First Things First - Quiet Visitations

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 14, 2026

Quiet Visitations

by Kathleen Simley, Communications Director

When the world feels heavy and uncertain, many of us carry questions, worries and a longing for steadiness. In seasons like these, God often meets us not in loud answers, but in quiet reminders — nudging our hearts back to what truly matters. This reflection invites us to pay attention to the quiet, holy ways God comes near and walks with us. Even when much feels beyond our control, God continues to work within us, offering strength, grounding and grace for the journey.

Patience visited me

And it reminded me

That good things take time to come to fruition

And grow slowly with stability

Peace visited me

And it reminded me

That I may remain calm through the storms of life

Regardless of the chaos surrounding me

Hope visited me

And it reminded me

That better times lay ahead

And it would always be there to guide and uplift me

Humility visited me

And it reminded me

That I may achieve it

Not by trying to shrink myself and make myself less

But by focusing on serving the world and uplifting those around me

Kindness visited me

And it reminded me

To be more gentle, forgiving and compassionate toward myself

And those surrounding me

Confidence visited me

And it reminded me

To not conceal or suppress my gifts and talents

In order to make others feel more comfortable

But to embrace what makes me me

Focus visited me

And it reminded me

That other people’s opinions and perspectives

Are shaped by their own journeys

And I am called to gently return my attention

To mine

Freedom visited me

And it reminded me

That no one has control over my mindset, thoughts and wellbeing

But me

And love visited me

And it reminded me

That I need not search for it in others

As it lies within me.

Last Annual Meeting Preview Session This Sunday

Curious about what’s ahead for the coming year? Join us for our second Annual Meeting Preview Session this Sunday, January 18, from 9:30–10:30 AM in the Activity Center. This is an opportunity to look over the 2026 spending plan, ask questions, share your thoughts and meet the nominees for elected office.

You can find Nominee Profiles online. The Annual Report will be available on the Resources page of our website by Friday, January 16. You can also grab a printed copy of both from the church office or at the preview session.

And be sure to save the date! Our Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 12:30 PM. Come a little early at 11:30 AM for a spaghetti lunch hosted by our high school youth — a great way to enjoy a meal together while supporting their summer trip to Pittsburgh, PA.

Offering Warmth & Dignity: Winter Clothing Drive

Winter can be an especially vulnerable time for people returning to the community after incarceration. Many individuals being released from Lancaster County Corrections were arrested during warmer months and are now facing winter with little more than the clothes they were wearing at the time. First Lutheran has an opportunity to respond with compassion and care.

At the invitation of a congregation member who serves as a Re-Entry Specialist at County Corrections, we are hosting a winter clothing in-gathering to help provide warmth, dignity and support during this important transition.

From January 18 through February 1, the Social Ministry Team, in partnership with the Community Connections and Collaborations Team, will collect new or gently used clothing in the Gathering Space. Items are needed for adult men and women, with a greater need for men.

Needed items include:

Winter coats, hats and gloves
Sweatshirts, T-shirts, sweatpants and jeans
Socks
Tennis shoes and boots
Backpacks or duffle bags

Please make sure items are clean/laundered and that pockets are checked before donating.

Your generosity helps offer warmth, dignity and hope when it’s needed most. Thank you for being part of this caring response.

Make a Difference on Mondays

Every Monday on Mandy West’s day off, volunteers help keep things running smoothly in the office by offering a friendly, welcoming presence to visitors and callers. Two shifts are available: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM and 12:30–4:30 PM. Responsibilities include answering phones, greeting guests and taking messages. Mandy is happy to help volunteers get comfortable with the phone system and a simple instruction guide will be available. If you’re interested, contact Harold Sutter (402-440-4858) or Gay Sutter (402-432-3749).

Upcoming Youth Events

Little Free Pantry, Lunch & Bowling - Monday, January 19 (No school!) - 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!

Confirmation (6:00 PM) and High School Youth Group (6:30 PM) - Wednesday, January 21

Annual Meeting and Spaghetti Meal - Sunday, January 25 at 11:30 AM; Hosted by middle and high school youth. Desserts are needed! Sign up here

Teachers needed for Sunday Morning Learning Hour! Sign up here!

Looking Ahead

Camp Sunday - February 1 (During worship)

First Lutheran 201 - 4-week class led by Pastor Erin and based on Daniel Erlander’s book Baptized, We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life. February 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 9:30-10:30 AM

Mardi Gras Pancake Feed - Tuesday, February 17 from 5:00-7:30 PM

Ash Wednesday Worship - Wednesday, February 18 at Noon and 6:30 PM

Holden Evening Prayer Midweek Lenten Worship - February 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25 at Noon and 6:30 PM