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 November 11, 2026 | | |
Thank you, First Lutheran-you are responding in big ways to our season of stewardship! On Sunday we got to celebrate your generosity and God’s faithfulness, and this week we’re closing in even more on our pledge goal for 2027. We’re almost 90% there!
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been sitting with 2 Corinthians 9:8-12. I always like to read Scripture in a couple different translations, so here are those verses from The Message to keep in front of you this week:
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
What great promises we’ve been given! God can and indeed does pour on the blessings in astonishing ways, is extravagant with us, and always gives us something we can give away. There’s something pretty miraculous about the way God multiplies blessings, so that we can be generous with those blessings, reflecting God’s own grace-full extravagance.
I see that multiplying of ministry all the time at First Lutheran. We have some great opportunities for you to be involved in that. Did you know that we have two Bible studies that meet weekly? Join Pastor Andrew on Tuesday evenings at 5:45 PM in the Upper Room for a study of Romans and join me on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 AM in the Lower Level Blue 3 as we read through and discuss the book of Jonah. Come for community, faith formation and great discussion.
This Sunday, sixth graders and parents/grandparents can join me for a Kids & Money milestone class (9:30 AM in Lower Level Blue 3). That means we’ll bring kids and families together to learn more about how God intends for us to use the gift of money. And there’s a Veteran’s Day celebration in the Activity Center between services to honor our veterans. Of course, we have FaithTrek for children and Faithful Conversations for adults during the learning hour, too. Truly something for everyone!
See you in church,
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Hear This Week's Abundance Story
“...this ministry...overflows with many thanksgivings to God." ~2 Cor. 9:12
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First Lutheran members Fred Ohles and Mark Mesarch have a little fun with what it takes to serve as an acolyte. Memorize a 300-plus-page training manual and then take a test? Sure, Fred and Mark! Behind the jokes is a good reminder that stewardship also means sharing the skills, experiences and passions God has given us.
Where do you feel called to grow, serve, learn or lead? Complete or update your Time, Talents and Interests Inventory in Realm or download the form. We’ll connect you with ministries and volunteer opportunities that match your interests!
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Reflect & Pray
Reflect: How is God inviting you to let generosity overflow through your life?
Pray: Abundant God, receive the commitments we make and the gifts we share. May our generosity overflow into lives changed, relationships strengthened, needs met and your love made visible in the world. Amen.
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Let Your Blessings Flow
As our Every Blessing in Abundance campaign comes to a close, our stewardship does not. We continue, every day and throughout the year, to decide how we will share the blessings God has entrusted to us—through our financial gifts, our time, our talents, our passions and the ways we care for one another.
Thank you to everyone who has already made a 2027 pledge. Together, we have reached 90% of our $850,000 goal in less than 2 weeks! Wow!
If you have not yet pledged, there is still time. You may make your commitment whenever you are ready, but an earlier pledge is especially helpful as Church Council and staff begin planning faithfully for the 2027 budget and the ministry we hope to carry forward together.
And as we consider what we will give, may we also remember why we give. All that we have is first a gift from God. We are blessed not simply to hold those gifts, but to share them in ways that reflect the life and love of Jesus.
At First Lutheran, that means continuing to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and accompanying others through discipling, embracing, partnering, welcoming and advocating. Our gifts make that calling possible.
The campaign may be ending, but the invitation remains: How will God’s abundance continue to overflow through you?
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When we look back over the past year, it’s hard not to be grateful for all the ways you have shown up, shared your gifts and helped bring ministry to life at First Lutheran. This video offers just a glimpse of what that looks like as we accompany others through discipling, welcoming, partnering, advocating and embracing.
God has blessed us with so much—and those blessings are meant to be shared. Through our time, talents, compassion and presence, we become the hands and feet of Jesus for one another and for our neighbors. May this be both a celebration of what has been and an invitation to keep living that calling together.
| | Generosity Creates a Ripple Effect | | | |  | On Commitment Sunday, Aaron Renkenberger of Mosaic shared how Mosaic’s long history of serving people with intellectual disabilities continues today through relationships and partnerships that help individuals connect with their communities and live the lives they choose. | | |
First Lutheran is grateful to be part of that story by welcoming Mosaic Day Services into our building each weekday. Sharing space can create connection. Partnership can create belonging. And making room for others can open possibilities we may never have imagined. It is a reminder that generosity often reaches far beyond the original gift.
The Mosaic story is also a beautiful example of what it can look like to live out our vocation as a welcoming, embracing and partnering congregation and how God can use what we share to make a difference in the lives of others.
Watch Aaron’s Commitment Sunday message and hear more about Mosaic’s ministry, our partnership and the difference that shared generosity can make.
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B-I-N-G-O with the Seasoned Adults | | |
Seasoned Adults, sharpen those bingo skills and get ready for an afternoon of laughs, prizes and friendly competition!
Join us Thursday, November 19, from 2:00–3:30 PM in the Activity Center at First Lutheran. Prizes have been donated by and in honor of retired Visitation Pastor Marsha Anderson, so you’ll have even more reason to keep an eye on those cards and be ready to shout BINGO!
Once the last number is called, stick around for refreshments and conversation.
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Reserve your spot through Realm, the church office or in the Gathering Area on Sunday morning. You may also RSVP or ask questions by contacting Len Nelson at 402-489-2290 or Arlene Nelson at 402-730-5451. Please leave a message if needed.
Bring your lucky streak, your competitive spirit or just come for the treats and good company!
| | Gather Around the Table This Thanksgiving | | | | |
There’s always room for one more at the table! Join us at First Lutheran for a warm and welcoming Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 26, at noon. Come on your own or bring family and friends and share the holiday with your First Lutheran community.
Hosted by the Fellowship Committee, we will provide the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy. Please bring a vegetable, salad or dessert to share.
Come enjoy a delicious meal, plenty of conversation and the joy of being together on Thanksgiving Day.
Please RSVP online or through Realm by November 22.
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Coffee for a Cause Fundraiser ends on Saturday, November 14 - Download an order form!
Children & Youth Commitment Sunday - Sunday, November 15. Bring your commitment cards to place in the offering plate during worship!
6th Grade Stewardship Milestone Class - Sunday, November 15 at 9:30 AM. Students will be recognized during the 10:45 AM worship service.
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FaithTrek, Middle, & High School Parent Brunch - Sunday, November 22 at 9:30 AM in Blue 3. We're asking parents to come and share how we can accompany you in your child's faith journey!
Register for the Winter Retreat for 7-12th Grade - December 27 (5:00 PM)-December 29 (11:00 AM) at American Lutheran Church! Sign up! Pay the $20 registration fee with cash or check to Lillie. Checks can be made out to First Lutheran Church with "Winter Retreat" in the memo line.
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Veteran's Day Recognition & Continental Breakfast - Sunday, November 15; 9:30 AM in the Activity Center. Learn more!
Community Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, November 22 at 3:00 PM, The South Street Temple, 2061 S. 20th Street, Lincoln. Coordinated by the Faith Coalition of Lancaster County. Sing in the community choir! Learn more.
Gifts of Hope Market - Saturday, December 5 (online only) and Sunday, December 6 (in-person 8:30 AM-12:30 PM and online)
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| | | Helpful Resources and Links | | | | |
