Turn in 2021 Annual Intent Cards THIS coming Sunday, Dec 6! It is that time of the year when we gather in each households’ Annual Intent Card for the coming year. This is a part of being in community. Your card is kept in confidential but the unidentifiable information is added into the congregation’s total to assist with planning by the Church Council. Bring your card with you on Sunday or send it electronically or by mail to the church office. Thank you for your support and participation!
The 40th Annual ABC13 "Share Your Holidays" Food Drive is Friday, December 4th at Ball High School!
We will sincerely appreciate your non-perishable food and/or monetary donations delivered to the Church office by Wednesday, December 2, before 4pm. If you prefer to give a monetary contribution - checks should be made payable to Galveston County Food Bank. First Lutheran will join with other local congregations that are members of the Galveston Ministerial Association and will deliver contributions to BHS on Friday, December 4th.
IF it's easier for you to drop off you contribution personally, the 40th Annual ABC13 "Share Your Holidays" will be held at Ball High School on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 between 8am and 12 noon. Following Covid-19 protocols, you will not leave your vehicle, rather a BHS student volunteer- properly masked - will come to your vehicle and receive your generous contribution. Ball High School is located at 41st & Avenue O.
For questions or more information please contact me... Robyn Bushong, Community Partners/Publicity Coordinator, rbush1147@aol.com; 409.744.7848.
On behalf of ALL of us working on this vital project for our neighbors throughout Galveston County who are food insecure... THANK YOU!! And please know... all contributions stay in Galveston/Galveston County and are administered and distributed by the Galveston County Food Bank.
Thank you!
Robyn
Wednesday Afternoon Prayer and Holy Communion
During these days of pandemic, gathering together has become difficult and even dangerous for some. Yet, the desire and need of being in the church building for prayer and reception of Holy Communion remains. The main sanctuary is open on the first Wednesday of each month and the next one is December 2nd from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Holy Communion will be celebrated with a brief liturgy lead by Pastor Rhoades at 3:00 pm. Participants are invited to be seated in socially distanced pews and for quiet prayer and reflection. Holy Communion will be brought to you in your pew. All will be required to wear masks, sanitize hands upon entering the building, and to remain socially distanced. Those who are running a fever or have other symptoms are asked to not attend. This gathering opportunity is designed for those with underlying health concerns, those who are older, and those who are homebound. Our hope is to offer a safe time and space for your spiritual well being.
Thank you for your support of the mission and ministry of our parish. 2020 has been an unusual year – yet God continues to call us to live into the ministry and mission of the Gospel. Your support helps us to do that. Working together we can end the year strong over these last months. Thank you for your support!
Worship Virtually – Sundays 10:00 am or 5:30 pm
Worship Safely In Person – Sundays 10:00 am or 5:30 pm
You are encouraged to join in worship either safely in person or virtually every Sunday. If you prefer a smaller gathering, try out the Sunday evening worship service!
Christmas Worship Opportunities
Dec 23, 6:00 pm Blue Christmas
A worship service designed for those encountering sadness, loss, challenges and difficulty in this season.
Dec 24, Christmas Eve
All services will include candlelight and Holy Communion.
5:00 pm
8:00 pm
11:00 pm
Dec 25, 10:00 am Christmas Day
Daytime service celebrating the joy of God’s gift to us in Jesus.
Mask Up!
As the pandemic continues to churn in our world, First Lutheran continues to require that masks be worn and kept on during worship services or other events at the church. Those leading worship in chancel will removed their masks while speaking so as to provide clear communication for both those worshipping in person and those on line. Otherwise, everyone is required to keep their mask over their mouth and nose. Please be vigilant and encouraging to one another in observing this for the safety of all. The reality is that case numbers are rising – hopefully we can help lower those numbers and keep things moving.
HOME Holy Communion Package: As we have entered into a time of observing weekly communion virtually in our homes, you may contact the Church Office to receive a package of wafers for the celebration of Holy Communion. A bag with a month’s supply will be brought out to your car while observing safe practices. Luther reminds us that the sacrament is valid when we trust the promise of Christ in the sacrament. And, as we confess belief in the communion of saints, we trust God’s presence in our virtual gatherings for worship. Please contact the Church Office as 409-762-8477 to arrange for your package of wafers.
2020 Men’s Club Christmas Party Cancelled The Men’s Club has decided to cancel the annual Christmas Party because of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The safety of our community outweighs our enjoyment of the party. BUT the date is already reserved for the 2021 Christmas Party which will be the best one ever! (Thank you to the Men’s Club for their constant support of the ministry of the church and for their thoughtfulness for the safety of our congregation.)
Offering $4455 11/22
$4054 11/29
Attendance
In-person:
10:00am: 64
5:30pm: 7
Virtually Online:
10am Worship Service video: 148 views
5:30pm Worship Service video: 88 views
Sermon video: 68 views
This Week’s Birthdays
Nancy Trieff 1st
Roger Zimmerman 2nd
Richard Bafico 5th
Henry Schmidt 5th
Anniversaries
Lee and Alicia King 6th