.png)
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians3:13-14
April was quite a month! From Holy Week to the 100th anniversary celebrations, we had a lot happening. I’m so thankful for everyone that helped make our celebrations go so well. Think about all the events:
A Seder Dinner, Maundy Thursday worship, and a shared Good Friday service with The Light WPB.
We celebrated the resurrection on Easter Sunday with special musicians and an Easter Egg Hunt.
The monthly anniversary celebrations came to peak with our big weekend, with Pastor Paul Oman kicking things off with a Saturday teaching and mural painting about the Lost Sheep.
On Sunday we had our celebration worship with Bishop Selbo reminding us of the rich heritage we have in Christ Jesus, while Paul Oman painted the story of the Good Shepherd. We had special musicians, a choir, and a lot of guests, making the morning memorable!
Over the delicious lunch, the carnival was filled with games, a petting zoo (I liked the rabbits, but the tiny pig was really cute, too!). Paul Oman drew a few kids caricatures as well. We had t-shirts, hats, polos, pens and stickers, plus some balloons and fun displays to remember our history.
The afternoon program was filled with stories, memories, speakers, music and videos. There was so much to tell, and celebrate! It was special near the end when the kids – who had taken a much-needed nap, got up and sang and danced for us as we looked to the future, to what God is going to do through us for the next one hundred years!
It was great to see a lot of former members come back for the celebrations, and it was powerful to recall the ways that God has helped us do the ministry He’s called us to here in West Palm Beach, and beyond! Don’t forget to look at the videos, or share them with others who maybe couldn’t make the weekend. Go to: https://www.youtube.com/@firstlutheranchurchwestpal7401
I did take a week off at the end of the month, for a much needed break! One way I like to recharge is to go farming. It is spring, so my brother was happy to have me help him with planting and some other chores back in Minnesota. I rediscovered muscles I had forgotten about!
It is good to be back, and more than that, it is also good to be looking forward again. We’ve got a lot coming up, too: things like Mother’s Day, Vacation Bible School, Father’s Day, String Camp, and building a new playground! The future is exciting, and it is here!
Let’s continue to press on, moving forward toward the goal, putting our faith in God, and fulfill that calling God has given us to reach people here in West Palm Beach!
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Join us for worship this Sunday, with a lunch following worship in the Fellowship Hall.
- A special thank you to Carol Roberts for providing special music during communion this Sunday.
- FELC Council will meet following worship this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.
- Would you like an Anniversary T-shirt or Polo? How about special souvenir pens, stickers, or hats? Or a color program from the afternoon? All are still available from the office.
- Our church will be hosting a Life Line Screening event on May 21st. Go to www.llsa.social/habc or call 800-324-9458 to schedule your appointment.
- We’re looking for volunteers to help with Vacation Bible School this spring. Mark your calendars for June 15-19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Our theme this year is: “True North”, where the kids will have an unforgettable Alaskan adventure! Registration will begin soon for 4 & 5-year-olds and elementary youth.
