Message From Pastor Stanton for July 2015
A couple years ago, my wife Carla and I hosted a guest from out of town on behalf of the church. We went out for a drink to get to know each other a little better and the conversation went to, “where did you go to college?” I shared that I went to Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Her response was, “that place is expensive!” I didn’t want to come across as a rich kid who was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, so I explained, “well, I won a scholarship there that paid for most of my expenses, so I couldn’t refuse.” Her response was, “Oh, white privilege at its best.” To put it mildly, that upset me. I remember thinking, “I worked hard throughout high school… I earned that scholarship!” She dropped it, but God has kept that accusation tucked tightly into the back of my head....
Message From Pastor Karyn for July 2015
I first became acquainted with Ben Larson at a pastor’s event where he, along with three friends, led the music and worship. I never knew Ben well personally, but knew him to be a kind and generous person who had a talent when it came to music. Over the years there were many opportunities to be led in song and worship by this quartet of talented people and to learn some of the music Ben had composed. All of us who knew Ben and his family grieved deeply when Ben died. So when his parents, Judd and April, approached us about this project they were working on to honor Ben and the music he composed, we chose to participate....
Called to Freedom
The fourth of July is a fun family holiday, The kids get to play with fire, worried parents get to watch and almost everyone loves the fireworks display of brilliant colors. People are wearing red, white and blue, having family picnics and going early to get their favorite spot to watch the fireworks. We have a wonderful way to celebrate our freedom...
First Teen Clothes Closet Update
Many thanks for your support of First Teen Clothes Closet. Getting the word out about us through agency visits, posters and leaflets has brought in more teens in the past month! Watch for some local news articles and a television interview later this summer....
Digging Deeper
I just spent a wonderful Father’s Day at the home of my brother Tom and his wife. Two of their adult children were there as well as my dad, mom and my sister. While I always enjoy coming together with my family, usually I leave the gathering thinking it was nice to see everyone, but I really don’t have a good feel for how things are going in their lives. You see, I have five brothers and one sister and when the whole family gets together, there are 43 of us. That’s a lot of people to talk to, it’s kind of loud and if it’s Christmas, there are gifts to open too. It’s pretty tough to have a meaningful conversation that digs deep and helps to get to know each other better....
Veteran's Ministry Update for July 2015
Memorial Day weekend, Pentecost Sunday I was given the honor of announcing the initiation of the Veterans Ministry and First Lutheran’s partnership with Wesleyan Methodist Church in La Crosse. In attempting to demonstrate the connection we all have with veterans, I asked the congregation to stand if they were a veteran, a spouse of a veteran, related to a veteran, were a friend of a veteran or knew a veteran. As I looked out upon them all, almost the entire congregation was standing. “Look around you.” I said. “Whether this is our church or a national stadium somewhere, the result would be the same…"
Young Youth Update for July 2015
What a beautiful year of service. The young youth did a fantastic job of displaying how wonderfully they can embrace the theme of the church with their own gifts! I thoroughly enjoyed watching these children bring smiles to the people around them as they served and followed the word of the bible. Now it is our time to rest and energize ourselves for the upcoming year and all the fun and opportunities that it may bring. There will be a kick off potluck get together in September. Date, time and location are yet to be determined. Until then enjoy all the blessings that God may provide for you this summer. Treasure the memories, opportunities, sun and freedom that you may encounter with the changing of the school year and the busy schedules of summer.
OWLs Post for July 2015
May and June were great fun for the OWLs. Our May trip on the Winona Trolley and visit to Pickwick Mill was fun and educational for all. The photos were taken at Pickwick Mill, one of the oldest surviving flour mills in Minnesota. The water wheel really works!
The OWLs will be taking July off for vacation fun and summer outings. Our next meeting will be our August Potluck on Wednesday, August 5th at noon.