Devotion

From Jesus’ Parable of the Minas, A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.  So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas, ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’  (Luke 19:12,13)

This was part of last Sunday’s sermon text.  (I’m including the full sermon as an attachment to this email.)  There is something, something important, that I forgot to say on Sunday. 

In the parable, the nobleman who became king is obviously Jesus.  His servants are us believers.  And the same treasure that he gives to each Christian is the Gospel, that is the good news of what has done for us in the past, is doing for us in the present, and will do for us in the future. Just as the nobleman asked his servants to put their minas to work, so the Lord Jesus asks each of his believers to put the gospel to work:  in their lives, in the lives of their families (both their biological family and their family here at First), and in the lives of those who may not yet believe that Jesus is their Savior. 

Then I mentioned how it’s important to have relationships with others, and how God uses those relationships to give us opportunities to share the Gospel with others. 

What I forgot to mention is that this is why we have First Steps Early Learning Center.  First Steps is not just to help parents with quality child care, which in itself is a way that we are reflecting the love of the Lord Jesus in La Crescent.  First Steps is there to help establish relationships with people who may not know Jesus, or who have forgotten about him.  And we pray that through those relationships, the Lord will give us opportunities to share with others the incredible joy and comfort that the Gospel gives us.

And so, thanks for your ongoing support for First Steps Early Learning Center.  And special thanks to all those who volunteer at the ELC.  Without you, it wouldn’t be open.  Well done, good and faithful servants!

Debra Hamilton Was Called As Our New ELC Director

This past Sunday, the voters of First called Debra Hamilton to be our new ELC director.  Debra is 40 years old and presently serves at Precious Lambs Pre-School in Omaha, Nebraska.  She is married with four children. 

A Chapter A Day

Reading guides for Matthew 8-14 and 15-21

First Lutheran and St. John’s in Caledonia are in charge of refreshments for the Live Nativity on Friday, November 29. 

You can contribute food items for this in a gray container in the entryway.  We will also be providing some type of hot sandwiches.  If you are interested in helping with this expense, you may make a donation with your offering envelope.  Just please clearly indicate that the donation is for “Live Nativity.”

Christmas Decorations

For a number of years we have relied on families to decorate the church for Christmas.  It began with families beginning with A’s and B’s.  This year we’re up to the M’s.  So, if your last name begins with an M, you’ll be contacted soon and asked if you can help decorate for Christmas.  Of course, if you’d like to help and your last name doesn’t begin with an M, we’d be happy for you to take part too.  Please call the church office 507-895-4775 or send an e-mail to churchoffice@keepchristfirst.com.

Thanksgiving Food Drive For La Crescent Food Shelf

Through the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we will be conducting a food drive for the La Crescent Food Shelf which is just up from us on Main Street. 

Right now the Food Shelf is low on: canned fruit, boxed meals like Hamburger Helper, canned meats, breakfast cereals, canned meals like chili or ravioli, and toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, toilet tissue, deodorant, body lotion.  Other suggested items include instant potatoes, rice and muffin mixes, peanut butter, and jelly.  You may make donations in a gray container in the church entryway.

Call News – And Lots Of It

Pastor Andrew Schultz from Barre Mills continues to hold his call to Tucson, AZ.  Pastor Jeff Gunn from Crosswalk Ministries in Phoenix has been called to lead our synod’s Africa Mission Team.  Pastor Winfred Schroeder was called to serve in a retirement capacity at St. Matthew’s in Winona.  Timothy Mueller from New Berlin, WI has been called as Luther High School’s new principal.  Brett Bengel from Citrus Heights, CA has been called to be the new principal at St. John’s in Caledonia.  Timothy Payne from Newburg, WI has been called as principal to First Lutheran in La Crosse.  Kristy Lendt from Aberdeen, SD and Nicole Krause from La Crosse have been called to teach at St. Paul’s in Onalaska.

Upcoming Special Holiday Worship Services

• Thanksgiving Worship – 11/27 at 6:30 PM & 11/28 at 9:00 AM
• Sunday School’s Christmas Program – 12/22 at 9:00 AM
• Christmas Eve Worship – 12/24 at 6:30 PM
• Christmas Day Worship – 12/25 at 9:00 AM
• New Year’s Eve Worship with Communion – 12/31 at 6:30 PM

Please Pray For…

Debra Hamilton whom we’ve called to be the new director of First Steps Early Learning Center – may the Holy Spirit fill her with wisdom as she decides where she can best serve in the Lord’s kingdom. 

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Rieke