First Things

I am enjoying the beautiful sunshine streaming in the office window today. All the snow sparkling and brilliant white across the church lawns. It is an idyllic scene. A beautiful winter scene that disguises the bitter cold that encircles the buildings. After a warm dry December, winter has come and the bone chilling cold lays heavy on the land.

This is the Season of Epiphany in the Church Year, a time to look at the Gospel that touches all people. A time to pray, plan, and celebrate the mission of the Church around the world and in our own community. A new Congregation Council has been installed and will be hard at work fulfilling our mission, “Growing God’s Love through Christ.”

The Worship & Music Spiritual Unit and I are actively planning the Lenten schedule for February, March, & April. (Easter is April 8.) We are working with St. James and St. John’s for midweek services this year. Having all 3 ELCA churches in Rock Island celebrating Lent together is a great adventure. So, be prepared for worship at a site different than First Lutheran and different styles of liturgy.

At First Lutheran, we will be meditating on the “Tree of Life,’ with the birch tree as an example of life in the church. If you are acquainted with Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree, you will see the parallels with the “Tree of Life,’ and the love of a God who gives us everything we need.

I look forward to the weeks ahead as the sun shining through my window moves higher on the horizon and its warmth envelopes and thaws the frozen world outside.

Shalom,

Pastor Mayer

Christmas

It’s here!
It’s finally here!
We have been waiting,
Oh so long.
But, now it’s here!
It’s finally here!

The Day of Promise,
That Day so Dear.
The Day of Glory
That dispels all fear.
The days of waiting
Now seem so fleeting.
Is all now prepared
For Emmanuel to appear?

The lights are all lit,
The tree is all trimmed,
The cookies all baked,
The presents all wrapped,
All is prepared.
It seemed a dream,
A story, a tale.
Is it all real,
This Emmanuel deal?

This Babe was born,
So long ago,
In that stable so cold.
And now, we are told,
He comes in Glory foretold.

What can I give Him?
What does he need?
My devotion, my love,
My service, my all?
Yes, these are the gifts
For a Savior.
These are all gifts
From the heart.

Pastor Mayer

Advent

O Lord, Our Lord,

We wait for thee.

Generation after Generation,

We wait, O Lord,

For thy coming,

Savior, Immanuel,

Messiah and King.

O Lord, Our Lord,

King of the Universe,

Great is thy Mercy,

Eternal thy Reign.

We await thy coming again.

Children of the King,

The Watchmen Cry,

The Lord is nigh!

Awake, do not sleep,

Your call as servant keep,

Maranatha, we wait.

Pastor Mayer

Looking out the office windows this week, my senses have been flooded with the muted colors of the trees that abound on the church property. A Fall rain was on the way and the sky was getting overcast as the first rain drops fell, resonating on the dry leaves. The mild temperature encouraged me to open the windows and let the fresh air flow through the room. It was a still morning; the traffic was light and an enfolding peace surrounded the Parish House and Church before the activity of the day overran the scene and quiet.

What a jewel we have here in the center of the City. A part of the “emerald necklace” that follows the ridge above the District and Broadway (Longview Park, First Lutheran, Rock Island Center for Math & Science, Hauberg, Woolworth). I know of no other congregation located in such a beautiful setting. We have a great deal to be thankful for. Here we have a respite, a retreat, amidst the rush and craziness of the city. We have opportunity to refresh and renew, away from the heaviness of everyday activity.

Going into November, many thoughts flow over me as I write this article for the newsletter. I believe Thanksgiving is the most prominent thought for this time of year. Thanksgiving for our wonderful “jewel” here in Rock Island. Thanksgiving for all of the faithful stewards who have sacrificed to make sure that the property is maintained. Thanksgiving for the ministry that flows from First Lutheran into the community and world. Thanksgiving for faithful workers, volunteers, who live and spread the love of God in so many ways. Thanksgiving for grace-filled givers who support the ministries of the church through their offerings. Thanksgiving. Blessed are you, Lord God of heaven and earth, who brings forth the fruit of the earth, who saves us through Jesus Christ, who fills us with the Holy Spirit to follow your call and live thankfully.

Pastor Mayer

“Listen. Listen, God is calling, through the Word inviting, offering forgiveness, comfort, and joy.”

Our Stewardship Financial Response Emphasis this year includes walking, listening, and giving.

Listen to the Word of God as it calls us to ministry; ministry at First Lutheran, ministry in world missions and hunger, ministry in caring for the poor, homeless, and underemployed.

Listen to the Word, for it is calling you, inviting you to “walk as a child of the light.”

In all that we do as Christians, we “walk by faith and not by sight.” We can rationalize ourselves into fretting about every aspect of our lives. We can worry beyond the norm about today, about yesterday, about tomorrow. Jesus freed us from irrational worry. He wants us to walk by faith. Walk in the knowledge that we are saved by God’s love, a free gift so that we are able to live daily in the good news being generous stewards of all that God has given us.

“We give thee but thine own. Whate’er the gift may be; all that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from thee.” This quote from the well-known, familiar hymn says it all. Everything we have is God’s. We own nothing. It has been given to us to care for, to nurture, to use for the ministry which God has called us to. God has called us to be give generously from what we have been entrusted. Know the joy of generous giving and support the Lord’s ministry at First Lutheran by pledging and giving generously throughout the year.

Pastor Mayer

Summer 2011 Re-Creation

In the beginning:
There was Vacation Bible School, attended by children and taught by adults and teens.
And it was Good!

The Sun rose in the sky high, day and night were equal, weather was mild, Midsummer came and went.
And it was Good!

The Synod Assembly at Augustana renewed friendships and affirmed ministry.
And it was Good!

We jazzed it up a bit; sang, danced, and clapped our hands.
And it was Good!

Bells rang, soloists sang, brass sounded, dancing around the altar, organ and piano sang out.
And it was Good!

Pies, ice cream, cookies, and fellowship were enjoyed by many.
And it was Good!

Vacations and school, Folk Arts and learning, hot days and mild, rain and humidity, planning and growing, stewardship and ecology.
And it was Good!

Remembering and celebrating, forgiving and praying.
And it was Good!

“Re-Creating” Summer 2011

And it was very Good!

I am sitting in my air conditioned office trying to stay cool. The temperature is comfortable, but my body is in the “it’s HOT outside” mode. So, I am drinking water and trying to think cool. I look forward to a moderating of temperatures next week. Thinking of moderating temperatures, the time Judy & I spent at Grand Marais, Minnesota on Lake Superior was quite the contrast from this week. Day temps were in the mid 70s and nights in the 50s. It was very refreshing and relaxing. We saw old friends and made new ones as I attended North House Folk School classes. This was part of the re-creation that July is all about. After our week up North, the family and many friends gathered together the weekend of July 9 & 10 to celebrate my parents’ 65th Wedding Anniversary. Such a milestone!

Here at First we are re-creating on Sunday mornings, studying Mark 4:1-9. We talk about soils, seeds, and how we can become the seed of the Good News in the world. How can we be “Green Disciples?” How can we be Stewards of all that God has given us? How can we Celebrate Generosity in God’s creation? Join us at 9am in the Fellowship Hall.
July ends with the Bix Jazz Service at 10:15 on the 31st. Let’s end July in the black; remember to be generous in your offerings as we celebrate the Generosity of God.

August begins with the Ice Cream Social on the 7th. WELCA sponsors this fun Summer event each year. We invite the community and it is very well attended. We will have to see what the weather is before making the decision to have it on the church lawn or in the Fellowship Hall.

Rock Island Schools are all back in session August 3. Remember the children as you drive and keep a close watch for them coming and going from school. If you have meetings at the church, remember the traffic pattern on 20th Street and 16th Avenue during the morning and afternoon.

Have a good rest of summer in re-creation and keep cool.

Re-Creation/Recreation

The theme for the month of July is Recreation/Re-Creation. July is a month long associated with vacations, holidays, and church camp. I was introduced to the idea of Re-Creation by Pastor Jack Swanson, former Executive Director of the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) in Oregon, Illinois. It was an early focus on ecology and the wonder of God’s creation. The first lesson for Trinity Sunday is Genesis 1, a story of creation. It helps us put into focus who we are and whose we are. July is that time of year for relaxation, family, and fun; a time of recreation, a time of Sabbath Rest from the regular routine; a time to focus on Re-Creation of our bodies and spirits; a time to let the Holy Spirit re-create us for service in the world and kingdom of God.

This is also a time to begin thinking about Re-Creating at First Lutheran. During Adult Forum, from the middle of July into August, we will be studying how we can be better stewards of the earth, our time, our property, our resources, and our gifts, using the Augsburg Publishers’ Vacation Bible School Program, ReNew, as our guide. This study will include all kinds of events. Some activities will be inter-generational, with all ages together. At other times the age levels will be separated.

I invite you to come to the Parish House at 9:00am on Sunday mornings, beginning July 17th, and become a part of this opportunity. If you can’t come every week, please attend when you can. We will focus on the gifts which God has given us and see where those gifts lead us, as individuals, and as a community of faith.

Pastor Mayer

Update on “What’s Happening”

The Scandinavian Fest is over for another year. Despite inclement weather, it was a successful weekend. We saw many new people, shared heritage, food, music, kaffee & “kulture” with people of the bi-state area for 2 days. It was a good weekend that helps support the Arts program and Youth & Family at First Lutheran. Thank you to all who make this event so successful.

As I write this, I am looking ahead to an event that will have already taken place when you receive this – on Sunday 22May, the musical, “It’s cool in the Furnace,” presented by the children and some adults of the congregation. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego escape the fiery furnace. At coffee fellowship, we will have thanked our teachers for another year of dedicated service and celebrate Lisa Wolever’s 20 plus years of teaching. If you weren’t able to attend, please make an effort to thank her and all of our teachers.

May 25th, “Lyra” Russian Choir will have been here for an evening concert. First Lutheran has hosted Lyra 2 times before and we have been looking forward to their visit.

June 12 is Confirmation, with Brittany Anderson affirming her faith. We will also recognize our High School graduates that day at coffee fellowship. If you know of a graduate at any level, please get information to the newsletter. Also, in June, First Lutheran will host the Nova Singers for the second year, as they present, “An Out of the Ordinary” concert. The concert is 6:30pm June 12, based on WVIK. Vacation Bible School is the week of June 20, 9 – 11:30am, Monday – Friday. Bring your neighbor children, grandkids, nieces, and nephews for a fine week. The 24th of June is Midsummer at First, sponsored by American Scandinavian Association. The annual Jenny Lind concert will also be that evening, in the Church.

Bible Studies on Tuesday at 10:30am and Thursday at 6am continue as usual. Adult Forum will continue to meet through the summer on Sunday at 9am. The Folk Arts program on Thursday evenings at 6:30 continues with woodcarving and other arts; prayer quilts are made on Mondays at 6:30pm in the Parish House Sewing Room; campout weekend is in the planning stages; coffee houses are planned; kids and adults are off to church camp. Summer is here!

Enjoy, participate, and be led by the Holy Spirit this summer.

Pastor Mayer

Easter Greetings,

I want to thank everyone who participated and helped with the Holy Week and Easter liturgies:

Pam Edwards and the Choirs, Paige Anderson and the Bell Choir, Cyndy Dixon and the Youth Choir, the Special Musicians for Palm Sunday and Easter, the Lectors, Acolytes, Altar Guild, Melody McDannell for the sanctuary and Narthex Displays, Sylvia Martin and the “3 J’s” for the Breakfast and Coffee Fellowship, all of the Office Volunteers, Property and Maintenance Volunteers, and Wanda Esping for all her hours coordinating, calling, organizing, and being cheerful amidst chaos. Everyone’s help made this an exceptional Holy
Time and Celebration.

Some thoughts:

If life gives you too many eggs?
Make egg salad
Lemons,
Lemonade
Clothing,
Give it away
Food,
Feed the poor
Health,
Care for the sick
Seeds,
Plant gardens
Friends,
Enjoy each other
Quiet
Pray
Contentment
Share Shalom.
Live each day to the fullest
in love, peace, and joy.

Pastor Mayer

April     Lent     Easter

It is the first day of Spring as I write this note. There is a chill in the air after the warm weather on the 21st, so you realize that it is not going to be one of those seasons that goes from snow to 90° in a week. Predictions of a record flood on the Mississippi River have one focused on moving tools and other things stored in the basement to other locations that are higher. Storm water and sewer back-up are the main concern although “worst case scenario” has flood water at the foot of the stairs leading up to the house off 17th Street. No matter what happens, Spring flooding will be a reality for those on the Rock River and along the Mississippi on the Iowa side and in Illinois where there are no good levees. Check into sandbagging stations to help and remember residents in your prayers.

March 10 & 11, I took a short Lent Retreat to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center. It was a productive time of rest, reading, and reflection. I recommend such a time for anyone to renew your spirit and recharge your “batteries.” This is not vacation, where you plan outings and family events; this is Sabbath Time – time to stop the regular routine and let God speak to you, through nature, scripture, quiet, and rest,. It was a good way to start Lent and to focus on the 40 days leading up to Easter.

Holy Week begins April 17. Look at the calendar and set time aside to attend Worship during this important week of remembrance. The Easter Vigil at Augustana at 7:00pm will have a special celebration. Dan Berg’s son, Brian, will be baptized with proud Grandpa Gary Berg helping with the liturgy. Easter Sunrise at 6:30am, with a breakfast for the congregation sponsored by the Learning Spiritual Unit and Teachers to support Vacation Bible School. The Sunday School will meet and have a joint celebration before Festival Worship at 10:15.

Invite family and friends to join you at church for all of these opportunities to worship, praise, and celebrate our life in Christ.

Pastor Mayer

During the Wednesday services in Lent this year, we will be studying the Gospel of John, using the scripture study, That You May Have Life, by Susan Briehl and Marty Haugen.

Ash Wednesday, March 9
That You May Have Life
John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18

Lent I, March 16
Nicodemus
John 3:1-21

Lent II, March 23
The Woman of Samaria
John 4:1-26

Lent III, March 30
The Man Born Blind
John 9:1-41

Lent IV, April 6
Mary Martha, & Lazarus
John 11:1-44

Lent V, April 13
The Last Supper
Excerpts from John 13-15

Some of these lessons will be read on Sunday as well as on Wednesday. I encourage you to prepare yourself for our Lenten Scripture Study by reading the lessons ahead of time. This will familiarize you with these well-known stories from John and refresh your memory about the persons Jesus has contact with.

Make the Lenten Study your time of renewal in preparation for the Celebration of Easter.

Pastor Mayer

During the next few weeks of January and February, our Gospel lessons will be from Matthew’s Gospel and the Sermon on the Mount. In preparation for these coming weeks, I encourage you to read Matthew, Chapters 5, 6, & 7. Jesus presents a radical way of life for his followers.

In the fourth chapter, Jesus has called some of the disciples who are now hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. Jesus called them from their everyday work into the work of the Gospel.

Like them, Jesus calls us into the work of the Gospel. There are many calls and echoes of calls, like the call to serve on the Congregation Council or the call to help with a committee or the call to action when there are natural disasters, i.e. floods, earthquakes, fires, or famines. There is the call of organizing an outreach to singles and young couples, the call to youth & family ministry, the call to organize a celebration or a funeral lunch. There is the call to help the elderly with transportation or a family made poor by unemployment.

It is in these small calls that disciples learn the faithfulness and sensitivity that will prepare them to recognize and respond to God’s greater call.

Read the Sermon on the Mount to discern the call of Jesus to the Gospel.

Dear Friends,

I am sitting at my desk writing this little note to you all after a month of recuperation and good doctors’ reports. I am surrounded by Tomte, Dala horses, straw ornaments, Nisse, and the smells of good coffee and a Lucia roll. Christmas is almost here and, if you are like me, it could be a month away and I would not feel ready with the decorating, food, and entertaining. But, what is good is that the Lord comes to us, even if all the trappings are not there. Jesus comes to us in the simplicity of our lives when we take a moment to listen and see the babe in the manger through the eyes of the homeless, the hungry, the cold, the lonely. Jesus comes to us through these and others. In your preparation for Christmas, reach out to those in greatest need and you will care for the babe in Bethlehem. Share your pennies and dollars to help provide food baskets, gifts, gas money for members of the congregation and the community. That makes for a Merry Christmas.

New Year’s is only 15 days away and it is hard to believe that it will be 2011. As you make your resolutions for 2011, put worship attendance and financial support of the Church at the top of your list. The programs of the church need your support and encouragement. Help us be the best we can be with the resources at hand. With 140 years of experience, we have the ability to move forward in the coming years, retooling for the second decade of the 21st Century.

Have a blessed Christmas and a safe, healthy, and prosperous happy new year!

Pastor Mayer