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It’s 2026, one hundred years since First United Lutheran Church was organized – later renamed First Evangelical Lutheran Church. We’re celebrating our centennial this year with some special events. To help us think about that, let’s take a peek back at what was happening in 1926…
In 1926, Calvin Coolidge was president as our nation celebrated its sesquicentennial. It was the roaring twenties – a time of boom and bust, as well as prohibition. Around the globe, there was a lot of political unrest – protests, invasions, coups aplenty. And the cheeseburger was invented!
Locally, the great Miami hurricane killed hundreds and caused massive devastation throughout southern Florida. West Palm Beach saw businesses boarded up, roofs blown off, and significant debris littering the streets, with severe damage in African-American neighborhoods.
The Florida Land Boom, fueled by speculation, began to falter, partly due to negative publicity about scams and the hurricane's impact, leading to developer bankruptcies.
1926 saw the births of several of the most influential and important people of the 20th century, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Fidel Castro and Marilyn Monroe.
That was then, but this is now! We’re kicking off our anniversary year with a special event on January 25th. We’ve invited the other ministries onsite to take part in a special outdoor worship service, where we will come together to share in a day of worship, with each church taking a turn to share music and a message, beginning at 10:00 and ending around 2:00 pm.
People can come and go – but make sure you come at 10:00 and stay for lunch, walk around, mix with people, enjoy the whole day with our community! We’re setting up a stage, chairs, tents, and games for the whole community in the basketball courts (or in the sanctuary in case of inclement weather). The schedule is, tentatively:
Opening Welcome
1. First & Holy Cross, Tikvah Israel
2.Youth For Christ
3.The LIGHT WPB
Lunch Break (Sub sandwiches from Publix, served outside, soft music)
4.Tabernacle of Restoration
5.Church of God 7th Day
6.CAC-WPB
Closing Benediction
Mark your calendars and let’s begin the celebration for the next 100 years!
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- We are welcoming Nicole Taylor (affirmation of faith) and Apollonia Padilla (Holy Baptism) as new members this Sunday. It’s a blessing to have them joining us – make sure to greet and welcome them during the Fellowship Hour this Sunday.
- Are you looking for a church home, or do you know someone who might be? Please contact the office or talk to one of the pastors for more information.
- Do you like to help others in times of an emergency? Mary Bates from the NALC Disaster Response will be here to help train us in how to be of help in times of crisis like hurricanes, fires, and tornados. She will lead a workshop for us on January 17th from 10-1 in the chapel. Add your name on the sign-up sheet at the back of the church or call the office so we can plan for lunch!
- The Church Choir will rehearse next Sunday after worship, and sing for our outdoor service on January 25th. Join us in making a joyful noise!
- First Evangelical is celebrating our centennial this year! First was organized on April 4, 1926, built a church downtown and later moved to the current location in 1960. Mark your calendars for these special events coming up. Everyone is invited to be a part of these events – Especially Holy Cross and the other churches onsite.
January25th – Community Celebration Worship outdoors 10am-2pm
February22nd – Guest Pastor, Rev. Carsten “Judd” & Teresa Ludder
March22nd – Guest Pastor, Rev. Paul F. Arnold
April12th – Anniversary Celebration
10:00am - Worship with Bishop Selbo, Artist Paul Oman
Noon Lunch and Carnival Activities
1:30pm – Program: Stories, Greetings, Music, & Videos
4:00pm – Hors d’oeuvres and Desserts
- Our church will be hosting a LifeLine Screening event on January 21, 2026. LifeLine Screening is the premier provider of stroke and cardiovascular disease risk screenings since 1993. LifeLine Screening is extending a discounted offer to all First and Holy Cross Church members which will identify your risk level for the following diseases: Carotid Artery Disease, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Atrial Fibrillation. Visit www.llsa.social/habc or call 800-324-9458 to schedule your appointment!
