First Things First

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 December 24, 2025-

January 7, 2026

Today is Christmas Eve Day!

It’s Christmas Eve Day and we would love to celebrate with you! Gather your family, friends and neighbors and come share in the joy, hope and wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ at First Lutheran Church.

And here’s a little bonus this year — with almost record-breaking warm temperatures expected, getting out to worship might be easier than ever. It may not be a white Christmas, but it will be a joyful one! Why not take advantage of the beautiful weather and join us?

Christmas Eve – TODAY

11:00 AM | Community Family & Children’s Service

A joyful, 30-minute service where children help tell the Christmas story through a fun and interactive Pop-Up Nativity. All ages — and all wiggles — are welcome.

3:30, 5:30 & 7:30 PM | Candlelight Services

Experience the beauty of Christmas through beloved carols, Holy Communion, candlelight, and inspiring music from brass, strings, bells, and choirs. A livestream option will be available at 3:30 PM.

After every Christmas Eve service, linger a little longer and enjoy cookies, hot cocoa and a festive Christmas photo booth.

Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25

10:00 AM | Christmas Day Worship

A service filled with the singing of cherished Christmas carols and Holy Communion — a peaceful way to celebrate the day.

We invite you to come and celebrate Christmas with us at First Lutheran Church. We can’t wait to worship with you — warm weather and all!

Holidays Bring a Change in Schedules

The church office will be closed on December 25 and 26 for the Christmas holiday and on January 1 in observance of New Year's Day.

There will be no worship service on Saturday, December 27. On Sunday, December 28, we will have a single worship service at 10:45 AM, which will be livestreamed.

Our communications ministry will be taking a brief break for the holidays. The First Things First e-newsletter will not be sent on December 31, resuming January 7.

To see which ministries are taking a break over the holiday season, please check the online calendar.

Epiphany Community Worship

Celebrate the season of Epiphany with the wider Lutheran community at a Community Epiphany Worship Service on Tuesday, January 6 at 6:30 PM at Grace Lutheran Church (2225 Washington Street).

This evening of worship brings together members from several Lincoln-area ELCA congregations — including First Lutheran Church — as we gather in unity to reflect on Christ revealed as light for the world.

A soup supper will be served prior to the service, offering a time for fellowship before worship begins.

All are invited to come, share a meal and worship together as one community during this season of light and revelation.

First Friday Jazz: Group Sax on January 2

Start the new year with something a little unexpected — and a lot of fun — at First Friday Jazz on Friday, January 2, from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM at First Lutheran.

This month’s concert features Group Sax, a fan favorite in the First Friday Jazz series. When four saxophones play together, something special happens — layers of sound weave, harmonies surprise and the music feels rich, full and delightfully different from anything you hear every day.

Made up of Paul Harr, Mark Benson, Ed Love and Scott Vicroy, Group Sax brings decades of experience to the stage — along with a great sense of musical conversation. Their program will include smooth jazz classics, original compositions and a few holiday seasonal tunes.

The concert is free and open to everyone. Take a long lunch, bring your own or purchase one onsite and invite a friend to join you!

End-of-Year Giving and 2026 Pledging

The deadline for 2025 contributions is Tuesday, December 31, at noon.

It’s not too late to make your 2026 pledge! We are currently at 96% of our $850,000 goal. You can complete your pledge online.

If you have already pledged (thank you!) and plan to give using offering envelopes, please pick them up from the table in the Gathering Area.

Upcoming Youth Events

Piggy Banks for Global Barnyard - Bring them to a Christmas Eve worship service today!

Christmas Eve Worship for Kids & Families - TODAY at 11:00 AM. Join us for a pop-up nativity! Interactive and fun for the whole family, treats and a fun activity to take home.

Christmas Eve Worship with Youth Music - TODAY at 3:30 PM. Youth will share music during worship

No Learning Hour or Youth Music - Sunday, December 28 and Sunday, January 4

First Friday Jazz Lunch Fundraiser - Friday, January 2 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM.

A fundraiser for our Pittsburgh summer trip and camp scholarships.

Volunteer as a Worship Assstant

This Week's First Glance

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