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April 25, 2013
The goal of the ELCA Marlaria Campaign is to raise $15 million in conjunction with the United Nations Millennium Development Goal to contain malaria by 2015.
We are turning this day into a special week – focusing on the work of the ELCA Malaria Campaign. First Lutheran Church will be observing World Malaria Day through the ELCA Malaria Campaign on Sunday, April 28 & Wednesday, May 1
Be prepared to bring special offerings, including lots of loose change!, to help prevent, treat and eliminate malaria in 11 countries in Africa.
$10 PROVIDES an insecticide-treated mosquito net and education to protect a family from malaria
$50 PROVIDES enough medicine to treat 25 people infected with malaria
$100 TRAINS a village health team to help treat and prevent malaria in their community
$250 PROVIDES enough medicine to prevent 125 women and their babies from contracting malaria during pregnancy
What is Holy Week?
March 2013
What is Holy Week and why do we have so many worship opportunities? What Sunday is to the week, Easter is to the Year! It is the most important event in Christian history, past, present and future. Many significant things occur during the last week of Jesus’ life. He enters Jerusalem with incredible excitement from the people. They wave palm branches and lay out their outer garments on the ground, that he may enter the city on this "royal carpet." They shout hosanna and sing praises to God. Jesus eats his last supper with his disciples and turns ordinary bread and wine to flesh and blood, a sacrifice for our forgiveness which gets played out weekly in Christian worship. Jesus predicts his disciples’ betrayal of him, his arrest, suffering and crucifixion. This all takes place during this time we now call Holy Week. The joy of Palm Sunday changes to the horror of Good Friday only to change back into the miracle of Easter Sunday. During Holy Week, we have a worship which surrounds each one of these significant events.
Holy Wednesday, March 27 at 6:00 PM will be our final Wednesday in our Lenten series where we are looking at the characters surrounding the crucifixion.
Maundy Thursday, March 28 at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Maundy is an English form of the Latin word for commandment. The overarching theme of the day is Jesus’ new commandment to "love one another even as I have loved you," a love sharply focused by the contrast of the betrayal which followed. Jesus’ love is demonstrated both in his example of servanthood and in his gift of himself in Holy Communion. This worship is a part of a three day worship service which includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday called the Triduum. We do not end with a benediction, but return to our daily lives and reconvene worship on Good Friday. On this night, we will be celebrating with the 5th graders who are taking their first communion.
Good Friday, March 29 at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. "Good Friday" is also known as "Black Friday." It is the day which our Savior was crucified. Again, this worship does not end with a benediction. The story of Jesus’ triumph is not complete until we return on Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday, March 31 at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. We enter the third and final stage of our Easter Journey. Jesus is risen and we celebrate!
New Associate Pastor
January 2013
The First Lutheran Church of Bemidji congregation voted Sunday, January 6, 2013 to add Pastor Linnea Papke-Larson as their Associate Pastor. Pastor Linnea has been working as an interim pastor for First Lutheran since the summer of 2011. She will be installed during worship at 8:30am and 10:30am on February 17, 2013 with a celebration meal following the second worship service.
Staff, Board & Council Retreat
January 2013
A staff, board, and council retreat was held on Saturday, January 19, 2013, entitled FLC Project 2013. The purpose of the retreat was to promote a more unified focus so that these entities can work toward achieving common goals.
Patti Van Camp and Caroline Eggers led us in opening worship.
A presentation were given by Pastor Corey Fuhrman on identifying important goals to improve relationships with congregational members and the community. Of the eight options, it was decided that our weakest area was 'Need Oriented Evangelism'. In short, what we (the church) should be doing to meet the needs of the people: making them feel welcome, comfort and joy.
A presentation was given by Leanne Kooima and the importance of communication. All activities need to be registered with the office so when calls or visitors come in, she is well aware and can communicate that information back to those inquiring as well as putting information on the calendar so things aren't double booked.
A presentation was given by Jim Bensen on the 'Mission, Vision, and Mystique' and its potential to propel First Lutheran Church to new heights. We have a lot to offer and should be opening up to our community and the needs of the people we serve. To be servants of Christ not asking who is going to serve us.
A presentation was given by Mike Tangen on the potential of the new Ministry Scheduler Pro in coordinating the numerous volunteer opportunities and enhancing those programs with those who best fit the area being served, not just a warm body.
Pastor Linnea Papke-Larson and Dave Vick led closing worship. Sarah provided the music.
Thanks be to God!
Christmas Worship Services
December 2012
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
Join us for worship on Monday, December 24th, Christmas Eve, at 3, 5 or 10 p.m. Each service will include candlelight. The 10 p.m. service has Holy Communion, too. Come and celebrate God’s great gift to you!
Christmas Day Festival Worship
Join us for Sunday morning worship on Tuesday, December 25th, Christmas Day, at 10:00 a.m. Come and celebrate the Christmas Good News!
Wednesday Worship
Join us on Wednesday, December 26 for 6:00 Celebration Worship in the Auditorium.
First Lutheran Welcomes a New Senior Pastor
September 2012
Northwoods Habitat for Humanity Faith Build
July 2012
Bemidji, Minnesota 56601
218-444-5302
Welcome to First Lutheran Church Bemidji online! Here you will find all kinds of information about who we are, why we exist, and what we are up to! We have Traditional, Blended and Contemporary Worship, Activities for all ages and interests and, MUCH, more! So take a look around and get involved. We pray this site is a blessing to you.
