First Lutheran Church, Duluth

Ruby’s Pantry-Coppertop will be distributing food at First United Methodist Church (the Coppertop Church) 230 East Skyline Parkway, Duluth the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 pm. Ruby’s Pantry-Coppertop is a community partner of Ruby’s Pantry; making food available to anyone who needs to stretch their food dollar. For a $15.00 donation (which is used to cover transportation, warehouse, and other expenses) you will receive approximately 2 large boxes of food. Cash only, no checks or EBT cards will be accepted. There is no “typical” food order and contents vary depending upon what food is available to Ruby’s Pantry at the time.  You will need to bring your own boxes (laundry baskets work very well). There are no income guidelines. We are also looking for volunteers to help with the distribution process.  If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please call Sarah Maddy at First Methodist Church at 727-5021.

San Antonio Los Ranchos Delegation and Scholarship Fund

The giving opportunity for September will support the upcoming delegation coming to Duluth from our sister community in San Antonio Los Ranchos in El Salvador as well as the scholarship fund supported since 2005.

 Since 1997 First Lutheran Church has had a relationship with the community of Los Ranchos through the Sister Parish organization. Six delegations plus other members been to El Salvador to learn more about the lives of the people in Los Ranchos as well as learn the history of El Salvador. Through staying with families, hearing their stories, sharing in meals and worship, delegation members have learned of the inter-relatedness of our lives, the great effect faith has had on them, and how it can change us to work for a more just world.

First Lutheran has helped support a scholarship program for students living expenses while attending college. The Sister Parish has helped this relationship by translating letters between languages, visiting the community, organizing delegations, and transferring funds for the scholarships. Without scholarship funds students are unable to attend school as easily. There have been several graduates from this program who now have jobs in their community.

 From October 5 – 14 First Lutheran will be hosting a delegation from El Salvador to meet our congregation and encourage members to get involved in this relationship. Goals for the delegation are to share the projects they are being working on, to ask for continued support of the scholarship program, and to encourage people to participate in advocacy work.  

Please pray for this upcoming delegation and the preparation for it. To learn more about this relationship or to help with delegation plans, contact Anne Rogotzke or Dory or Will Sjoblom 

To give to this month’s giving opportunity, please write a check to FLC, with El Salvador written in the memo line. Thank you for your support.

First Lutheran is currently seeking a AAA-Adult (Authentic, Affirming, Available) to help coordinate our Fish Force group.  Responsibilities include overseeing bi-monthly meeting with 9th-10 grade youth to help plan skits or activities relevant to the Sunday School lessons for the week and be in communication with the Director of Christian Education.  Call the church office if you are interested.

Mark your calendars! Dedication of the sanctuary and new entry and gathering space has been scheduled for 7:00 PM on November 24, 2010, Thanksgiving Eve. Bishop Thomas Aiken and our pastoral staff will lead this historic service which is one year following our memorable first worship service in the remodeled sanctuary. Watch for further information regarding this important event.

During May 26 to June 14 First Lutheran Church members Carol and Paul Anderson, Sonja and Jorgen Baertsch and Kathy Morris participated in the Eastern European Ministry Network Friendship English Language Camp in Kondopoga, Russia.  Read reflections on their their visit and this important ministry in Russia …

Russia Ministry Reflections of 2010 Friendship English Language Camps

If you are thinking about scheduling a baptism for yourself or a family member please come to the Prebaptismal Gathering on Sunday, September 19,  following the 11:00 a.m. service (aprox 12:15 a.m.) in Pastor Larson’s office on the third floor of the church.

Congregational Hunger Leader Training – Saturday, September 25
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at  Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids
No Cost, lunch – Freewill offering
Presenters: Rev. Dan Rift, Director of ELCA Hunger Appeal and  Ms. Tammy Walhof, Bread for the World

You are invited to attend this event that will equip you to bring the story of ELCA World Hunger into your congregation. Learn about resources, network with other congregational hunger leaders, and find out what your congregation can do to fight hunger. Each person will leave this event with new insights and a solid congregational action plan for this vital ministry. Additional information will be mailed August 19. Mark your calendar now and watch your mail for details. Register at info@nemnsynod.org with your name, congregation and city by Sept. 1.
For more information, contact Shirley Wuchter or Brenda Sproat 728-2383

Parking lot to close during construction
In early May, the upper (Superior St.) parking lot will be closed for construction purposes as the addition part of Time for Renewal Phase II begins. Please note that the following areas will be available for parking on Sunday mornings:
• Parking on both Superior Street and London Road
• Parking in the London Road parking lot next to the canopy entrance
• Parking in the lot off Superior Street between the Fisher Chiropractic Clinic and Lutheran Social Services
• Parking behind the Synod office off Superior Street
• Parking on the first level of the St. Luke’s Parking Ramp off Superior Street
• Parking in the lot by the Rose Garden
• Please note, the parking lot on the corner of London Rd. and 12th Ave. E. is not available for church parking.

View map of available parking. 

Director of Music Ministries -  Full Time
First Lutheran Church, Duluth

If interested please include with application:

Theological/faith statement
Recording which represents your own work as an organist and choir director
Resume/curiculum vitae
List of musical groups directing

Please submit materials to: 
     Rev. April Ulring Larson
     Attn: Director of Music Ministries Search
     First Lutheran Church
     1100 E. Superior St.
     Duluth, MN 55802

Director of Youth and Family Ministry- Full Time
First Lutheran Church,Duluth, MN

The Director of Youth and Family Ministries gives leadership and oversight for the development and implementation of the Youth and Family Ministries at First Lutheran. This person will partner with the congregation in leading its vision of  “Living our Baptismal Promises.”  This position will grow a ministry that (through a Lutheran lens) strengthens faith in Christ. First Lutheran is a large, vibrant congregation in downtown Duluth, providing a unique and essential ministry in the community.  For more information and a position description, please contact Robert Vokes, Executive Assistant/Office Manager, on behalf of Senior Pastor April Ulring Larson, at rvokes@flcduluth.org.

Calling all gardeners – you are invited to join First Lutheran Gardeners this spring for the 16th season.  The purposes of this group are to promote friendship among gardeners and to serve the church by developing and maintaining welcoming gardens and landscape on the church property.  Gardeners will gather on  the 1 & 3 Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.