Notes from the Pastor's Desk

“A Time of Thanksgiving at First Lutheran”

November 26, 2025

There are so many reasons to be thankful at First Lutheran! For beginners, have you noticed how worship has blossomed? God’s Word continues as the foundation but has been uplifted by a beautiful sounding choir Sunday after Sunday! Combine that with an amazing bell choir, committed worship helpers of all ages, and a fabulous interim organist and it is no surprise that people are finding inspiration, welcome, and comfort at FLC.

Look outside of worship each Sunday in the children’s ministry area and in the youth room and you will see an elite cadre of Sunday school teachers (yes, elite!) and an extraordinary (yes, extraordinary!) group of children gathering every week to learn the story of God in scripture. The middle schoolers (also extraordinary) convening for confirmation are a lively group, too!

Then, consider the care and reaching out shown for those in distress. Whether for church members who are suffering or for strangers in need, this community of faith reaches out in ways of care and compassion, often unnoticed by many but so appreciated by those receiving and giving such care.

How about fellowship and education? Stop by an adult Bible study and you will get a breath of fresh air from a friendly group of folks studying scripture and growing in relationship. Come over to a ladies’ circle meeting or a men’s breakfast and you will be welcomed with open arms to groups supporting one another and growing in faith. And high schoolers love being a part of FLC’s youth group!

And then there are some of the less noticeable reasons to be thankful at FLC: people helping make weddings and funerals (and funeral lunches) meaningful, staff and volunteers taking care of administrative tasks like finance, communication, and organization, volunteers setting the altar and readying the sanctuary every Sunday, people caring for the building and facilities (improvements of tens of thousands of dollars this past year!)

There are too many reasons to list here to be thankful for at FLC, but that is because thanksgiving is the natural posture of faith and response to the gracious God in whom we are all united in joy, hope, and love.

In Christ,

Pastor Stephen