Gifts of Care
Prayer Shawls
Prayer shawls are given to those who need an extra measure of comfort and warmth and as an expression of God’s constant loving presence and care. Knitters pray as they knit each shawl. To give a prayer shawl on behalf of the church to someone in need, or to volunteer in the making of these shawls, contact Bev Bentzinger, Administrative Assistant.
Burden Bears
Burden Bears are available for children and young adults. Burden Bears are intended for young ones who are experiencing difficult times in their lives such as illness, loss of a family member, divorce, or other difficult life situations. Bears can be obtained by contacting Bev Bentzinger, Administrative Assistant.
Meals from the Heart
Meals from the Heart encompasses a hands-on mission of cooking, fellowship, and hospitality. Volunteers meet monthly to prepare nutritious meals at the church, and the meals are portioned and frozen. Members of First Lutheran are invited to deliver them to anyone in need. The hospitality of a delivered meal symbolizes a message of Christ’s love and acceptance through the heart of caring service and our commonality of food. To inquire about volunteering, contact Jean Hoff.
CD Ministry
We know that music has a healing power of its own. In the words of Martin Luther, “Music is one of the fairest and most glorious gifts to God…for it removes from the heart the weight of sorrow and the fascination of evil thoughts.”
In 2009, First Lutheran member Sue Severson was asked to produce a CD of inspirational music for Cancer Care kits.The first CD, released in 2010, was titled You Are Loved. It includes 15 hymn arrangements and original compositions performed on the piano by Sue. The title track was written to honor Sue’s dear friend Doreen Pospisil, an active member and fellow musician at First Lutheran Church who entered into eternal rest following a tough battle with cancer in July 2010. The cover of the CD features a beautiful cross nestled atop a piano. This unique cross was designed and handcrafted by Sue’s father, the late Elmer Sorensen, and is a familiar sight to many in our community. The popularity of You Are Loved led to a second CD, released in 2013, entitled Hymnprov: Hymn Improvisations by Sue Severson.
Hymnprov continues to be given out as a gift by the Caring Ministry department of First Lutheran and by former parish nurse, Paula Bartels. Paula shared the following story with us as an example of how she utilizes these discs to spread the gospel in an easy way. One day Paula was at a funeral visitation for a friend and met someone in the receiving line who shared that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was still suffering from her treatment effects. Paula asked her if she liked piano music and quickly presented her with the gift of the CD when she said that she did. Both women left wiping away tears.
Sue’s father, Elmer Sorensen, supported this music ministry with initial financial support and left significant memorial funds to keep this project going. If you would like to request a CD for a friend or neighbor who is going through a tough time, contact the church.
These discs are meant to be given away freely and joyfully in the spirit of Paula Bartels, whose caring presence has reminded many others that no one suffers trials and tribulations apart from the loving presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are also grateful to Sue Severson and family for sharing their gifts and allowing this ministry to continue to bless others.
We also know that good music is something to be enjoyed in all times and circumstances. If you would like to purchase a CD to give away to a friend in need, contact the church.