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

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Internet address: www.flcclearwater.org

April 24-25, 2010

From God’s Matchless Word…
12 Put
on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate
hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one
another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each
other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13 ESV

Last Week’s Attendance: April 17-18, 2010

Saturday: 6:30 pm: 49 Sunday: 8:00 am: 46 10:30 am: 105

Church Offering – Unrestricted - Fiscal Year – Week 37 (April 17-18, 2010)*

Budgeted Weekly Income: ....................................................................................................................$10,858.00
Received This Week:....................................................................................................................................6,575.72
Budgeted Year-to-Date:.........................................................................................................................412,604.00
Received Year-to-Date: .........................................................................................................................278,718.72
*Previously used Budgeted Weekly Income figure of $7012 has been
adjusted to reflect change due to non-receipt of expected $200,000 gift.

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 Sunday School & Bible Classes
SUNDAYS
* Sunday School and Bible Study classes will be cancelled on Mother’s Day morning.
9:15 a.m. Fellowship Hall The Book of Genesis
Weekly Pastor Zimmermann
Gathering Place Young Single Adults
Married Couples & Single Parent Adults
Kathy Piering
Chapel in church Life Light
Dan Snook
Loft-Youth Room in CLC High School Students
9-10-11-12 gr.
Rick. Howard
Church Library Middle School
6-7-8 gr.
Ralph Otte
Church Nursery 0-2 yr. olds
Erica Hinz
Room 10 in the Fellowship Hall 3-4-5 yr. olds & K-1-2 gr. / 3-4-5 gr.
Jane Otte & Vicky Miller
7:00 p.m. Off-site Women’s Bible Study
st rd
1 and 3 Sundays June Schultz
TUESDAYS
7:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall Men’s Prayer Breakfast
April 27th: “Nutrition and You”
Followed by the Worker Bees (work around the campus)

WEDNESDAYS
9:45 a.m. Fellowship Hall The Book of Zechariah – Adult Bible Study
Weekly Rev. Arnie Piering
89Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 119:89 NIV
The Bible has survived every scratch of human pen. It has survived the assault of skeptics, agnostics, and
atheists. It has never been proved wrong by a single archaeological discovery. It remains supreme in its
revelation of redemption. God still speaks to us today through that same Word, which stands forever.

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 Prayers of the People
For Our Church and Community
Sick, Hospitalized -Jean Schultz -Doris & Lester Cecil
or Recovering: -George Bock -Dan Murray
-Ryan Fox, cousin of Sandy Brown -Mary Lou & Carl Holdefer
-Richard Hayes, son of Richard & Carole Hayes -Henry Hammel, Joni’s brother
-Dee Nizen, aunt of Lyn Hedrick -Rita Sivals, friend of the Hedricks
-Tamara Norton & Isaac Moore, family of Marge Carver
-Sarah Marsh Kertberg, niece of Lee Marsh -Troy McKenna, friend of Peggie McClave
-Janice Christensen, Maryland, sister of Fred Robbins
Birthday: -Doris Drung, 4-20-10 -Don Drung, 4-11-10 -Dave Toll, 4-26-10
-Dan Snook, 4-26-10 -Ann Hinz, 4-27-10
Anniversary: -Dave & Ann Hinz, 22 years, 4-25-10
Condolences: -We were saddened to receive news this week that our sister-in-Christ, Cindy Taylor,
was called to her heavenly home early Wednesday morning, April 14th. A memorial service will be held
at First Lutheran on Tuesday, April 27th at 4:00 p.m. We rejoice that Cindy is now with the Lord and
sorrowful for all of us who will miss her. We offer our Christian love and sympathy to her family. The
memorial website for Cindy is www.veteransfuneralcare.com
-Our sincere Christian sympathy goes to the family of Myrtle Hunter, mother of Pam
Robbins and son-in-law of Fred Robbins, as she went to be with the Lord Sunday evening, April 18th.
Myrtle, age 95, born 12-3-14, was active in Bible study, with the seniors’ Sunday lunches, and other
activities at FLC. Memorial services are planned for June 5th at FLC. More information will follow.
Please keep her family in your prayers.
(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

Continue to pray for the team that is in Guatemala until April 26th. Pray for wisdom, health, safety.
Pray for everyone adversely affected worldwide by the dangerous ash fallout from the Iceland volcano.
Pray for peoples’ hearts to be turned to the Lord for salvation and comfort. Pray for our nation to humble
themselves before the Lord. II Chronicles 7:14
Pray for our small group meetings and as we go before the Lord corporately for guidance and blessing.
Pray for our nation & our leaders on every level that Godly decisions would be made on our behalf.
Always remember our men & women currently serving in the military worldwide and in war zones.
Always remember to pray for the persecuted church worldwide. Pray for the safe rescue and protection
of exploited children everywhere.
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Serving in the Military:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not
be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Deployed:
-Tabor Cleberg, E3, Air Force, Kadena, Okinawa, Japan
-Christopher Gleaton, Captain, US Army, Iraq, godson of Mary Ann and Charles Domzalski
-Janna Less, Air Force, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Keith Less, Baghdad. New address:
SrA Janna Less, 732 ESFS/Det 3, APO AE 09378
-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
-ET1SW Chris LaGrange, Navy, an FLS Dad
-S/Sgt. Jimmy Lovett, National Guard,420 Special Forces Group, Birmingham, AL, husband of Erna
Kollmeyer’s granddaughter, Jessica
-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 the Pentagon, 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:
° A floral arrangement on the altar this weekend is given by
Brenda & Lindsey Peters in celebration of Don & Doris Drung’s
April birthdays.
° Flowers are placed on the altar in loving memory of Christine
Clasen, 9-8-1991 – 4-27-2005. Thanks be to God for the lives she
touched and the memories shared. Always remembered and never
forgotten.
There are a large number of vacant dates available for flower
arrangements. Sign-up sheets for future floral donations are available in a binder in the Narthex.
Thank you.

Newspaper Ad: Please sign up in the Narthex to sponsor any available weekend ad expense.
Please call the office by 10:00 a.m. Wednesday to give your floral or newspaper dedication message.

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 The Adult Information Class begins May 4 for all non-members interested in
learning about our church, our theology, and our mission here at First Lutheran.
If you are from a non-Lutheran Church Missouri Synod background, or are a
Lutheran and just want to review, please consider attending the 7-week, fun, fast-
paced class on Tuesday evenings. Materials and resources will be provided at no
charge to everyone in the class. Let the office know if you are able to attend. We
would love to have you join us. Please call the office at 462-8000 x 1.

Classes: 6:30 – 8:00 p. m. Gathering Place (at church) - Tuesdays this Spring
Class 1 May 4 Class 5 June 1
Class 2 May 11 Class 6 June 8
Class 3 May 18 Class 7 June 15
Class 4 May 25 Reception into Membership: June 20

Look! Coming Soon to FLC!

Small Group/Cottage Meetings
Guatemala Mission Trip
Dog Show – Youth Fundraiser
Seminar: Brain Fitness & Crime Prevention
Softball Game for All Ages – FLS/FLC
Adult Information Class begins
Mother’s Day - Youth Flower & Bake Sale
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
Started Monday April 19th – May 1st (below)
Now through Monday, April 26th
This Sunday, April 25th 2-4:00 p.m. CLC
Thursday, April 29th 7:00 p.m. – Room 10
Friday, April 30th 3:00-5:00 – FLS Ball Field
Tuesday, May 4th 6:30 p.m. Call church office.
Sat., May 9th & Sunday between services
Every Tuesday at 7:00 a.m.

Small Group/Cottage Meetings began Monday, April 19th.

Everyone needs to attend ONE meeting to learn about the state of First Lutheran Church.
Please sign up sheets are in the Narthex. Second week of dates and times are as follows:

Sat, 4/24: 5 pm–6 pm (if seen on Friday email) Wed, 4/28 2 pm – 3 pm

“ 7:30 pm – 8:30pm “ 5 pm – 6 pm
Sun, 4/25 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Thurs, 4/29 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Mon, 4/26 10:30 am – 11:30 am “ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
“ 2 pm – 3 pm Fri, 4/30 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Tues, 4/27 10:30 am – 11:30 am “ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
“ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Sat, 5/1 5 pm – 6 pm

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Cross/Peace Display & Sermons
If you are missing any pieces of your Cross/Peace display, please contact Pastor Piering to
receive any needed pieces. Copies of these sermons are also available from Pastor Piering.
Habitat for Humanity/Thrivent Builds McKinley Home, 13269 116th Lane,
Largo. Help is needed April 17 (sheathing), April 24 (soffits), May 1 (shingles & insulation).
Contact Carol @ 727-343-9261 or rich.caro22@tampabay.rr.com. Thank you!
RCS – Board Nominations: The nominating committee of the RCS Board of
Directors is seeking recommendations from RCS Member Congregations regarding individuals
interest in serving on the board. The Board of Directors oversees the fiscal health and operations
management of the organization and meets six times each year for approximately two hours. If you
are aware of any qualified individual, please forward their contact information to RuthAnne
Morris, Chair, RCS Board of Directors, 503 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Clearwater, FL
33756. Phone 727-584-3528 x 402 and FAX 727-587-7747.
Morton Plant Mease Pastoral Care Department will offer free training for
lay people and retired clergy to become Volunteer Pastoral Care Visitors at one of our five facilities.
Applicants will receive training from, and service with, board certified chaplains. To obtain an
application and/or to request more information, call (727) 461-8045.

Every other Sunday…

Pre-K 3 - 5th Grade

This weekend – April 25th, 2010

…during the 10:30 a.m. service

Issues…Problems… We all have issues and problems that we face. For

some, it is their attitude. For others, it’s a habit that they can’t seem to break. For many, it is
something they have faced their whole life. The goal of this series is to take on each of those
issues and problems and learn how to “Deal With It!” Not just our own way, but the BIBLE
WAY! We need to find out what God has to say about how we should “Deal With It!”

April 25th: Anger

We must not allow anger to control us; we must control our anger.
Power Verse: “Don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” Ephesians 4:26
Children will enjoy videos, music, puppet skits, illustrated messages, power verse, and games!
Children will be escorted to the gym after the children’s message in the Sanctuary.
Parents, please pick them up in the gym after the service.

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Praise Team: Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday – Warm-up at 5:00 p.m.
Bells: Wednesday – 6:30 p.m.
Adult Choir: Wednesday – 7:30 p.m.

Call Ann Hinz, Worship Director, to join one of these musical praise groups: 727-462-8000 x 104.

Thank You…
Music:

Many of us enjoyed the beautiful music we had the pleasure of hearing

during Holy Week. Many thanks go to Ann Hinz and all those who
worked so hard to bring it to us: the choir, the bells, the brass, the
piano and organ accompaniments plus all the solos. Once again, “very uplifting and
wonderful". Thank you all for your hard work.

Rally 4-10-10:

First Lutheran LWML was privileged to host the Spring Rally. The
ladies led by Kristi Andrews did an excellent job of not only the
program, but the beautiful luncheon enjoyed by all. Thanks, also, goes to
Roxy Beougher for her wonderful wraps…you outdid yourself. Thank
you, Pastor Z, for our opening service and sermon. We can be proud of
First Lutheran.
LWML Ladies

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A special thanks to friends who remembered me during my recent illness with prayers, visits
and cards.
Sincerely,
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Altar Guild Announcement:
For Pentecost, May 23rd, we will have red geraniums on the altar. The cost will be
$5.00 each and the sign-up sheet is in the Narthex (on the Kiosk). The deadline to
purchase the geraniums will be Monday, May 17th. Thank you!

URGENT - It’s Lutheran Witness renewal again….

It’s time again to subscribe/unsubscribe to Lutheran Witness! If you would like to receive a 12 month/11 issue
subscription to Lutheran Witness, published by Concordia Publishing House, Florida Georgia District is
offering a discounted rate of $10.00. Ordering direct with CPH is twice the cost. Subscriptions run from July
2010 to June 2011. We must know if you plan to renew, cancel or start a new subscription. If you are a
current subscriber and you do not respond to renew, the office will CANCEL your subscription to prevent
incurring an unbudgeted church expense. To meet the FL-GA District deadline, please call by Wednesday,
April 28th. Thank you for your timely responses and cooperation in meeting this deadline.
Lisa Hope, Bookkeeping, 462-8000, extension 105.

Seminar: Be Safe and Be Smart 
Presenters:  Brain Fitness Centers of Florida &
            Crime Prevention Task Force 
When?  Thursday, April 29th at 7:00 p.m. 
Where? First Lutheran Church, Room 10 (in Fellowship Hall) 
               1644 Nursery Rd., Clearwater, FL 33756 

Key Topics to be presented and discussed: 
• Just how good is my memory?  What can I do to improve my memory and overall cognitive ability? 
• Home and Personal Safety, Identity Theft, Fraud and Scams, Car Jacking, and more… 
Registration is required. We have a few seats available – Sign‐up Now! 
Please return the form below to the address above OR simply send the same information to: 
FirstLutheranStephenMinistry@live.com   
Name(s)            
Telephone # (      )  E‐Mail Address:           
For more information, please call Dan Snook, 727‐797‐7233 or 727‐510‐8633 

Basketball!
Youth Basketball continues through May 22nd. The cost is only $5 per week. Games
start at 9:00 a.m. New players should plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Wear a gray or
black t-shirt. Please call Melvin Maciolek with questions at: 449-9185.

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 Youth News!
We now need to raise approximately $3,011.60 to cover the remaining cost of the nine students
attending the National Youth Gathering Believe in New Orleans this coming July. We will continue selling
frozen Tawnya Lasagna as take out following all our worship services. Three sizes are available:
Small (feeds one) - $5.00 Medium (feeds two) - $7.00 Large (feeds six) - $15.00
Chocolate candy bars are still being sold. ☺ See Ann Hinz or a youth to purchase.

Look for More Fun Fundraisers

May 8 & 9 – Flower & Bake Sale (Sat. after service & Sun. between services)
Anyone interested in a rummage sale???? Thank you for your continued support!!
 Greetings from the
National Day of Prayer Task Force!
Once again, our team is gearing up for our annual National Day of
Prayer event in Washington, D.C., where we’ll join with
government leaders and people from around the country to lift
our needs and concerns for America before the Lord. Also, our
dedicated volunteer coordinators are preparing for thousands of
local gatherings that will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2010.

Now more than ever before, I believe it is imperative that we as

God’s people remain on our knees for our nation and fellow
citizens. The critical challenges facing the United States and the
culture at large call for faithful, persevering intercession – not
only on the National Day of Prayer, but throughout the year.

Scripture provides abundant evidence that the Lord is attentive to

our cries and that He moves powerfully in response to the fervent
and contrite prayers of His children. As Martin Luther once said,
“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His
willingness.” What comfort and encouragement we can have in
the assurance that our sovereign God is listening to our pleas, that
He waits to intervene on our behalf, and that He is “mighty to
save” (Zephaniah 3:17). With those wonderful truths in mind, I
urge you to join with us on May 6th as, in keeping with our theme,
“For Such a Time As This,” millions assemble in venues across
this land to raise their petitions heavenward. For information
about the locations of various observances being planned, please
visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org.

May we continue to seek the Lord’s guidance and protection

during these crucial days that will impact the direction of our
country for generations to come. God bless you – and God bless
America!

Sincerely,

Mrs. James C. Dobson (Shirley)

Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force

Are you really here?

Members, please “sign in”, so we know if you are active or inactive. Envelope donations ARE NOT used to
record attendance. Please help us by signing in on a card for each worship service that you attend; we only
need your name and the date – as a member, you don’t have to fill in the address, phone number, etc. Thank
you.
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.

On Friday, there was a new principal at First Lutheran School. Geoffrey Starnes, from 3rd grade was the
Principal of the Day. He looked very professional in his dress shirt and tie. He spent the day with Mrs.
Popp doing teacher observations, designing and distributing NUT (no uniform today) Day passes, and
leading the Friday afternoon closing. He and Mrs. Popp also had an important principal’s meeting over
lunch at Steak and Shake discussing future plans for First Lutheran School. Mr. Starnes did an excellent
job as our principal.
Thursday was Earth Day so our Student Council planned a clean up project for the students. First, we
cleaned our classrooms and then spent some time outside beautifying our campus.
Over the last few weeks, our middle school students have been tackling a very important issue –
bullying. They had an all middle school meeting to begin discussing the issue. Pastor Piering led them in
an opening devotion and then the teachers helped lead the middle school students in defining the issue
and coming up with ways to prevent bullying on our campus. One important part of their discussion
was designing and signing a poster to be a part of the "Caring Majority” that would not allow bullying
at our school. Thank you, teachers and students, for taking the lead in this important issue.

PTL Scrip Shop

iTunes® 20% Bonus
You name it…we have it in Scrip…
Stop in and get your scrip cards today!
Check out our display! Thanks for your continued support!
Sprucing up your garden for spring? Home Depot or Lowe’s: $25

Charitable Deductions: An Added Benefit of Scrip Fundraising

Talk to: Nancy Seltzer, Coordinator  ­ 559‐0606 or rblmom28@yahoo.com 

Visitor Corner: Welcome to all who come here to worship our LORD. Another voice in praise of
Him is a wonderful blessing. We are so glad you have come. 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 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.
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Apprriill 2255 –– M
Maayy 11,, 22001100
3Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things
which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
Guatemala Mission Trip Dates: Sat. April 17th through Mon., April 26th – Keep Us in Prayer
Sunday 25th WORSHIP .................................................................................................8:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Bible Studies.................................................................9:15 a.m.
WORSHIP ...............................................................................................10:30 a.m.
Children’s’ Church – “DEAL WITH IT!”.. .............................................10:30 a.m.
Monday 26th Wee Dance ………………………..Fellowship Hall....................................5:45 p.m.
Basketball League Practice…………..CLC ...............................................6:30 p.m.
Cub Scouts………………….Fellowship Hall and campus ........................7:00 p.m.
Tuesday Men’s Prayer Breakfast………….Fellowship Hall .....................................7:00 a.m.
Worker Bees………………..........Fellowship Hall......................................8:00 a.m.
TangSooDo …………………...............CLC…….. ............................... …..5:00 p.m.
Funeral for Cindy Taylor followed by Reception ................................ 4:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts …………………….…Outside / CLC .......................................7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Adult Bible Study…………………….Room 10 ..........................................9:45 a.m.
The Pinochle Group ………………...Room 10 ..........................................1:00 p.m.
Prayer Shawl Ministry.................……Library ............................................4:00 p.m.
Bell Practice......................... ……Church Balcony ....................................6:30 p.m.
Girl Scouts #684……………..Fine Arts/ Multi-Purpose Rm ......................6:45 p.m.
Adult Choir Practice............. ……Church Balcony ....................................7:30 p.m.
Thursday Wee Dance Aftercare………………Pre-School ........................................2:45 p.m.
TangSooDo …..…………………..Fellowship Hall .....................................5:00 p.m.
Basketball League Practice……….....CLC................................................6:30 p.m.
Crime Prevention Seminar / Brain Fitness Center Presentation - Rm 10..7:00 pm
Parent Meeting – FLS …………...Fellowship Hall.....................................7:15 p.m.
Praise Team …..…………………….Sanctuary .........................................7:30 p.m.
Friday Family Softball Game – All Ages FLS & FLC............................3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
TangSooDo………………………..Fellowship Hall ....................................6:00 p.m.
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Saturday 1 Boot Camp Workout………………..Soccer Field .....................................8:00 a.m.
First Lutheran Youth Basketball League – CLC........................................9:00 a.m.
OE Serenity…………………………..Room 10 ........................................10:30 a.m.
Praise Team Warm-Up........ .....................................................................5:30 p.m.
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP .................................................................6:30 p.m.
Sunday 2nd WORSHIP .................................................................................................8:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Bible Studies.............................................................9:15 a.m.
WORSHIP ...............................................................................................10:30 a.m.

Please submit articles for First Things First by Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. unless prior arrangements have been made
Please e-mail your article to: info@flcclearwater.org and call 462-8000 x 1 to be sure it was received. Thank you !