First Things First - Christmas Memories, Annual Meeting & 2026 Budget and Sunday Lunch Out

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Making disciples of

Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

A weekly newsletter from First Lutheran Church, created to inspire and connect you with meaningful ministries and opportunities to live out your faith - within our church, our community, the world and your everyday life.

Highlights for the Week of January 7, 2026

As Christmas Fades, the Light Remains

As the Christmas season comes to a close we invite you to take one more moment to linger in the beauty of Christmas Eve at First Lutheran.

This video captures the music, candlelight, carols and joy that filled our worship. Watch and be reminded that the light we welcomed at Christmas continues to shine into the world.

Get Ready for the Annual Meeting Preview Sessions

Join us for our annual meeting preview sessions on January 11 and 18, from 9:30–10:30 AM in the Activity Center. These sessions are a great chance to review the 2026 spending plan and meet the nominees for elected office. Each session covers different topics so we encourage you to attend both.

The 2025 Annual Report and nominee bios will be posted on our website's Resources page by January 16. You can also pick up printed copies at the church office or during the previews.

Save the date for our annual meeting on Sunday, January 25, at 12:30 PM. Come early at 11:30 AM for a spaghetti lunch hosted by our high school youth to support their summer trip to Pittsburgh, PA.

Sustaining Sacred Spaces for Generations to Come

What began in the 1960s as a vision of Nebraska Lutherans gathering on borrowed campsites has grown into a ministry shaping generations. With the gifts of Carol Joy Holling Camp in 1974 and Sullivan Hills Camp in 1995, Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) became a place to nurture faith, honor creation and renew lives.

Today, NLOM continues this mission, welcoming over 20,000 people each year through summer camps, retreats and conferences.

For 60 years, NLOM has faithfully answered God’s call. Today, that mission continues through the Sustaining Sacred Spaces Campaign. This initiative focuses on preserving the natural beauty of the grounds, revitalizing cherished spaces like The Grove and The Buckley Center and modernizing the family campground to meet today’s needs.

Consider the significance of your own sacred spaces—then join individuals, families and congregations across Nebraska in a shared mission to preserve these cherished spaces for generations to come.

Learn More About the Sacred Spaces Campaign and Make Your Gift Here

Making a Joyful Noise this Sunday

The Malone Community Center has served the Lincoln community since 1955 with a mission to eliminate multigenerational poverty and build unity and opportunity for all. Malone provides support across the lifespan through early childhood education, youth programs, leadership development, health and wellness initiatives and family support services. By meeting people where they are and investing in long-term growth, Malone helps strengthen families and create brighter futures throughout our community.

Let’s make a joyful noise for the Malone Community Center during Sunday’s offering! Bring your coins, dollar bills and checks and be ready to drop them into the silver pot as we joyfully support this important partner in our community.

Learn More About the Malone Community Center

Don & Millie’s Sunday: Dine Out, Give Back

Make lunch count this Sunday at Don & Millie's - 84th & O Street! When you stop in for a meal and mention First Lutheran Church, 20% of your tab will be donated back to the church.

Want to double the impact? Pay with a RaiseRight gift card and an additional 20% comes back to First Lutheran.

100% of all proceeds will go to our 2025 Gifts of Hope partners—Mosaic, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, ECHO Collective, OutNebraska, Las Abejitas Bilingual Education Center, and the Lincoln Food Bank BackPack Program, just to name a few.

So take a break from cooking, treat yourself to lunch and support local partners making a difference. Pick up your RaiseRight Don & Millie’s gift card on Sunday morning in the Gathering Area from 9:30–10:30 AM or stop by the church office during the week.

Enjoy lunch and give back while you’re at it!

Upcoming Youth Events

Confirmation (6:00 PM) & Youth Group (6:30 PM) - TONIGHT!

Sunday Learning Hour & Music - Sunday, January 11 from 9:30-10:30 AM; Teachers needed! Sign up here!

Little Free Pantry, Lunch & Bowling - Monday, January 19 (No school!) - Join Pr Erin and Lillie to restock the Little Free Pantry, followed by lunch and bowling at Sun Valley Games. Lunch and bowling are covered. Middle and high school youth meet at church at 10:30 AM to carpool. RSVP to Lillie by January 16!