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 October 8, 2025

Accompanying Others: The Call to Disciple

At First Lutheran, "discipling" is how we accompany each other. It means helping each other follow Jesus and grow spiritually through four simple practices: learning, serving, worshiping and praying.

Learning means staying curious and open to new ideas. This could mean Bible studies, workshops or discussing faith with others.

Serving means following Jesus’ example by helping others, volunteering and sharing your skills and passions.

Worshiping is gathering as a community to respond to God’s goodness. Inviting others to join you shares that sense of community.

Praying is talking with God and supporting each other—through prayer groups, texting a friend a prayer or simply letting someone know you're praying for them.

As our "What We Can Do" campaign continues, ask: What can I do to commit to learning, serving, worshiping or praying, and encourage someone else to join me? Every step, big or small, strengthens your faith and invites others to grow.

In this week's "What We Can Do" stewardship message, Pastor Bill reminds us that our commitment to discipleship endures, even amidst life's challenges, finding new purpose in those very moments.

Time's Ticking: Help Us Reach Our 2026 Stewardship Goal!

We're currently 18% of the way toward our stewardship goal of $850,000 for 2026, and with only 12 days left in the campaign, we still have a long way to go! A huge thank you to everyone who has already pledged their support for next year. Your contributions bring our ministries to life and help fund our essential day-to-day operations, including worship expenses, local and global outreach, utilities and building maintenance.

Our Budget Committee put together a proposed budget for 2026, and that $850,000 campaign total is what we will need to keep doing the work we're called to do. Your pledge is very important in helping us hit this realistic financial goal. Your pledge is crucial in helping us reach this important financial goal. If you have not yet pledged, we kindly ask for your thoughtful consideration. Committing as soon as possible will allow the committee to move forward with their essential planning.

Let's work together to get that progress bar closer to our $850,000 goal this week by making your pledge today!

All are welcome, including your furry friends and companions for a pet blessing! (Please ensure they are safely leashed or in a carrier.)

Please RSVP by October 14 on Realm or online so we don’t end up with a terrifying shortage of food. Let us know how many ghouls and goblins you’re bringing and if you have any dietary needs (like being gluten-frightened).

Mark your calendar for one hoot of a time!

• What: A night of trampolines, warrior courses, climbing walls and hanging out with friends.
• When: Monday, October 13th, from 6 PM to 8 PM.
• Where: Meet at First Lutheran Church to carpool to the park.
• Cost: $24 per person. Pizza will be provided by the church! If you don't have the required gripper socks, we'll cover those for you. You may want to bring extra money for drinks or snacks from the cafe.
• How to Sign Up: Submit your payment and completed waivers to Lillie to reserve your spot.

Save the Date: Summer 2026 Trip to Pittsburgh!

We are so excited to announce our high school summer accompaniment trip! We'll be heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for an unforgettable week of service and fellowship.

• Who: All current high school students.
• When: July 6-12, 2026.
• Registration: The deadline to register is November 19th. A registration fee of $150 is due to Lillie to secure your place.

If you have any questions about the Urban Air night or the Pittsburgh trip, please don't hesitate to reach out to Lillie at ymc@flclincoln.org.

Calling All Wild Women - It's Mystery Night!

Ready for a Monday that’s anything but ordinary? Join the Wild Women of First for a night packed with soup, snacks and sleuthing! Whether you’re sprouting your first gray hair or just outgrowing pigtails, this event is for every wild woman out there.

Here’s the scoop (pun intended):

• When: Monday, October 20, 6–8 PM
• Where: The Forum, 6301 S 58th Street, Lincoln

On the agenda: solving our “Mystery at the Church”! Flex those detective muscles, laugh till your sides hurt and maybe crack the case—no secret decoder ring required.

Bring your appetite—homemade soup and snacks are on the menu. Bring your heart too—we’re collecting women’s hygiene items to donate to a local cause (who says superheroes don’t carry toiletries?).

Worried about getting there? Don’t! Fellow wild women are offering free Uber services because nothing can stand in the way of a great night out.

RSVP on Realm or email karibrandt@hotmail.com. Friends are not just welcome—they’re encouraged! Bring one, bring five, just don’t miss the fun!

Wild, witty and maybe a little mysterious—you in?