CHILDREN AND YOUTH

•  Supporting faith growth in our children and youth is important to this congregation. Weekly programs for children ages 3-11 occur on Wednesday afternoons during the academic school year with activities such as Bible study, skits, singing, crafts, games, service projects, and handbells. The children use this time also to prepare for the annual Christmas pageant, presented in the middle of December each year.  Highlight of the summer season is Vacation Bible Study for children ages 3 - 11.
• Middle School youth participate in handbell practice on Sunday evenings prior to joining with High School youth for dinner, programs, and basketball with Pastor John in the gym! Planned into the schedule each month are such opportunities as retreats, LYO Assembly gatherings, rock climbing, laser tag, Putt-Putt, and various service projects in the community. High School youth are given the opportunity to attend the NC Synod’s leadership training event (Leadership Pathways) and to participate in a yearly 10-day mission trip each summer.

EDUCATION

• Continual learning of God’s Word is available for parishioners of all ages. Weekly Sunday Church School throughout the calendar year is planned for ages 3 through adult, using materials published by the ELCA and others that are approved for use. Confirmation class for youth in grades 6-8 is offered each Sunday morning during the Sunday School time using Faithinkubators curriculum. During the summer after their 8th grade school year youth culminate their study by enjoying a week of Campfirmation at Lutheridge. Confirmation occurs on Reformation Sunday in October.
• OTHER EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS
  Spring and fall Bible studies each year are offered by the Pastor. Publications of the ELCA – The Lutheran, daily devotional materials, Christ In Our Home and others are available to members upon request.
  
  

LAY MINISTRY

• Members of the church who feel a special call to this type of ministry take special instruction, are commissioned, and are available to individuals and families of the congregation. All aspects of these relationships are confidential. This ministry does not replace pastoral care by the clergy, but seeeks to strengthen and enhance it. For further information call the church office.

 
LUTHERAN MEN

• The Men of First Lutheran Church meet monthly (except during the summer months) on the first Tuesday of each month for food, fellowship and service. Our men have a long history of reaching out to the church and the community with the love of Jesus Christ. Our annual Christmas project allows us to “adopt” 100 area children for a morning of shopping for school clothes as well as making new friends. In the fall and spring, supper fundraisers at the church allow us to help our congregation’s high school youth in their annual summer mission trip, as well as providing needed items/funds for the parish. In addition, we serve Sunday breakfast on a regular basis and always enjoy time spent with the congregational members who support us. We invite all men/friends of the church to join us at our meetings, and in our service projects.

MUSIC MINISTRY

The Music Ministry at First Lutheran Church offers something for everyone.  Listed below are some of the wonderful opportunities available.  Come join our music family!  You'll be hooked by the fun, camaraderie and joy of praising God. 

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO GOD!

• CHANCEL CHOIR                                                                                          The Chancel Choir is led by Marie Jones.  Marie is also the full-time organist.
• CHILDREN'S CHOIRS                                                                             Kim McGowen directs the Children's Choirs.
• HANDBELL CHOIRS                                                                                   Michelle Efird directs the Beginners and Adult Handbell Choirs.  Handbell groups are available for grades 3 through adults.

 PRAYER CHAIN

• More than forty First Lutheran Church members stand ready to pray when you or someone you know has a specific need.  All it takes for this support is a call to the church office or a request via the Pastor to alert the chain.

• Women meet monthly in small groups (Circles) and twice yearly all together for programs relative to the purpose and mission of the organization and for fellowship and support.  Currently two Circles meet on the second Monday of the month, one at 10:00 AM in the Efird Building and the other at 7:00 PM in the home of one of the participants.  See also: www.womenoftheelca.org and www.ncwelca.org

COMMITTEES

Audit
Educational Ministry
Evangelism
Family Life
Finance
Kitchen
Mutual Ministry
Property
Publicity and Archives
Social Ministry
Stewardship
Worship and Music
Youth Ministry