September may not mark the beginning of a new calendar year, but in many ways it feels like the beginning of a new year at First Lutheran.
School is back in session. Fall routines are taking shape. Our regular Sunday morning schedule returns, and learning, music and other ministries begin again. Adult Choir resumes September 2 at 7:10 PM, Spirit Ringers September 3 at 6:30 PM, Confirmation September 2 at 6:00 PM, Sunday learning for children and youth September 13 at 9:30 AM and High School Youth Group September 16 from 6:30–8:00 PM.
With it all comes another year of opportunities to worship, learn, serve, build relationships and live out our faith together. It is also an opportunity to think more intentionally about what it means to accompany one another — something that has long been part of who we are at First Lutheran.
To accompany means to walk with others — doing with, not simply doing for. It means listening, building relationships, recognizing the gifts others bring and trusting that God is already present and at work. We live out that calling through welcoming, discipling, embracing, partnering and advocating.
Welcoming
Welcoming means recognizing each person as a unique and beloved child of God and creating spaces where people can come as they are and know they are accepted.
This Sunday, September 6, we return to our regular Sunday worship schedule with worship at 8:15 AM with livestream and 10:45 AM. There is room for you — and there is room for others in a pew and at the communion table. Invite a friend to worship with you. Extend a warm welcome to an unfamiliar face. Introduce yourself to someone you haven’t met before. There is also a place to participate in worship in many ways — as a greeter, usher, reader, acolyte, communion assistant or Bible bearer.
That same welcome is lived out in everyday spaces throughout the week — places where people can come as they are, connect with others and find community. Wild Women of First, Seasoned Adults, Monday afternoon Coffee Talk and First Fitness classes are just a few examples. Our music ministry also makes room for people of all ages, experience and skill levels through choirs, small ensembles, solo opportunities and more. You can also help create that welcome as a greeter at First Friday Jazz concerts or other special events.
Discipling
Faith continues to grow throughout our lives. We are lifelong learners and opportunities to learn, ask questions and deepen our understanding help empower and equip us to live out our faith in our daily lives and in our relationships with others.
Sunday Learning Hour is 9:30–10:30 AM, with Adult Forum in the Chapel and learning for children and youth (ages 3-high school) beginning September 13. Confirmation meets on the first and third Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, beginning September 2.
Adult learning continues throughout the week through Wednesday Bible Study groups, Saturday Morning with the Guys & Gals, Faith to Go!, Gather & Gab and three Women’s Circle groups — to name just a few.
Embracing
Accompaniment also means helping people know they truly belong — surrounding one another with God’s love through generosity, care and support.
Ministries such as Helping Hands, Transportation Ministry, Stephen Ministry, Quilters and Keeping God’s People in Stitches offer ways to walk alongside others through listening, practical help, a needed ride or something lovingly made by hand.
Partnering
We don’t do ministry alone. Throughout the year, First Lutheran works alongside community organizations and others to combine our gifts and resources for the good of our neighbors.
You might help with our weekly BackPack Program, prepare and serve lunch at Matt Talbot Kitchen each month, volunteer at the Lincoln Lutheran Food Pantry, help with the Gifts of Hope Market or Kicks for Kids campaign or join a Community Connections & Collaborations project or activity.
Advocating
Walking alongside others sometimes calls us to listen, learn, speak up and work for change.
You might attend a Justice in Action Listening Session — including one on September 20 from Noon–1:30 PM — or the Nehemiah Action Assembly in the spring. You can support a Social Ministry activity or join a Faithful Conversation on Sunday mornings from 9:30–10:30 AM as we explore what it means to live out our call to “work for justice and peace in all the world.”
Where Might You Find Your Place?
You don’t need to do everything — or even know yet where you fit.
Maybe this is the year you try a learning opportunity. Sing or ring. Help with worship. Join a fellowship gathering. Serve alongside a community partner. Advocate for an issue you care about. Or simply spend more time getting to know the people around you.
Explore the full list of First Lutheran ministries and opportunities here.
If you would like to get connected with a ministry, contact the church office (402-488-0919) or office@flclincoln.org and we’ll help connect you with the right person.
As this new ministry year begins, perhaps the question isn’t simply, “What should I sign up for?”
Maybe it’s:
Where is God inviting me to walk alongside someone this year?
