Weekly News

Annual Meeting of the Congregation Join us following the Sunday morning worship service on January 17 in the main sanctuary for the Annual Meeting. The Agenda includes adoption of the 2021 budget, election of one new Church Council member and election of voting members to the 2021 Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod Assembly (a virtual/digital gathering).

Family Sunday will be on Jan 24th at 11am (right after worship ends). This group is for families with children from Pre-K to 6 grade. It will gather in-person (fellowship hall) and virtually. This month, the group will kick off a new round of virtual Faith Formation lessons: Bible Time Travel. Please RSVP to emily@firstlutherangalveston.com by Jan 17.

The Mission Team is going to have our Coat, Blanket and Socks Drive starting January 8th through February 12th. We will have a box in the hall by the Main Office. These will be given to Christus Daily Bread to help those who are less fortunate or those going through hard times right now. We are taking new or nice, clean used items so this is a good time to clean out your closets!!

Virtual Bible Study – Reading Through Amos
Join Pastor Rhoades virtually on Tuesday evenings beginning January 19, to read through and study the Old Testament prophet Amos. The study includes study notes and conversation as to what God is saying through the prophet and what it means today for God’s people. Please sign-up to be included in the study!  Participants will receive the notes via email and an invite to the weekly online gathering. Sign up now!

You are encouraged to join in worship either safely in person or virtually every Sunday at 10am. 

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.

Offering  $11,255

Attendance 

In-person:

 81

Virtually Online:

  Worship Service: 190 views

  Sermon: 65 views

  Children's Message: 182 views

This Week’s Birthdays

Don Burlison 11th

Mackenzie O'Sheaghnessy 11th

Stephanie Pena 12th

Gary Scales 12th

Zachary King 13th

Joshua Glenney 15th

Bailey Glenn 16th

Anniversaries

John and Shereen Boysen 11th

Wednesday Communion The sanctuary will be open for prayer and reflection Wednesday, January 6 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. A Brief service of Holy Communion will be offered at 3:00 pm. This opportunity offers a safe space for those not comfortable in a weekend worship service with higher attendance. Safety protocols are observed.
 
Annual Meeting of the Congregation Join us following the Sunday morning worship service on January 17 in the main sanctuary for the Annual Meeting. The Agenda includes adoption of the 2021 budget, election of one new Church Council member and election of voting members to the 2021 Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod Assembly (a virtual/digital gathering).

Family Sunday will be on Jan 24th at 11am (right after worship ends). This group is for families with children from Pre-K to 6 grade. It will gather in-person (fellowship hall) and virtually. This month, the group will kick off a new round of virtual Faith Formation lessons: Bible Time Travel. Please RSVP to emily@firstlutherangalveston.com by Jan 17.

The Mission Team would like to thank all of you who supported the ELCA World Hunger Advent Tree. Your generosity during this Christmas “Time of Giving” will help so many less fortunate.  Fifty-five items were purchased amounting to approximately $2,277.

The Mission Team wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy 2021 New Year!!
Donna Spencer, Donna Martin, Jim Gainer, Brenda Concienne

Virtual Bible Study – Reading Through Amos
Join Pastor Rhoades virtually on Tuesday evenings beginning January 19, to read through and study the Old Testament prophet Amos. The study includes study notes and conversation as to what God is saying through the prophet and what it means today for God’s people. Please sign-up to be included in the study!  Participants will receive the notes via email and an invite to the weekly online gathering. Sign up now!

Worship Virtually – Sundays 10:00 am

Worship Safely In Person – Sundays 10:00 am

You are encouraged to join in worship either safely in person or virtually every Sunday. 

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.

Offering  $8227

Attendance 

- 

In-person:

 58

- 

Virtually Online:

  Morning Service: 171 views

  Sermon: 111 views

  Children's Message:  40 views

This Week’s Birthdays

Marilyn Howard 4th

Suzanne Peterson 6th

Robert Boysen III 9th

Mark Dell'Osso  10th

Anniversaries

Joe and Brenda Concienne 8th

The Mission Team would like to thank all of you who supported the ELCA World Hunger Advent Tree. Your generosity during this Christmas “Time of Giving” will help so many less fortunate.  Fifty-five items were purchased amounting to approximately $2,277.

The Mission Team wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy 2021 New Year!!

Donna Spencer
Donna Martin
Jim Gainer
Brenda Concienne

Virtual Bible Study – Reading Through Amos
Join Pastor Rhoades virtually on Tuesday evenings beginning January 19, to read through and study the Old Testament prophet Amos. The study includes study notes and conversation as to what God is saying through the prophet and what it means today for God’s people. Please sign-up to be included in the study!  Participants will receive the notes via email and an invite to the weekly online gathering. Sign up now!
 
NO Sunday Evening Worship on January 3. During the slower period of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the Sunday evening worship not be held. Join us for Sunday evening worship on Sunday, January 10 at 5:30 pm.

During these difficult days of the pandemic, we must observe masks at all times and social distancing. Because of this, we have added a third worship opportunity on Christmas Eve to reduce the number of people in each service (spreading it over 3 services versus just 2). 
 
If you are not feeling well, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are still in a 14 day quarantine period, please remain at home and worship virtually with us. Our Christmas Eve worship will be available on line.
 

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!

The Evangelism Team would like to thank the congregation for their participation in Operation Christmas Cookie. Without the help from our parishioners, it would not have been the success it was. We packaged and delivered fifty cookie boxes. Thank you so much again.

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.

Year End Offerings - For those who like to make year end offerings to the church please have it to the church office by noon on December 31, 2020.  This will ensure that your donation gets recorded in the year 2020.

Offering  24th $2842
                     25th $50
                27th $2910

Attendance 

- 

In-person: 

   Blue Christmas: 2

  Christmas Eve 5pm: 89

  Christmas Eve 8pm: 44

   Christmas Eve 11pm: 42

   Christmas Day: 9

   December 27: 

Virtually Online:

  Christmas Eve Service 5pm: 263 views

  Christmas Eve Service 8pm: 206 views

  Christmas Eve Sermon: 217 views

  Christmas Day Service: 99 views

  Christmas Day Sermon video: 201 views

  December 27 Morning First Sunday of Christmas video: 463 views

  December 27 Evening Sermon video (Rev. Guthier):  82 views

  Christmas Pageant video:  215 views

This Week’s Birthdays

Dee Zimmerman 28th

Theresa Boysen 29th

Christof Gault 29th

Chris Badger 30th

Jim Gainer 31st

Wesley Moore 31st

Lillian Pean 1st

Tom Scott 1st

Monica Cox 2nd

Anniversaries

Roger and Dee Zimmerman 28th

Earl and Paulette Gilmore 1st

THANK YOU to all the Feed Galveston volunteers who came out to finish our Share Your Holiday event. 50,000 servings of food are going to the Galveston County Food Bank. Our neighbors will receive these meals in the coming weeks.
 

Planning for Christmas – Worship Opportunities

Wednesday Dec 23
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Sanctuary open for prayer. Holy Communion at 3:00 pm.
6:00 pm Blue Christmas Worship – for those struggling in this season

Thursday Dec 24
5:00 pm  Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
8:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
11:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
 
Friday Dec 25
10:00 am Christmas Day Worship
 

During these difficult days of the pandemic, we must observe masks at all times and social distancing. Because of this, we have added a third worship opportunity on Christmas Eve to reduce the number of people in each service (spreading it over 3 services versus just 2). 
 
If you are not feeling well, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are still in a 14 day quarantine period, please remain at home and worship virtually with us. Our Christmas Eve worship will be available on line.

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!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.

Year End Offerings - For those who like to make year end offerings to the church please have it to the church office by noon on December 31, 2020.  This will ensure that your donation gets recorded in the year 2020.

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 $5990

Attendance 

In-person: 

   10:00am: 59

   5:30pm: 34

- 

Virtually Online:

 10am Worship Service video: 205 views

  5:30pm Worship Service video: 129 views

  Sermon video:  38 views

  Fanfare Sunday video: 39 views

This Week’s Birthdays

Terri Walker 14th

Dolph Tillotson 17th

Eva Scales 18th

Sluggo Thiem 18th

Anniversaries

Willie and Diana Luna 20th

Urgent volunteer need! Our Feed Galveston event at the high school was able to pack thousands of meals for our neighbors in need. However, we still need help finishing the job. We are packing meals on Sunday, December 13 after church. Please RSVP to emily@firstlutherangalveston.com or call the church office to reserve your spot. We will have shifts from 11:30-1:30 and 1:30-3:30. We will wear masks and limit the number of people who attend to stay safe. The need for food has gone up since the pandemic started. This is an essential ministry. If you are able to volunteer or spread the word, please do.
 
Advent calendars and Advent wreaths are available for all kids. Call the church office or email emily@firstlutherangalveston.com to schedule your pickup.

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!

Planning for Christmas – Worship Opportunities
 
Wednesday Dec 23
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Sanctuary open for prayer. Holy Communion at 3:00 pm.

6:00 pm Blue Christmas Worship – for those struggling in this season

Thursday Dec 24
5:00 pm  Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
 
8:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
 
11:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Worship Service
 
Friday Dec 25
10:00 am Christmas Day Worship
 
During these difficult days of the pandemic, we must observe masks at all times and social distancing. Because of this, we have added a third worship opportunity on Christmas Eve to reduce the number of people in each service (spreading it over 3 services versus just 2). 
 
If you are not feeling well, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are still in a 14 day quarantine period, please remain at home and worship virtually with us. Our Christmas Eve worship will be available on line.

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!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 $6101

Attendance 

In-person: 

   10:00am: 64

   5:30pm: 12

Virtually Online:

  10am Worship Service video:  160 views

  5:30pm Worship Service video:  81 views

  Sermon video: 29 views

This Week’s Birthdays

Janie Garcia 7th

Douglas Rogers 8th

Robert Zimmerman 8th

John Paul Massa 9th

Kim Lerma 10th

Clay Rogers 10th

Joe Concienne 11th

Anniversaries

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