FIRST THINGS FIRST

The Weekly News of First Lutheran Church and School

1644 Nursery Road, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone 727-462-8000
For the church, press 1
For the school, press 2

Â_xÇzà{xÇ|Çz tÇw fàÜxÇzà{xÇ|Çz à{x ^|ÇzwÉÅÊ

Blogs: flc-clearwater.blogspot.com
fls-clearwater.blogspot.com
Internet address: www.flcclearwater.org

December 12-13, 2009

From God’s Matchless Word…

38
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the
love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 – NIV

A
 Weekly Adult Bible Studies

SUNDAYS
9:15 a.m. Fellowship Hall Christ in the World Today
Pastor Zimmermann
7:00 p.m. Off-site Women’s Bible Study
1st and 3rd Sundays June Schultz
TUESDAYS
7:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall Men’s Prayer Breakfast
Followed by the Worker Bees (work around the campus)

WEDNESDAYS
9:45 a.m. Room 10 The Book of Ezra – Adult Bible Study
Weekly Rev. Arnie Piering
FRIDAYS
6:45 a.m. Denny’s on Missouri Ave. Women’s Breakfast Bible Study

i|á|àÉÜ VÉÜÇxÜ
Welcome to all who come here to worship our LORD. Another voice in
praise of Him is a wonderful blessing. To show our appreciation we would
like you to stop by our visitor center, located in the narthex, where you will
find gift bags. Please take one.
Please introduce yourself to Pastor Zimmermann and perhaps to others
you may notice just hanging around after the worship service has concluded. We sometimes get
so caught up in our excitement at seeing friends for the first time in the past week that we forget
to lookout for YOU! Thank you for joining us today, and please, thank our LORD for his free gift
of grace.

B
 Prayers of the People
For Our Church and Community
Sick, Hospitalized, -Tom Brown -Don Drung -Mary Lou Holdefer
or Recovering: -Dorothy Hornbuckle -Elizabeth Kelly -Karl Knudsen
-Dan Murray -Earlene Roller -Cindy Taylor
-Gabe Costa, Daniel & Brandi’s baby son
-Jesse Wells, friend of Roger & Roxy Beougher
Wedding Anniversary: -Bob & Mary Esther Smith, 59th wedding anniversary, 12-10-09
-Dennis & Vicki Miller, 42nd wedding anniversary, 12-16-09
Birthday: -Mary Esther Smith, 12-9-09
-Bob Smith, 12-11-09
(Birthdays & anniversaries, etc. will be put in FTF only when they have been requested by the individual, family, or friend. Thank you.)

For The Church, Our Nation and the World

“…pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray for the continued protection of lives and property as people in as many as 47 states have weathered
the storm of the season that hit this past week.
Pray for the safety of children, both here and far.
May they be protected from the dangers of this world
and may we continue to pray that they grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Remember children
endangered by slavery around the world.
Pray for the ministries of First Lutheran. May they each be used mightily by the Lord to minister to
people in our area and beyond, and to give Him all the glory. Good news! Our church and school
website is reaching countries far away! Pray for our missional outreach program.
Please pray for all Stephen Ministry congregations in our area; to find new lay caregivers
and lay leaders; for those who are in the care of a Stephen Minister; for the Stephen
Ministers who care for them; for all who are enduring pain or loss, but are afraid to ask
for help; and for our pastors who have so little time to meet their many obligations.
Pray for wisdom for our government leaders & officials regarding the many issues to be decided that will
greatly affect our country. Pray for the wisdom of the Lord as we all consider the new Health Bill
proposals & financial solutions and for God’s wisdom for those deciding on troop provision for the
various war locations. Pray for the President & his cabinet to heed the leading of the Lord.
Always remember our men & women currently serving in the military, who each need our fervent
and sincere prayers for protection and health. They are constantly endangered & stressed. Many are
often lonely & homesick at Christmas when they miss their families. See page F.
Always remember to pray for the persecuted church worldwide. They suffer greatly & constantly.

C
Serving in the Military:
Deployed:
-Tabor Cleberg, E3, Air Force, Kadena, Okinawa, Japan
-ET1SW Chris LaGrange, Navy, Africa & Afghanistan, an FLS Dad
-Janna Less, Air Force, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Keith Less, going to Baghdad on 12-18-09
-SSgt. Paul Mueckler, in Afghanistan on his 5th tour; Colleen Rabe’s brother
-Sgt. Jonathan Norton, great-nephew of Marge Carver; deployed for his second tour in Iraq
Stateside:
-Max Garrett, Army, son of Candy Garrett, Ft. Polk, Louisiana, under medical care following
numerous surgeries for injuries received overseas.
-Maj. Kurt Mueller, Army, now in the U.S. at Command & General Staff College,
Ft. Leavenworth, KS; grandson of Don & Joan Mueller
-Pvt. James Smith, Camp Pendleton, CA, the Holdefer’s granddaughter’s husband
-Danielle Taylor, PV2 Army, stationed at Ft. Jackson, S.C., granddaughter of Cindy Taylor &
niece of Matt and Rebecca Fordham
-GySgt. Steven Murray, USMC, presently stationed at MacDill AFB, Tampa, son of Marge
& Ken Murray.
-MMFN Justin R. Holcomb, Navy, grandson of Carol Blue, is now serving stateside.
-SPC Nathan Davis, Army, cousin of Ronda Farris.

Flowers:
o Flowers are placed on the altar by Jean Schultz
in loving memory of her son, Paul, and for the
blessings of her family and Christian friends.
o Flowers are placed on the altar by Dennis &
Vicki Miller in celebration of their 42nd wedding
anniversary and for many blessings received.
o Three red roses are placed on the altar by Bob &
Mary Esther Smith in celebration of their 59th
wedding anniversary on 12-10-09, for Mary
Esther’s birthday on 12-9-09, and for Bob’s
birthday on 12-11-09. They are thankful for
many, many blessings.
Please pick up your arrangement immediately following the 10:30 service.
Sign-up sheets for future floral donations are available in a binder in the narthex. Thank you.

Newspaper Ad - Sign-up sheet is available in the Narthex for members to help with the
expense of our weekly ad in the St. Pete Times. See the binder in the Narthex.
Please call the office by Wednesday a.m. to give your flower or newspaper dedication message.

D
 CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT, DECEMBER 13TH AT 8:00 A.M. AND 10:30 A.M.
ADVENT WEDNESDAY (DEC. 16TH) AT 11:00 A.M. AND 7:00 P.M. (Pastor Piering)
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT, DECEMBER 20THAT 8:00 A.M. AND 10:30 A.M.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24TH AT 5:00 & 7:00 P.M.
CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP SERVICE, DECEMBER 25TH AT 10:30 A.M. (Pastor Piering)
SONG/PRAYER SERVICE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26TH AT 6:30 P.M.
(COCOA & COOKIES TO FOLLOW IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL)
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27TH AT 8:00 & 10:30 A.M.
NEW YEAR’S EVE WORSHIP SERVICE, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31ST AT 6:30 P.M.
REGULAR 2010 SATURDAY CONTEMPORARY SERVICES ARE AT 6:30 P.M.
REGULAR 2010 SUNDAY TRADITIONAL SERVICES ARE AT 8:00 A.M. AND 10:30 A.M.

Look! Coming Soon to FLC!

First Lutheran School’s Christmas Program: The Bethlehem Project
Thursday, December 17 – 6:30 p.m. in the CLC
“The Bethlehem Project” features the traditional Christmas story, but with a fresh twist
that provides both fun and life relevance for kids. The Bethlehem Kids and the
Shepherd Kids don’t get along until they find the same Savior. The musical begins with
lots of humor and colorful characters, but moves to a pointed message of love,
salvation and reconciliation. It includes a wide variety of fun musical styles, fresh
treatments of traditional carols, along with new songs.

Boy Scout Lock-In
1st Lutheran Holiday Food Drive
“Gingerbread ‘s Corner” for Kids
FLS Christmas Holidays
Epiphany
FLS Class Group Pictures
National Right to Life
Guatemala Information Mtg.
Friday, December 18th -19th – CLC, FH, Room 10
Saturday, December 19th 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 Parking Lot Drop Off
Sun., Dec. 20th – CLC 11:30-5:30 (Call Lynn Hedrick to make
Reservations – (see pg. L for details)
December 21st – January 1st (restarts January 4th)
Sunday, January 3rd
Tuesday, January 12th
Sunday, January 17th
Thursday, January 28th & March 4th – FH

E
We’re Having a Party! Food, Fun, Fellowship!!
If you have ever served as a Stephen Minister or Stephen Leader, you’re invited!
Where: The Snook’s at 1111 N. Bayshore Blvd. C6
(Sunfish Bay Condominiums)
When: December 18, 5:00 p.m. until Dan’s bedtime.
Please give Dan & Laurie a call if you plan to come. 727-797-7233

Offering envelopes are now ready for pick-up. They will be in the church Narthex
on tables in alphabetical order. If you do not see your name, please call the church
office.

The Xerox Corporation has a program that they put together called:
'Let's Say Thanks' and it is a wonderful opportunity for people here
in the states to send a Christmas card to one of our soldiers overseas. Xerox is taking care of all
of the printing and mailing; all you have to do is go to this website: www.LetsSayThanks.com.
Once at the site, pick a card (that have been drawn by children), and choose the words
of encouragement that have been pre-written (or you can write your own). This would be a
wonderful opportunity for parents to sit down with their kids and do this - and not just the
kids, but all of us. Our troops need the encouragement. Please feel free to forward this 'Let's
Say Thanks' link to your friends and family. Also, please continue to pray for our soldiers! You
will need to give Xerox your name and hometown, but no one will be contacting you, nor will
you receive spam e-mails because of your involvement. As Christians, we are asked to do what
we can to show the love of Christ to others.
F
`âá|v aÉàxá
Praise Team: Thursday – 7:30 p.m. (8:00 pm on 12/17/09)
Saturday – Warm-up at 5:30 p.m.

Bells: Wednesday, December 16th, Bells will be at 5:45 p.m.

On December 23rd, we will be back to our regular 6:30 p.m. bell rehearsal.
Adult Choir on December 16th will be at 7:45 p.m. immediately after the Advent
service. December 23rd will resume our regular schedule at 7:30 p.m.
Winter Residents, do you sing???? Please join us in the balcony while you are here.
Call Ann Hinz, Worship Director, to join one of these musical praise groups: 727-462-8000 x 104.

IT’S A V{Ü|áàÅtá FESTIVAL….or TWO!

Presented by: The City of Dunedin Concert Band
Dr. Louis Zagar
Music Director & Conductor
Friday, December 18th
8:00 p.m.
at
Dunedin Community Center
1920 Pinehurst Road
Dunedin, FL 34684

Sound System Upgrade

In the process of upgrading our sound system, we have installed a hearing impaired
listening system. If you would like to take advantage of the system, please contact one of
the ushers for details on borrowing a receiver for it. - FLC Sound Team

G
 Men's Prayer Breakfast at First Lutheran
MEN, come meet together again this week for food
for the soul and for the body! Each Tuesday morning
from 7:00 - 7:45 a.m. our men’s ministry hosts a
fellowship and prayer breakfast in our First Lutheran
Fellowship Hall. Come and bring a friend. Don’t forget!
Bring a friend! Start your day praising the Lord!
We meet again next: Tuesday, December 15th
Featuring: “Question: Biblical Christian
or Cultural Christian?”

Last in the series.

Next Weekend!!
Sunday, December 20, 2009

Along the road, there are

many lessons to learn.

Lesson 9 – Dead End

When we mess up, we must turn around and head back to God.
We will escort your children from church to the gym,
where you can pick them up after the 10:30 service.
H
 It’s that time again to decorate the church with
poinsettias for Christmas. The cost will be $6.00 each.
There is a sign-up sheet in the binder in the Narthex
or you may call Sandy Brown at 585-8982 or Vicki
Miller at 726-1332. The cut-off date will be this
Monday, December 14th.

Please be advised of two upcoming road closures that could

affect Church and School:
South Duncan Avenue from Lakeview Road to Emerald Drive will be
closed to traffic from Dec. 11th to 23rd. Woodcrest Avenue and Keene
Road can be used as alternate routes. Local traffic only will be
permitted.
A single lane closure at the intersection of
Lakeview Road and South Duncan Avenue
will take place from Dec. 7th to 11th. The
contractor will close one lane at a time, and
a flagman will direct traffic around the work
zone. Both lanes will be open each night.
For more information, call the city’s Traffic Operations division
at 727-562-4776 or visit www.MyClearwater.com.

Blood Pressure Screenings

Second Sunday of Each Month
Between Services in the Library

FLS students still need eyeglasses donated for the Lutheran M.O.S.T.
Ministries that sponsor mission trips. Please drop off your donation in
the church narthex in the M.O.S.T. “Eyeglass Basket” or the school
office. It is never too late to donate to this very worthy cause.
I
The Board of Christian Life is asking for your help on behalf of the Homeless Emergency
Project (HEP). On December 19th, from 10 am to 2 pm, please consider bringing by both
perishable and non-perishable food items to help them feed the homeless.
We know of the need during Thanksgiving, but sometimes people are left out the rest of
the year. Consider buying an extra turkey or other meat and canned goods and come by
the church. HEP will take your generous food offerings and help feed the homeless.
HEP served 103,000 meals in 2008.
Please help them in their mission efforts.

J
 Come Join the
Prayer Shawl Ministry!
We meet next on Wednesday, December 16th!
Knit or crochet at the church or at home.
We are making shawls for anyone that may
need our prayers and love – especially our
shut-ins for the holidays! Come to our
meetings each Wednesday from 4:00-5:30
p.m. in the library. Yarn & needle
donations would really be appreciated.
Bring supplies with you and you can get
started anytime! You will be working “as
unto the Lord” and have a very pleasant
time and fellowship. We still need a few
more shawls to meet our goals! Thank you.

Were you aware that we have a First Lutheran Church and School group on
Facebook? We have news and information that concerns our church and school, as
well as, upcoming events. Come visit and join our group and invite your friends
from Facebook to visit us electronically. It’s fun!

Health News for the Congregation

In an effort to keep you informed and up-to-date regarding issues such as the Swine Flu, below is
information that may help.
Florida Flu Information Line Call Center: 1-877-352-3581
The state toll-free number for information is: 1-800-342-3557
Their hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose of this call center is to
provide general information related to seasonal and H1N1flu. Automated messages in various
languages are available. Local Flu Information Line: 727-824-6964. If you have any additional
questions, please call Sue Heller, Parish Nurse, on her cell at 727-631-1802.

K
Giving Plus - Please Note the Update:
All the Giving Plus money has now been expended for 2009.
No matching funds are available for donations to First Lutheran
School for 2009. You will need to wait until 2010 to have funds
matched for your donation.
See Dennis Miller if you have any questions at 698-1960.

‘Twas the Sunday before Christmas, with so much to do!

Shopping and wrapping, assembling too.
How will I do what needs to be done?
When all that the kids want to do is have fun!
Well, “Gingerbread Corner” is your answer indeed.
We're just what they want, and just what you need!
Six hours of time, to do what you'd like, maybe the mall?
perhaps lunch?, or put together a trike?
So c'mon by, and bring your children to play,
and we'll help take that Christmas crunch stress away!!!!
Sunday December 20th
11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
$15.00 for the first child - $10.00 each additional child
This includes: Lunch, Crafts, Movies, Snacks, Games & Lots of Fun!!!!
(Potty trained only, please.)

We will be setting up a wrapping station for a nominal fee to help you, as well.
Monies collected from the wrapping will be given to a local family to help bring
some cheer to their Christmas season.
Small Boxes - $1.00 - Med Boxes - $2.00 - Large Boxes - $3.00 - X-Large Boxes - $5.00

If this is something that you think you would be interested in please

immediately contact me at
mugsy@tampabay.rr.com

His Peace,
Lynn Hedrick
Booster Club President

L
School News - By Principal, Elaine Popp

Mission Statement:
First Lutheran School exists to proclaim the Gospel as we teach academic skills and Christian values,
establishing a strong foundation for a child to live a successful, positive, and Christ-centered life.

Last week, many of our FLS students
were able to do some Christmas shopping at
Santa’s Workshop. This has been a holiday
tradition at our school for several years. All
items are priced at $1.50 and students are
able to buy for their friends and family. It
helps our students focus on the “giving” not
just “getting” part of Christmas as they are
able to make their own selections. Our
volunteers wrap and label all the student
purchases for them. Many thanks
to PTL and volunteers for our
Santa’s Workshop this year.
grade classroom to see the Mimio in action.
Since our auction was such a success we will
be able to purchase at least two more video
projectors and Mimio systems for our
classrooms. It’s great to see the technology
improvements we are making this year.
On Friday, December 11th, our Pre-
school students and 6th graders visited
Highland Pines to spend some time with the
residents. This is a great experience and
opportunity for our students to be
out in our community.

On Tuesday morning, Saturday evening,

December 8th, our 3rd, 4th and 5th
grade students went to
Comprehensive Health Care in
Clearwater and sang for the
residents. They also passed out a
small gift and Christmas card.
On Thursday evening, December
10th, we had our 2nd Parent’s Meeting of the
school year. This is an opportunity to meet
with our parents, discuss what is coming up
and give them time to ask questions and voice
any concerns. At this Parent’s Meeting, we
conducted a brief survey about our auction
and lunch program so we can continue to
improve both of these programs. After the
meeting, some parents went to the 4th and 5th
December 12th, our Pre-School – 1st
graders are performing their
Christmas program as part of our
Saturday evening worship. It’s
always enjoyable to hear the
Christmas message shared from our
smallest students. Thank you, teachers, for all
your hard work in helping to prepare for this.
Don’t forget that on Thursday
evening, December 17th, The Bethlehem
Project will be presented by our 3rd – 8th
grade students in the CLC. The performance
begins at 6:30 and you won’t want to miss it.
Come early so you can get a good seat.
Merry Christmas!

Hmmm…………Makes us think…
“It’s hard to long for and live for the coming of God’s kingdom when we so
want our very own kingdom.”
M
 IN CHRIST WE HAVE
A love that can never be fathomed;
A life that can never die;
A righteousness that can never be tarnished;
A peace that can never be understood;
A rest that can never be disturbed;
A joy that can never be diminished;
A hope that can never be disappointed;
A glory that can never be clouded;
A light that can never be darkened;
A happiness that can never be interrupted;
A strength that can never be enfeebled;
A purity that can never be defiled;
A beauty that can never be marred;
A wisdom that can never be baffled;
A resource that can never be exhausted.
Unknown

N
PTL Scrip Shop
 
December 9, 2009
Weekly sales: $7,084
Weekly school profits: $254.21
Year-to-date profits (from July 09): $2,103.68
 
Thank you to the First Lutheran church and school families that supported!
Important order dates: December 15
Place your order by 8 a.m. to ensure you receive your cards by Friday,
December 18th, the last day of school, before Christmas break.
Nancy Seltzer, Coordinator 559-0606 or rblmom28@yahoo.com

Last Week’s Attendance: December 5-6, 2009

Advent Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.: 36 7:00 p.m.: 34

Saturday: 62 Sunday: 8:00 am: 50 10:30 am: 114 Weekend Total: 226

Church Offering – Unrestricted - Fiscal Year – Week 19 (Dec. 5 - 6, 2009)

Budgeted Weekly Income: .............................................................................. $7,012.00

Received this Week:............................................................................................ 8,782.19
Budgeted Year-to-Date: ................................................................................ 133,228.00
Received Year-to-Date: ................................................................................. 137,039.73

O
TThhiissW
Weeeekkaatt FFIIRRSSTT LLUUTTHHEERRAANN -- DDeecceemmbbeerr1133--2200,,22000099
Sunday WORSHIP ..............................................................................................................8:00 a.m.
Pastor’s Adult Bible Study………..Fellowship Hall .................................................9:15 a.m.
Kids’ Corner Sunday School……..….Room 10 ......................................................9:15 a.m.
Blood Pressure Screenings between services
WORSHIP ............................................................................................................10:30 a.m.
Monday Wee Dance ………………….…. …Fellowship Hall ................................................5:45 p.m.
Basketball League Practice…………CLC .......................................................... 6:30 p.m.
Cub Scouts Pack Meeting & Pie Throwing – Shelter and Field ..............................6:30 p.m.
Board of Christian Education……..Conf. Room C ..................................................7:00 p.m.
Board of Christian Life………..………Library..........................................................7:00 p.m.
Tuesday Men’s Prayer Breakfast……….. Fellowship Hall ............................................... 7:00 a.m.
Worker Bees………………........... Fellowship Hall .................................................8:00 a.m.
TangSooDo ………………….........Fellowship Hall…........................................ …..5:00 p.m.
Girl Scout Troop #823………Fine Arts/School Library ...........................................6:00 p.m.
Board of Evangelism ................……..Library .........................................................6:30 p.m.
Boy Scouts ………………………...Fellowship Hall .................................................7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Adult Bible Study……………………..Room 10 .......................................................9:45 a.m.
Advent WORSHIP .................... ...........................................................................11:00 a.m.
The Pinochle Group …………………Room 10 .......................................................1:00 p.m.
Prayer Shawl Ministry ................... Library ......................................................... 4:00 p.m.
Bell Practice .............................…Church Balcony ................................................5:45 p.m.
Girl Scout Troop #684…..Fine Arts Room/Multi-purpose Room............................. 6:45 p.m.
Advent WORSHIP .................... ............................................................................. 7:00 p.m.
Adult Choir Practice..................…Church Balcony ................................................7:45 p.m.
Thursday Wee Dance Aftercare……………….Pre-School .....................................................2:45 p.m.
TangSooDo …..……………….Cancelled until January
Basketball League Practice…..Cancelled for Tonight...................................... 6:30 p.m.
Grades 2-8 Christmas Program – “Bethlehem Project” - CLC ........................ 6:30 p.m.
Venture Crew Pot Luck Dinner……..Room 10 .......................................................7:00 p.m.
Praise Team …..…………………….Sanctuary.............. 8:00 p.m. (after Bethlehem Project)
Friday 1/2 day of school – Begin Christmas Holidays
Women’s Breakfast Bible Study—Denny’s Missouri Ave. ......................................6:45 a.m.
TangSooDo……………………..Cancelled until January
Boy Scout Overnight Lock-In - FH, CLC, Room 10, & Library ................................7:00 p.m.
th
Saturday 19 NEW! Boot Camp Workout ....….Soccer Field ................................................. 8:00 a.m.
st
1 Lutheran Youth Basketball League…CLC ................................................... 9:00 a.m.
1st Lutheran Turkey and Food Drop-Off……Parking Lot................................ 10:00 a.m.
OE Serenity……………………………Room 10 ....................................................10:30 a.m.
Praise Team Warn-Up.............. .............................................................................5:30 p.m.
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP...............................................................................6:30 p.m.
th
Sunday 20 WORSHIP ..............................................................................................................8:00 a.m.
Pastor’s Adult Bible Study………..Fellowship Hall .................................................9:15 a.m.
Kids’ Corner Sunday School……..….Room 10 ...................................................... 9:15 a.m.
WORSHIP ............................................................................................................10:30 a.m.
Children’s Church.................................................................................................10:30 a.m.
“Gingerbread’s Corner”……………...CLC........................................................ 11:30 a.m.
P