This Weekend at First Lutheran
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Blue Christmas Service - Sunday, December 4, 2:00 p.m.
This is a special service for anyone who feels the tension of both joy and trouble this time of year, especially if you have recently lost a loved one. We will gather to experience Emmanuel – God with us! Our hearts may not be full of joy for whatever reason, be it the loss of a loved one or a struggle with illness, however we can be filled with God’s presence and peace.
Read more details at firstlutherancr.org/worship
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Advent Reflection Spiritual Practice for the Congregation
Each week of Advent, there will be scripture or a poem to read each day, and a prayer practice or exercise to use for the entire week. While you do your reading/reflection, fold some origami stars (simple instructions included). Keep hold of all of them, and when you’re done, bring them to church!
Read more details at firstlutherancr.org/advent-christmas and pick up your packet at the Welcome Desk.
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This Weekend in Worship & Education
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In Worship:
At the heart of our Advent preparation is John the Baptist and his call to a spiritual awakening through repentance. To repent is to take stock of life against the promise of God's kingdom of love, service, joy and hope. We look to the birth of Jesus as a new beginning of God's reign of love and we ask, "What does it mean for me to be awake to the reality of God's kingdom today?" To repent is to be aware that spiritual change and new life happens with the birth of the Christ child.
Preaching: Pastor Craig Brown
Special Events:
The Saturday Evening Service will feature several musical pieces from three different Middle School ensembles. Join us to hear and support our young musicians.
Also, the 9 a.m. service will feature the Coe College Handbell Ensemble.
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In Education:
The Bible in 100 Minutes
Pastor Steve Knudson, Chapel
You can join this class at any point - and today is a great time to do so! We focus on the big story of salvation amongst world events with "The 100-Minute Bible” which breaks down the biblical story into understandable units along a timeline.
The Contemporary Crisis of Defining and Confessing the Gospel
Rev. Winston Persaud, LFC
We will look at the work of Lesslie Newbigin, distinguished missionary to India, who reflected upon and wrote about defining and confessing the Gospel in a religiously diverse world.
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Join us the next two Wednesdays in this season of preparation:
Walk the Labyrinth anytime from 10 a.m until 8 p.m.
Enjoy a Lunch in the Loft Concert 12:05 - 12:55 p.m.
Dine on a Soup & Salad Supper 5 - 5:45 p.m. and finally,
join us for a Contemplative Worship Service 6 - 6:30 p.m.
Find details for each of these on our website at
firstlutherancr.org/Advent-Christmas |
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Keenager’s Luncheon – The Cedar Sounds chorus of Sweet Adeline International will present an acapella, Barbershop-style vocal Christmas Program for our December 8th luncheon. Serving starts at noon with the program following. Click here to sign up online or add your name to the list at the Welcome Desk on Sunday. The cost is $5 payable at the door.
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Children’s Advent Program: “Enter the Song”
Sunday, December 11, 3:30 p.m.
 This service of lessons and carols, narrated by the children of First Lutheran, takes the congregation on a journey through the Luke’s narrative of Christ’s birth, accompanied by familiar carols and hymns. The entire congregation at First Lutheran, and family and friends, are invited to join us for this special Advent celebration!
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“The 33” Men’s Movie Night – Discover the incredible true story of 33 Chilean miners trapped 200 stories below the surface. Watch as they try to survive impossible odds relying on their strong Christian faith and each other as the entire world worked and prayed to free them. As the 33 had little to eat, men attending are encouraged to try fasting that day.
The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 in the Youth Room. The movie is rated PG-13. This event is free and is sponsored by The Guy Squad.
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Children & Family Ministries Caroling at the Care Facilities – On Sunday, December 18 the Children’s Ministry will be walking to do Caroling at Living Centers East and West, and St. Luke’s Hospital. Grown-ups are most welcome to attend on this day, as it’s always good to have extra helpers crossing the streets. Please remember to have your children dress warm. Questions, or want to help? Contact Marissa Letscher at MarissaL@firstlutherancr.org.
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Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at F Avenue and Edgewood Rd. is seeking a Director of Music Ministries. Visit their website at http://www.holyredeemer.church for details.
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The Cedar Rapids Area Alternative Gift Market is This Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 East Boyson Road. When you shop at the Alternative Gift Market, you make a difference in the world and you find the perfect gift for your loved one. Rather than wrapping a book for your Aunt Susie, purchase a month of tutoring for a child in Afghanistan in Aunt Susie's honor. Learn more at alternativegifts.org
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