enjoy Christian fellowship as we discuss the day’s sermon and other topics of in-terest. We will meet at the announced restaurant at 12:15 pm on the third Sunday of each month. If you need a ride, please contact Ann at 719.598.3531.

Lenten Bible Study

Attend our Lenten Bible Study with Pastor Bob, and learn about the last week of Jesus’ life, taken from the book, The Last Week by Borg & Crossan.

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Bethany Lutheran College Choir Concert

On March 15 First Lutheran will host the 52 member choir from Bethany Lutheran College, Lindsborg, Kansas under the director of Dr. Mark Lucas. The choir was founded in 1935 and since then has performed over 500 concerts in 29 states and five European countries. The choir is also an integral part of the internationally-known Messiah Festival held each spring during Holy Week. The choir, whose members are selected by audition, sings sacred choral music from all historical periods and styles. A free-will offering will be received at the concert to help support this fine group of singers. We will also need housing for students for the night. Please sign-up on the opportunity sheet if you can offer your home for 2 or more students.

First Communion

It’s time again for our 5th grade class to participate in their next faith milestone: learning about and receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Instruction and lunch will be held on Sunday, March 10th, from 11:45 to 2:00 pm, and the Seder Meal will be held on Sunday, March 17th, at 9:15 am. Both activities will be held in the Fireside Room. For more information, contact Pastor Carrie at 719.258.8720.

Les Miserables at Pikes Peak Center

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony® Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Miserables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. Join us for one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Sign up and pay for your tickets at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Place at First Lutheran Church.

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GALLERY MEMORIES Joan called me at home one night 25 years ago. She had gone to a church in California where they presented what we have all come to know as the “the greatest story ever told” using music, spoken word and classical paintings. She wanted to know if I could help with lighting and sound for a similar production at First Lutheran. The phone call ended and Mary asked, “What did Joan want?” “I’m not sure,” I replied. “It sounded a little like she may have a plan to part the Red Sea in the front of the Sanctuary. It’s apparently some kind of new presentation she wants to do for the Lenten season. I told her we would be happy to help any way we could.” By then the church had installed first generation video cameras, video switcher and sound reinforcement sufficient to allow the use of the Worship Center as overflow seating on Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday morning, and I had amassed a collection of mostly surplus equipment from the TV station where I worked along with miscellaneous Radio Shack parts and pieces that could be used for soloists and small groups in the choir loft, but mostly they were used to ensure that the overflow crowd could hear the service. But there was so much more that would be needed for this “parting of the Red Sea” undertaking. A fast-growing group of dedicated volunteers were already working on building a stage, manufacturing props, painting backdrops, engineering a curtain system, writing and rewriting, painting, building, inventing, composing, arranging and rehearsing.

Three large stage lights were loaned to us from another local non-profit but we needed dimmers, a controller and many smaller lighting instruments. I looked to suppliers I knew well from decades of buying things for TV studios, but I found that television lights were far too expensive. Next I turned to stage and theater suppliers – still far too costly for equipment that might only be used once or twice. Finally, I was led to an inexpensive basic light board, dimmers and small lighting package from a company that specializes in lighting for bars and nightclubs. We used that original control board and dimmer package for the first twenty-three years of GOLA. The dimmers and control board failed last year but most of the lights themselves are still in use, proving, once again, that hardly anything is more permanent than a temporary solution. Mary and I look forward each year to working on this wonderful gift to the community. It is a special privilege to work with so many dedicated volunteers and there is a truly a special joy that comes at the powerful conclusion of each performance with the Hallelujah Chorus and the radiant scene of the Risen Christ.

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Rehearsal Schedule

March 10 4:30 Jesus Teaching the Elders 4:45 Triumphal Entry 5:15 Come Unto Me 5:30 Jesus Beneath the Cross 6:45 Peter’s Denial March 24 1:00 Stage set up

Volunteer Opportunities

We need you! The cast has been chosen , but there are many more opportunities for volunteering during Gallery. Sign up on the opportunity sheet today or call the church at 719.632.8336 to volunteer for one or more of the following: Assisting with children in the cast, Backstage Crew, Makeup, Sewing costumes and Stage set up.

2019 Performances

April 5 7:30 pm April 6 2:00 & 5:00 pm April 7 3:00 pm Be looking forward to an amazing and wonderful 25th Gallery of Living Art!

GALLERY OF LIVING ART

25th Anniversary Gallery T-Shirts

Order your Gallery T-Shirt Sunday in the Gathering Place. Adults: $24 Kids: $15 Payment must be made at the time of ordering. Last week to buy T-Shirts!

NEW! Junior Gallery of Living Art

Designed especially for families, with a shorter presentation and a backstage tour. FREE admission and childcare provided.

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SAVE THE DATE

Regularly Scheduled Baptism Seminar Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 pm in the Conference Room Sign ups are required, or class will be cancelled. Call 719.632.8836 or email teri@flccs.net. Cancer Prayer Support Group Saturday, March 23, 10:00 am in the Library Sign up in church, or call 719.447.6068. Pastor’s Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:00 am in the Fireside Room Sunday Adult Seminar 9:15 am in the Worship Center Women’s Circle Lydia Circle March 11, 6:30 pm in the Fireside Room Rebekah Circle March 12, 9:30 am in Luther Hall Youth Group Meetings Middle School 3:00 pm High School 5:00 pm Sundays in the Youth Center

Coming Soon The Art of Contemplative Prayer Sundays through March 10 9:15 in the Worship Center Seeds of Joy Garden Group Wednesday, March 13, at 9:00 a.m. in Luther Hall Sign-up sheet in bulletin Book Discussion Group Wednesday, March 13, at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin Bethany College Choir Friday, March 15 at 7:00 pm In the Sanctuary Volunteer sign-up sheet in bulletin MidSingles 40+ Sunday Brunch Sunday, March 17, meet at Montague’s, 1019 S. Tejon, 12:15 pm Finding Your Place in God’s Family Sunday, March 17, at noon in the Fireside Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Owls Event Wednesday, March 20th at noon in the Gathering Place Sign-up sheet in bulletin Cancer Prayer Support Group Saturday, March 23, 10 am in Library Lutheran Refresher Course Sunday, March 24, at noon in the Fireside Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin New Member Sponsorship Sunday, March 31, 10:45 am Sign-up sheet in bulletin Gallery of Living Art Performances April 5, 6, 7 Volunteer sign-up sheet in bulletin Les Miserables Pikes Peak Center Sunday, June 9th, 6:30 pm Tickets are available at the Welcome Center for $73

SNAPSHOTS

FLCCS’ semi-annual food drive was, thanks to our congregation, a great success. Thank You!

Pastor Travis Acolytes and Communion Assistants last Sunday