First Lutheran Church

06/18/2026

A Father's Love

"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are."
— 1 John 3:1

Father's Day can stir many emotions. For some, it is a day of gratitude and celebration. For others, it is marked by grief, longing, difficult memories, or the ache of someone dearly missed. Wherever this day finds you, the good news remains the same: you are deeply loved by God.

Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as a loving Father—one who is patient, compassionate, steadfast, and faithful. His love is not earned, nor is it dependent on our accomplishments or failures. It is a love that pursues us when we wander, rejoices when we return, and remains with us through every season of life.

The fathers and father figures among us are called to reflect that love—to nurture, guide, protect, and encourage. Not perfectly, but faithfully. Through quiet acts of sacrifice, words of wisdom, and steadfast presence, they offer glimpses of the Father's heart.

This Father's Day, let us give thanks for those who have loved and guided us. Let us pray for fathers who carry heavy responsibilities, for those who long to be fathers, for those who grieve, and for those whose relationships are strained. And above all, let us rest in the promise that we are God's beloved children.

No matter where you are on your journey, His arms remain open. His mercy is new every morning. His love endures forever.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us as Your own children. Strengthen and encourage fathers and father figures in their calling. Comfort those who grieve and bring healing where there is hurt. Help us all to reflect Your love through our words and actions, trusting in Your grace each day. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen

06/18/2026

06/16/2026

POP-UP CHOIR Opportunities:

🎤 Sunday, June 28
🎤 Sunday, July 19
🎤 Sunday, August 30.

Join one or all of our pop-up choir opportunities this summer!

🎶 We will meet at 8:50am in the choir loft, review the hymns for the day, and
rehearse one anthem.

🎶 No extra rehearsal or robing required - but an RSVP is appreciated!

🎶 Sign up today by emailing Charlotte Beers Plank: [email protected] - she will provide music and answer all your
questions!

06/15/2026

📖COME JOIN THE BOOK GROUP conversation of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis on Sunday, June 21st at 11am. Now is the time to get ready for the fall book group.

📗Our September – November book will be Kevin Sack’s: Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church. The paperback edition comes out on June 16th!

06/14/2026

You are warmly invited to join us for worship today as we gather in God’s presence—bringing our joys, our worries, and everything in between. There is a place for you here.

As we worship, we’re reminded of the beauty of God’s creation all around us:
“Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors and God made their tiny wings.”

From the smallest bloom to the highest note of song, God is at work in all things—and God is at work in you, too.

Come and be renewed in faith, lifted in hope, and surrounded by community.
We hope to see you in worship this morning!

06/13/2026

The Bible makes it so clear: don't keep looking back.

Not to an old relationship. Not to a past hurt. Not to a friendship that has run its course. Not to the habits, fears, or seasons that God has already brought you through.

Jesus tells us, "Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32). The moment she looked back, she became stuck in what she was leaving behind.

How often do we do the same? We spend so much time looking at what was that we miss what God is doing right in front of us.

My prayer today is that whenever you're tempted to go back, God's Spirit will remind you that what lies ahead is far greater than anything you've left behind. Trust the One who is leading you forward. The same God who brought you through yesterday is already preparing the path for tomorrow.

06/10/2026

🎲♟️ GAME NIGHT IS TONIGHT! 🃏🎉

⏳️6pm to 8pm

Looking for a fun way to spend your evening? Join us tonight for an all-ages Game Night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and great fellowship!

Bring: 🎲 Your favorite game to share 🍿 A snack to share 😊 A friend (or two!)

Whether you're a card shark, board game champion, puzzle master, or just looking for a fun night out, there's a place for you at the table.

Come connect with old friends, make some new ones, and enjoy a relaxed evening together. No experience required—just come ready to have fun!

We can't wait to see you there!

06/09/2026

🪑 We are looking for a children's table and chairs! 🪑

As we continue to create welcoming spaces for toddlers and children at church, we are looking for a gently used children's table and chair set that someone may no longer need.

If you have one you would be interested in donating to the church, please comment below or send us a message. We would be grateful for your generosity as we continue to support and encourage our youngest members.

Thank you for helping us make our church a place where children can learn, play, and grow in faith!❤️

06/09/2026

We come before You as Your church family, grateful that You gather us together in Your love. You know each of us by name, and You hold every joy, worry, hope, and need close to Your heart.

Today we lift up our community and especially those among us who are in need of Your care and comfort: Sami, Matt, Eric, Kira, Jennifer, Colette, Alexis, Joe, Judy, Shane, and Josh.

We pray for all who are in nursing homes and rehab centers especially Jane, Mary Ann, Goldie & Dorothy.

We ask for Your healing, strength, and peace to surround them.

We pray for those who are walking through difficult seasons—grant them hope and steady assurance that they are not alone. We pray for those in times of celebration and joy—may their hearts be filled with gratitude and your presence. We also lift up those who are on our hearts today but whose needs we may not know fully.