THIS WEEK AT:

FIRST EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH

Third Sunday of Sunday, April 26

As We Gather: Today’s begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.

Please watch for updates on the Radio, Daily Dodge, E-Announcements, Church Sign, Facebook, Website, etc. for current information regarding closures due to Covid-19.

Questions and answers that you may have:

When will First Lutheran Church reopen? Tentatively, with the Safer-At Home order extended, First will be closed through Tuesday, May 26th. Throughout the month of May we will be re-evaluating the current situations and we will be working with the guidelines of the Badger Bounce Back Order with the phases on how and when we will reopen.

How do I participate in Sunday services? The Sunday 8am services will continue to air on the radio at 8am. Tune in to 1430 WBEV. We will be providing a weekly 8:00am and 10:30am worship. They will post at their respective times and premiere on Facebook so we can worship alone, together. You can also view the services on the church website and YouTube when they are uploaded each Sunday.

All of the words necessary to participate in the worship services from home will be included in the videos. We will also include the Hymns and Prayer of the Day in the E-Announcements each week.

Hymns for Sunday, April 26 Gathering Hymn: 384 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright Hymn of the Day: Jesus My Lord Sending Hymn: 369 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; !

Prayer of the Day for Sunday, April 26 O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings for Sunday, April 26 First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-23 Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

How do I participate in Wednesday services? There will be a shorter service available on the church website and Facebook page on Wednesdays each week. Join with your own bread and wine/grape juice to participate in Communion on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Can I still give my offerings?

Yes. We are going to the Post Office during the week to pick up mail. You can either mail in offerings or fill out a Simply Giving Form and submit by mail to do electronic offerings. There is also an online way to give now too, which is explained on the following page.

New Online Giving Options: Simply Giving & Give Plus

We are now offering an online giving option. You can click on this link to make a secure one time or reoccurring payment to First Lutheran using your savings or checking account information: https://gp.vancopayments.com/gpo/#/donateNow/692baa1 f-c9dc-4e62-a87d-b863f46

You do not need to sign up for an account for a one-time donation, but it is required for reoccurring donations.

If you chose to sign up, you have the capability to change the amount of your donations at any time. There is also an app! You can download the app from the following link and search for First Ev. Lutheran Church: https://www.vancopayments.com/egiving/church-app

All of this information will be available on our church website (www.firstluthbd.org) Thank you for your continued support of the ministries here at First Lutheran.

If you have any questions or need assistance with signing up or downloading the app, please contact Heidi Muenchow ([email protected]) or (920) 485-1166. Is the church office still open? No. All office staff are working from home and are only stopping by the office when absolutely necessary. You can still reach the office staff though! We are checking emails, voicemails, and the mail. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns! We are here for you!

How do I contact First Staff?

You can reach us by email or voicemail:

Receptionist Sandy [email protected] Ext 110

Communications & Events Coordinator April

[email protected] Ext 111

Pastor Jim [email protected] Ext 112

Admin Assistant Tiffany [email protected] Ext 113

Accountant Cynthia [email protected] Ext 114

Youth & Family Leader Heidi [email protected] Ext 115

How do I submit information to be added to the weekly E-Announcements or May Focus? For the weekly E-Announcements, please email information to Tiffany by noon on Tuesdays and for the May Focus please email information to Tiffany by the deadline of April 24th. [email protected]

If you would like an electronic version only of the Focus, please let the office know and we will remove you from the paper copy mailing list which saves us time and money with printing and postage costs.

I know someone who could use a card of hope or prayers. Is there anyone who can send a card or can they be added to the prayers? Yes to both! Please email the church office with the person’s name and address if you would like them to receive a card. If you would like them to be added to the Prayer Chain and/or the Prayers of the Church (first name said during services), please include their name and how long they would like to be on the prayers. Email info to Tiffany at [email protected]

Can I still purchase Scrip? No. Unfortunately, with the Stay at Home order and the church being closed, Scrip is not available for sale at this time.

Will we be doing the Mother’s Day tribute video?

Yes! Mother’s Day is May 10th. If the church has reopened, we will show our annual video of our mothers that Sunday PRIOR worship service. We will also have it available on First’s website and Facebook page. If the church has not reopened, you can at least see it those ways. Anyone who would like to contribute a photo of their mother may do so by email the church office by May 4th. [email protected].

Any other questions or concerns, please contact us! We will keep you updated with new information as we have it!

From the Parish Nurse….

With face to face meetings and group gatherings on hold during these times of COVID-19 you are welcome to call me if you feel the need to talk on the phone on any health-related items. If I do not answer, please leave a message and I will call you back.

Stay well, Your Parish Nurse Bob Gionet, R.N., B.S.N., 920-319-1961

Dodge County COVID-19 Hotline 920-386-4304. Information also available on the Dodge County Public Health Facebook page and the Dodge County website.

For the latest on CIVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, go to CDC.gov

2020 15th Annual Rummage & Bake Sale Don’t you wish you were busy helping set up our rummage sale this week? We miss everyone and hope to have a lot of people ready to help when we can finally get together again.

We will still be accepting donations to the rummage sale once the church is able to reopen. We are watching the ongoing events and will reschedule the sale when it is appropriate.

We cannot accept older TVs, entertainment centers, computers/monitors, used carpeting, exercise bikes, liquids or hazardous material. All items should be clean and in good condition. Electronics and appliances need to be in working order and complete.

Need larger items picked up or have questions?? Call: Lori 262-212-3326 or Eileen 920-356-1391

DUE DATE REMINDERS

Focus Articles: Due on the 3rd Friday of the month Bulletin or -E Announcements: Due on Tuesdays by noon

The Ministry Scheduler Pro

Please log-in to your Ministry Scheduler Pro account online on or the app to view the worship helper schedule and find the readings for each week.

Anyone interested in becoming a worship helper (Minister Assistant, Communion Assistant, Lay , , Usher, Nursery Helper, Guild) please contact Sandy in the office and she will set up an account for you.

Contact Information Changes Please remember if any of your contact information changes (phone, address, email) to contact the church office with any updates. Thank you!

Make Sure To Follow First Lutheran Online!

Wednesday Communion Worship & Sunday Worship Services are available Online

First Lutheran Church’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCem_CveuAoDLmN_MzaH4NRw

First’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/firstluthbd/

Website: www.firstluthbd.org

Youth & Family Ministry Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/felc.youth.and.family.ministry/

Instagram: felc.youth.and.family.ministry

Bring your coffee and Sunday morning treats to Online Coffee Fellowship with Pastor Jim at 9:30a Sunday, April 26th! It will be a time to check in and be in community with one another. We will be using Zoom. Not sure how it works? Don't fret! Follow these directions based on how you feel most comfortable joining.

Coffee Fellowship Meeting ID: 830 4167 2050 Password: 0426

Zoom Meeting on Computer/Tablet/Smartphone: Join Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83041672050?pwd=VGRyd0VJQXVOZFFCcDF3MXUveml4UT09

This link will take you through the process of downloading Zoom onto your device if you do not already have it. You do not need to create an account, but you can. They have free accounts available. If you do not wish to have an account you can join the meeting by pressing “Join a Meeting” and input the Meeting ID number and Password when directed.

Or

Go to https://zoom.us/join and type in the Meeting ID and Password. It will direct you to download Zoom if you do not have it already.

Zoom Meeting via Phone Call: Call: (312) 626-6799 and follow directives. You will be instructed to dial in the Meeting ID number and the Password.

If you would like to try it out before hand or need assistance, please contact Heidi: [email protected] or (920) 485-1166.

Come join Monday Morning Bible Study with Tom Irwin via Zoom. You can join by calling in or using your computer, tablet, or smartphone using the Zoom App.

Monday Morning Bible Study Meeting ID: 858 1574 2434 Password: 2468

Zoom Meeting on Computer/Tablet/Smartphone: Join Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85815742434?pwd=SVdPRnBkVGY2YXJNUzdlT2lWTlRhZz09

This link will take you through the process of downloading Zoom onto your device if you do not already have it. After downloading, you can join the meeting by pressing “Join a Meeting” and input the Meeting ID number and Password when directed.

Or

Go to https://zoom.us/join and type in the Meeting ID and Password. It will direct you to download Zoom if you do not have it already.

Zoom Meeting via Phone Call: Call: (312) 626-6799 and follow directives. You will be instructed to dial in the Meeting ID number and the Password.

If you are interested in joining this Bible Study, please contact Heidi: [email protected] or (920) 485-1166.

On Wednesdays, there will be a Family Bible Study available called Cooking with Jesus. Each week there will be a family snack recipe, family game, Bible lesson, and craft activity.

Heidi will be putting together an instructional video explaining each activity weekly on the First Lutheran Youth YouTube Channel and FELC Youth & Family Ministry Facebook Page. Check it out!

Illustrated Ministry is providing free weekly resources for churches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heidi will be making a video and providing materials for you to explore the Sunday’s Gospel for kids! Resources will be sent out Sunday morning to families and the video will be available on YouTube & Facebook on Sundays at 9:15 AM. If you would like to be added to the email list, email Heidi: [email protected].

Caring For One Another

Would you be willing to pick up groceries for someone with a compromised immune system? Assist with childcare? Pick up medicines at the pharmacy? Are you looking for some care from the community Please fill out this survey if you are in need of assistance or if you're willing to help in some way: https://forms.gle/iJLrcaV5wDYWoavG6

Are you without a job? Do you know somebody who is in need?

Do you know of someone in need? Marian Krueger and Heidi Muenchow are working on facilitating the distribution of food baskets to give to those in need. If you or someone you know would benefit from receiving a food basket, please contact the Church Office ([email protected]) at any time. There is no deadline.

Do you have someone in your family that will be graduating in 2020? If so, we’re putting together a slideshow video! Please provide 5-7 pictures ranging from baby to now and provide their plans for the fall and if they have received any scholarships. Please send your pictures and information to Heidi by May 17th: [email protected]. Do you have someone in your family

that will be graduating in 2020?

If so, we’re putting together a slideshow video! Please provide 5-7 pictures ranging

from baby to now and provide their plans for

the fall and if they have received any scholarships. Please send your pictures and information to Heidi by May 17th:

[email protected].

Calendar for the Weekend & Week Ahead *Dates and times are subject to change*

ALL SERVICES AND EVENTS CANCELLED

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Room Codes: CH Chapel CR Conference Room FH Friendship Hall K Kitchenette Sanc Sanctuary SS Sunday School Room SSO Sunday School Office YR Youth Room Bob Gionet, Our Parish Nurse, will be available again once the church reopens. If you have concerns during this closure time regarding health issues, please contact the church office, 885-4497, and they can ask him to contact you.

April 23 Howard Rhode April 25 Bill and JoAnn Hickey Cheryl Wolfe David and Linda Genett Lee Sobrilsky Matt Freeby April 27 David and Sharon Keil Doreen Rompre Bernard and Audrey Bashynski

April 24 Sheila Drays Tarha Klopotek Brianna Grahn Abby Pillsbury

April 25 Melissa Landdeck William Loss Bella Loss Elsa Loss

April 26 Carol Crawford Nicholis Knollenberg Devin Frey Hannah Karus

April 27 Eileen Goodman

April 28 Bill Boettge Dennis Kayon Anna Biel

April 29 Marlene Muhle Jon Westphal * The birthdays and anniversaries included are unedited with changes from last year. We apologize if there Sharon Stratton are errors or we missed anyone!

April Jordan