his coming Monday our nation com-memorates Memorial Day. It’s a day devoted to the memory of those who have died while on active duty in our country’s armed services. Most of us don’t know anyone personally who has

died in defense of our country. But some of you do, and some of you can see faces and remember the names of those who made the ultimate sacri-fice. All of us are the beneficiaries of the work our armed services do to make this country free and well defended against enemies. So we pause this weekend to remember what this freedom we enjoy has cost some. And we say thank you.

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REMEMBERING THOSE WE HAVE LOST

Putting your life on the line for the sake of another is the ultimate act of love. Jesus says in John 15 “no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Maybe Memo-rial Day can also be a lesson to us about love and the extent of it. Surely it can be a reminder to us of the love that God has for us, that we are so loved by the creator of the universe, that he laid down his life to make us free. And perhaps, the sacrifices that have been made for us by so many others can inspire us to love in the same way. How can we go ‘all in’ for our families, our church, our Lord? -Pastor Travis

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May 26 Camden Jacobson Kai Jacobson Mike Koditek Shelley Murray

May 27 Linda Furlong Ben Gibson Rick Haterius Alexandra Ilse Stephanie Plowman Judith Turner Stephanie Whitney

May 28 Kenneth Curtner Jesse Johnson Mary Shakeshaft Kristina Sharp Sabastian Xiong

May 29 Mary Bailey Robert Hamley Jack Warnecke

May 30 Ryan Cimino Jeremiah Jackson Jacque Thompson

May 31 Steven Cox Sharon de Halas Adam Hyskell Andrew Roth

June 1 Jeff Hesselberg Owen Peterson

Happy Anniversary

May 26 Wes & Janet Andersen— 46 years Marlyn & Mary Peet—46 years

May 28 Del & Dot Random—53 years

May 29 Bud & Phyllis Bartel—64 years

May 30 Steve & Lisa Dufaud—32 years Mark & Betsy Pimentel—39 years

May 31 Rene & Tracy Ayala—5 years

June 1 Tom & Judy Bogard—50 years Charlie & Linda Helmstetler—51 years Roger & Murlene Williams—51 years

Now Hiring!

First Lutheran is hiring a part time Worship and Music Administrative Assistant. This position fulfills the administrative needs of the worship and music department. The assistant prepares weekly worship bulletins, memorial service, and other worship bulletins for printing. They will help with choir administrative needs and handle copyright usage tracking and reporting. This position is approximately 10 hours per week, more during Advent and Lent. $15 per hour. To apply, submit your resume to Deacon Joan Kuehn at joan@flccs.net. We hope to fill this position by June 1.

Congratulations

First Lutheran congratulates Grace Gerard on her 98th birthday, Barbara Gieck on her 91st birthday, and Jacque Thompson on her 90th birthday. Happy birthday!

Condolences

Our condolences and prayers surround the family and friends of Bob Bardy, who peacefully entered eternal life on May 19, 2019. Colleen Bardy’s husband; Richard, Peter, Lynne and Rachel’s father; Erik, Katy, Dan and Libby’s stepfather; grandfather of eight; great grandfather of four. Memorial services will be held at a later date at FLCCS.

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Mike Abbey The Adams Family Cliff Allen Dean Arnold Jaclyn Arnold Andy Ballas Greg Bezdicek Ashley Blair Ray & Wilma Bogenhagen Melvin Brown Gene & Angie Burklund Helen Burton Frank Canady Gene Cartwright The Compton Family Martin Cope & Boys Leslie Crowley Uwe & Jane Dahl Ginger Dawn The Dellacroce Family Julian Denny Sierra Drager Amy Fingie Grace Gerard Brad Gibbs Tom Gosch Andy Grasmick Dave & Marcia Graves Katherine Greene Lee Gross Bob Guenther Jon Haring Wayne Haring Jeff Harris Michael Harris Elizabeth Haver The Hawkins Family Jessica Herrin Casey Jacobs Josh Jones Elaine Kaiser Annette Kester Carlin Kielcheski John Klatt Sam Lloyd & Family

Womack Martin Carlie Mason The Matykowski Family Jay McCoy Richard McKibben Ruth McCormick Bill McKinley Jim McKinley Debra Mills Brandon Miller & Family Lucille Moe Margo Morrow Mark Mueller Patrick Murphy Lori Nagle The Nichols Family Shari Olson Andy Petersen Cora Plageman Jim Poynor Don Reed Don Reichert Bill Robertson The Rosales Family Delores Sayler Kathy Schroeder Ron Scott Martin Simon Ervin & Kari Southerd Janice Stephens Angie Stott Anita Stubblebine Grayson Swanner Mark Timby Rachel Waldman Djerek Wardell Alysia Wendorf Scott Wilkinson Roger Williams Dave Wright Ben Zeeb Randy Zimmerman Michael Zoughbi John Zukowski

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

From the Archives

Concerning the new First Lutheran sanctuary at Platte and Weber, from the Sunday bulletin for January 6, 1929: "Fifteen subscriptions for pews have been so far been received. This is exceedingly gratifying. More than half the cost of this important part of the furnishings has been provided in this way. Are there not others who will join in this?"

Introducing GivePlus Church Mobile App

We welcome all donations through any of the options we offer for giving. For our smartphone users, don’t forget you can contribute through GivePlus Church, our mobile giving app. It’s a convenient solution whenever you have your phone but don’t have cash or checks with you. Go to the App Store or Google Play and search for “GivePlus Church” to quickly find the app and download it for free. You can easily and securely make donations , or create an account to schedule recurring weekly offerings. Stop by the church office to learn more. We thank you and all givers for supporting our mission.

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Peel House Update

This past week the renovation team walked through each room of the Peel house with Bruce from CRP Architects to dive into the details of how the house will be used. After about four hours, several major decisions were made.

The addition—which includes the elevator will serve as another entrance to the building, de-signed to have excellent curb appeal, and to con-nect visually with the rest of the campus.

The basement renovation will include a huge, exciting youth room, accessible by elevator.

Some walls in the basement will be opened up to make space for a resource room and prep area for events held in basement spaces.

The kitchen on the main floor will be designed for catering, with lots of work space, a large island, and an open concept for small gatherings.

The second floor will be the site of the main restrooms that service the building.

Some walls on the second floor will be opened to create an access point from the new elevator.

One of the bedrooms will be set up as a living room style gathering space for small groups, such as Aspen groups. Attached to it will be a small bistro with coffee service and a beautiful view of Pikes Peak.

The third floor will become primary storage space. Since it won’t have elevator access, we’ve determined not to use it for any programs.

-Pastor Travis

What’s So Amazing About Grace?

What’s So Amazing About Grace is a book written by Philip Yancey. We will view a short video by Yancey about the topics to the right followed by discussion. In Session 5, Skin Deep, you will hear the story of a Holocaust survivor and learn the vital role Jesus plays in healing our deep societal wounds.

May 26 Holiday - no seminar June 2 Skin Deep June 9 Grace Put to the Test June 16 Grace Abuse June 23 The Church Backslides June 30 Dispensing Grace July 8 Counterforce

Attention Graduates!

If your family has a graduate from any school–high school, college, trade, or nursing school, please fill out the opportunity sheet in the Sun-day bulletin or email bobr@flccs.net by May 26. Be sure to include any special honors, degrees or recognition. Names will be listed in the bulletin and graduates will be honored at a reception following the 9:15 service on Sunday, June 2nd.

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Evergreen Cemetery Historical Tour

Evergreen was established shortly after the town was founded in 1871, and deeded to the City of Colorado Springs in 1875 by city founder, General William Jackson Palmer. As such, the 220-acre Evergreen Cemetery enjoys a unique historical tie to the Colorado Springs community. In 1993, Evergreen was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, only the second cemetery in the state to receive such an honor. Details for meeting time and lunch to follow.

Befriending Brother Death

Our own personal death is the elephant in the living room that we often ignore or deny. But talking about it can take the sting out of it and lead to a more peace-filled life. Death is as natural as birth and learning to accept it can lead to a happier life. Pastor Bob will lead a discussion about human mortality and how it can be a doorway to spiritual awakening and inner peace. All are welcome to attend. This is sponsored by the Cancer Prayer Support Group. Refreshments will be served.

Angel Tank Event Report

Great fun was had by all at our Angel Tank event. Fabulous project ideas were presented by a choir intern, Thursday Morn-ing Men’s Bible Study, and oth-er small groups. The KICK team was on hand to help set up,

present, and clean up.

Here are the results:

We will create busy bags to entertain small children as they are being introduced to worship.

The dying hedge in front of Luther Hall will be replaced with a beautiful wrought iron fence.

The KICK team will host a multi-generational dinner/game night to raise money for the HS trip.

The Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study Group will KICK off a mentorship program with our youth at a multi-generational BBQ.

The many volunteers that take worship to the nursing home will have a functioning piano.

Restore Innocence plans to give an educational presentation on the needs of trafficked individu-als identified/rescued by law enforcement.

The Sunrise Walkers will collect needed items for backpacks for individuals rescued by Restore Innocence.

A children’s karaoke fundraiser will be held to support Shine Nation, Inc.

Way to Live Generously First Lutheran! Stay tuned for more details on these projects.

God bless your day, Cheryl L. Mahon

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Youth Group Events

High School— Night hike at Pulpit Rock! Eat dinner before you come, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and friends. Wear appropriate foot-wear, and bring a jacket. Middle School— Join us for a fantastic fiesta with a piñata and tacos. Bring friends. Both groups RSVP to Troyer at 719.200.5836.

Hello, my name is Kristi Hartford. I am currently attending Grand Canyon University to get a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Secondary Education with hopes

of becoming a high school biology teacher and a guide during the summers. I love everything outdoors and am passionate about loving people well. I’ve grown up being very involved in church youth programs and I’m more than excited to serve and be a part of this church! Thank you for welcoming me; I’m excited to get to know everyone.

Welcome Interns

Hello! My name is Troyer Morse. I just finished up my freshman year at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ taking classes in Mechanical Engineering. I have been a Young Life leader in high

school and finished Young Life Leader Training at GCU. I was also a student leader at First Presbyterian Church for a few years. I enjoy being in the outdoors while hiking, camping, and fishing. In this upcoming school year, I will be attending a trip to Spain, Thailand, and Guatemala with Adventures in Missions, studying Computer Programming and Entrepreneurship along with participating in ministry work. I am so

High School Mystery Trip Coming in July. Sign up now!

You don’t want to miss this! We are planning an extremely fun and unique trip for the kids entering grades 9-12. Details will be forthcoming. A parent meeting will be held in late June or early July.

KICK Team Training

Welcoming incoming 7th –12th graders. Youth are trained in leadership to help with children’s ministry. For new and returning team members. Sign up in church and bring a sack lunch.

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Toddler Tales

Bring your little ones to listen to a story, share in a snack, and do a craft or play some games. Parents and caregivers will stay with their children and enjoy coffee and bagels while playing along. We will have storytellers and volunteers for activities during the scheduled time. We invite parents to stick around and sit on the porch or bring kids to the playground after the Toddler Tales. This program will run concurrent with Kids Kamps that are formatted for elementary age kids and scheduled from 9:00 am-noon. To sign up for either program please visit the website at www.flccs.net.

Youth Ministry Congregational Inventory

In an ongoing effort to build upon our current Youth Ministry Program we would like to find out who might be interested in sharing their lives with the kids in our church family. Emails were sent to the congregation on May 1 that link to a Youth Ministry Congregational Inventory. If you are interested in participating or donating to this program, please fill this out as soon as possible. If you did not receive it, please call the church with your updated email address, and go to the following link to fill out the form: https://flccs.net/ministries/youth-ministry-help-form#, or contact Shelly Schmidt, Director of Children’s & Youth Ministry at 719.632.8836.

Vacation Bible School

Come join your old friends and bring a new friend for a faith-filled week of songs, stories, arts and activities. We gather together each day for fun activities led by staff from Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp and our own KICK team. This a great opportunity for kids to make new friends, learn about God, and hear everyday that Jesus loves them no matter what, and so do we. Registration and details will be available on our website under Youth at www.flccs.net.

Kids Kamp

Kids Kamps are back for another summer! Come to learn and play through stories, games, crafts and snacks! Check the church website, www.flccs.net, for information and registration details.

No Sunday School May 26 or June 2.

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COMING THIS SPRING AND SUMMER

Concert Encounters With Heaven

This concert interweaves elegant harp music and vocal harmonies with true stories of those who have experienced God’s surprising presence in encounters with heaven, miracles, angels, Jesus and more. The repertoire includes beautiful renditions of peaceful Christian music, beloved hymns, and even a couple popular favorites that can be seen as having spiritual overtones: What a Wonderful World (gratitude for God’s creation) and Somewhere Over the Rainbow (looking forward to heaven). All are invited to attend.

Southeast CO Women Of ELCA Gathering

For our Spring event, Pastor Julie Britsch will lead us to understand and practice methods of reading the Bible using devotional , historical, literary, and Lutheran theological reading. Bring your Bible, a tote bag and join in a continental breakfast, lunch, and Bible study. Registration deadline is Thursday, May 30th, and registration fee is $35. Registration forms are at the Welcome Center. For more information and registration please contact Deb Haar at 719-650-5688, or email harrdap@ hotmail.com.

Last Sunday May Food & Clothing Drive

We need your help restocking Ecumenical Social Ministries’ food pantry with unexpired, nonperishable food items during the month of May.

Especially needed: Bottled water Mac & cheese Canned soup Peanut butter Canned meat

Book Discussion Group

The book for the June meeting of the Book Discussion Group is Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. From the bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You comes her second book. It’s a riveting story that traces the intertwined fates of the picture-

perfect Richardson family and their enigmatic mother, who upends their lives. The New York Times called it “An utterly engross-ing, often heartbreaking, deeply empathetic expe-rience. Who sets little fires everywhere? We keep reading to find out, even as we suspect it could be us with ash on our hands.”

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Trail Trekkers’ May Schedule

Gill Trail (west of Deckers) This trail parallels the South Platte River with great views of the canyon below and dramatic granite domes of the Rampart Range. The canyon area is the home of the rare Pawnee Montane Skipper Butterfly. We’ll have lunch on the trail. There may be a surprise "stop" after the hike. We’ll return to the Springs late afternoon. Rated easy to moderate with elevation gain at the begin-ning. A 4-6 mile hike. Sign up in church or e-mail Judy if you plan to join us. (outdoorjudy@comcast.net)

Peel House Storytellers

If you have a story of a special event that you experienced in the Peel House, we want to know. As we prepare to renovate the old Jewett mansion, we would love to capture the meaning that it holds for our members and the community. We want people to share with others the moments the house has been an important part of your life. Baptisms, weddings, worship, Sunday school, parties, special events – anything that you have been a part of, we want to share with our community. Please contact Pastor Carrie at carrie@flccs.net and find out how you can share your story.

Seeds of Joy Garden Group

Seeds of Joy garden group will NOT meet on the second Wednesday of June. Instead the group will meet on June 6th, the first Thursday. The change is to accommodate the Spring planting project. The group will resume the normal schedule of the second Wednesday in July. All gardeners and potential gardeners are invited to join the group.

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for the Pikes Peak Habitat building of a new home for a special family. There are two shifts; the first from 8:30 am to noon, and the second from 1:00 to 4:30 pm, or you can work the full day. Volunteers are also needed to prepare and serve lunch. If you’d like to help, please sign up on the opportunity sheet in church. Direct any questions to Marcia at 719.632.8836, or email to marcia@flccs.net.

Our Daily Bread Quarterly Devotionals Delayed

Shipment of Our Daily Bread daily devotionals has been delayed. Copies will hopefully be available by Sunday, June 2 or later that week. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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The Celebration Ringers leave on their concert tour on Wednesday, June 5. Concert stops include Casper and Rock Springs in Wyoming, Park City and Salt Lake City in Utah, and Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs in Colorado. The group will play a variety of music including hymns, original handbell music and gospel.

Parish House Baroque (with our own Elisa Wicks on baroque violin and Eric Wicks on harpsichord) joins forces with the Compline Choir of Grace and

St. Stephen’s in a beautiful afternoon program featuring a seven-part cantata by Buxtehude – a meditation on Jesus and his graciousness. This concert, part of the Taylor Series, is also Parish House Baroque’s 2018 – 2019 season finale.

Add these two musical events to your calendar:

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Regularly Scheduled Sunday Adult Seminar 9:15 am in the Worship Center Pastor’s Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:00 am in the Fireside Room Cancer Prayer Support Group Saturday, May 25, 10:00 am in the Library Sign up in church, or call 719.447.6068. Baptism Seminar Tuesday, June 11, 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.

Coming Soon May Food & Clothing Drive Through the end of the month at FLCCS Youth Groups Friday, May 24, Youth Center High School, 7:00-9:30 pm Middle School, 4:30-6:30 pm Befriending Brother Death Saturday, May 25, 10:00 am, in the Fireside Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin Celebration Ringers Send-Off Tuesday, June 4, 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary Trail Trekkers Hiking Club Thursday, May 30, 9:00 am Gill Trail, west of Deckers Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Confirmation June 2, 10:45 service, Reception follows

Graduate Recognition Reception Sunday, June 2, after 9:15 service, in Gathering Place Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Book Discussion Group Wednesday, June 5, 7:00 pm, in the Conference Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Seeds of Joy Garden Group Thursday, June 6, 9:00 am, in the Luther Hall Sign-up sheet in bulletin Southeast Colorado Women of ELCA Spring Gathering June 8, 9:00 am, Calvary Lutheran Church See page 26 for details Concert: Encounters With Heaven June 10, 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary Toddler Tales Toddlers – Preschool ages Thursdays, June 20 & 27, July 11,

9:30 to 11:00 am, in the Peel House

Kids Kamp Grades 1-5, Thursdays, June 20 & 27, July 11,

9:00 am to noon, in Peel House Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Saturday, June 29, two shifts, 8:30 am-noon, or 1:00-4:30 pm Sign-up sheet in bulletin Vacation Bible School Preschool through 5th grade, July 15-19, 9:00 am to noon High School Youth Mystery Trip July 24-29, Details coming soon.

Great fun was had by all, and fabulous project ideas were presented at our Angel Tank event.

Betsy Tuma motivated and inspired the crowd at the well– attended Called to Create Women’s Spring Event.

Fifth graders meet for a farewell pancake breakfast this past Sunday. Present were youth interns, Kristi and Troyer.

Daniel Wicks played several selections on the piano for the Women’s Event.