First Things First - Volunteer Recognition, Council and Financial Update and More News You Can't Miss!

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 July 22, 2026

This Sunday, July 26, at 10:45 AM, we will gather for a special Town Hall and Volunteer Appreciation Brunch—a time to come together as a congregation, enjoy a free hot brunch and celebrate the many people who help make ministry happen at First Lutheran.

Our volunteers are the heart of First. They are the hands and feet of God’s work in this place and beyond our walls. They welcome worshipers, teach children and youth, prepare meals, care for neighbors, make music, serve communion, tend gardens, support community partners, offer rides, lead groups and quietly take care of countless details that often go unseen.

Through their time, gifts and faithful presence, volunteers help us live out our mission of being disciples of Jesus Christ. Every act of service—whether large or small—helps create a community where people are known, welcomed, supported and reminded of God’s limitless love.

This gathering is an opportunity to say thank you, but it is also an invitation. Those who may be interested in stepping into a volunteer role will hear about the many ministries happening at First Lutheran and discover how their own interests, passions and skills might be a good fit.

Ministry does not belong only to staff members, pastors, committees or longtime volunteers. It belongs to all of us. Each person has gifts to share and there is a place for everyone—whether you can help once, serve occasionally or make an ongoing commitment.

You do not need special experience or all the answers. You simply need a willingness to step forward, connect with others and discover how God might work through you.

Come to the Town Hall and Volunteer Appreciation Brunch this Sunday at 10:45 AM. Celebrate the people who serve so faithfully, learn more about the ministries we share and consider where your gifts might help make a difference.

Don’t Miss Your Place in the First Lutheran Member Directory

If you are reading this and you have not indicated how you plan to be included in the First Lutheran Member Photo Directory keep reading...

The first thing we want you to know is that we would love to include you! Our goal is 100% participation so the directory reflects the people who make up our faith community. Whether you live across town or across the country, you are still part of our First Lutheran family.

Please choose one of these options:

Submit Your Own Photo

Click here to let us know you will provide a photo to be included.

Have Your Photo Taken

Click here to sign up for a photo session between now and the end of August.

The completed directory will be available online, with printed copies offered for a minimal cost.

Your inclusion matters. Please take a moment today to let us know how you plan to be part of the directory!

Congregational Council Monthly Update

by Rod Johnson, Congregational Council President

The words and theme from this past Sunday’s summer choir anthem, This Little Light of Mine, as arranged by Joel Raney, were very appropriate for this Council update and the weeks ahead -

“When the world grows dark around you, there’s a way to make things right, just reach out and help a neighbor. Reach down deep in your heart and turn on the light.”

Your Council during the past few meetings, has been discussing short and long-term goals for the Council and First Lutheran Church. We started with a list of accomplishments the past year

and then moved into identifying specific areas to concentrate on. I encourage everyone to attend the Town Hall Brunch and Volunteer Appreciation this Sunday, the 26th at 10:45 AM, being sponsored by the Council, where we will begin to share our thoughts and goals with you.

The one area of emphasis we have continued to concentrate on is our community. You can define community in many ways, our church family, the neighborhood around us, our city or county, or the world we live in. Each of these definitions opens opportunities for us to “just reach out and help a neighbor. Reach down deep in your heart and turn on the light”. Again, I encourage you to attend the Sunday Town Hall to learn more and share your ideas.

In other Council business, we reviewed the staff and committee reports, the June financials as found elsewhere in this newsletter, received a staff update from Pastor Andrew and briefly discussed the work of the Constitution Review Committee, who are working to bring our church constitution up to meeting the Synod recommendations.

Committee liaisons reported on their various committees, and we approved the Property Committee recommendations for replacing the dishwasher, which has been a constant problem since 2023.

There are several activities and opportunities planned, watch for those announcements.

All are invited to the Council meetings on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 7:00 PM.

Again, hope to see you at the Town Hall Brunch!

Read the Council, Staff and Committee Reports

June Financial Update

by Tyler Fleischacker, Church Accountant

As we move through the summer months, we remain grateful for the faithful generosity of our congregation and for the careful stewardship that supports First Lutheran’s ministries. While monthly income and expenses naturally fluctuate, our year-to-date financial position continues to reflect several encouraging signs.

June ended with a deficit of $15,525. Even with that monthly shortfall, First Lutheran continues to have a year-to-date surplus of $18,714.

June expenses were somewhat higher because we sent the full annual payment of $4,896 to Justice in Action. At the same time, offerings remain above budget, and utility expenses continue to be below budget—an improvement from this time last year.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support of First Lutheran’s mission and ministries.

As always, please reach out to me with any questions.

Youth Sunday and Summer Recap -Sunday, August 2. Join us for our final Youth Sunday of the summer! Let Lillie know if you'd like to help with worship — a few spots are still available! After worship, campers and youth who traveled to Pittsburgh will share their stories and experiences in the Chapel at 10:40 AM.

Backpack Blessing - Sunday, August 9. Bring your backpack and receive a blessing and a tag for the coming academic year.

2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Informational Meeting - Sunday, August 30 at 10:40 AM in the Activity Center to learn about the Gathering in Minneapolis and First Lutheran's attendance plans. Open to all high school youth and parents/guardians.