Announcements

We invite you to attend Christmas Eve Services on December 24 at either 4:00 or 7:00 pm

No Christmas Day Services

Blessings and thank you to all who have contributed to this important ministry helping 235 families this holiday season. Thank you to the cookie bakers who were so generous filling boxes delivered to 55 people who are homebound or in a care center. We will continue to collect hats, mittens, and socks through January 5 for the local schools. We estimate that over 1,000 people in our community have benefited from this outreach and your generosity. Thank you for keeping us and the ones we serve in your prayers.

Thank you First Lutheran Church,
The Beautification Committee would like to extend our gratitude for your generous donations to help furnish the renovation of the Community Room (formerly the Library). Your support has played a crucial role in bringing this project very close to completion with the new cabinetry due for installation any day. We are thrilled to see the space come to life.
Thanks to your contributions, we now have a beautiful and welcoming room that will serve as a gathering place for many groups within our congregation. From Bible studies to fellowship events, this space will provide countless opportunities for connection and growth within our church family and for our broader Hayward community groups who use it regularly.
Looking ahead, our next project for 2025 is to furnish a new space we are naming the Gathering Room, located at the end of the hall near the Music Room (formerly the Youth Room). This will provide an additional place for groups to meet before weddings or funerals, as extra classroom space, for a small group gathering, etc. Our plan is to redecorate and furnish this room. Your ongoing financial support will be helpful and most appreciated as we work on this exciting new project.
We are grateful for your commitment to making First Lutheran a place of warmth and hospitality for all who enter.

Thank you for your generosity.

There’s a lot going on with Operation Christmas in the next two weeks. Check out our information page for details. Here are key dates to keep in mind:
• Deadline to sign up for Family Food Basket & Gifts is 12/11; call 715-634-2141
• Pick up tags for children’s gifts and deliver to church by 12/16
• Cash donations are appreciated for gifts and food, payable to First Lutheran Church with Operation Christmas in the memo line
• Sign-up now at the Welcome Center for volunteer activities, many are needed for the week of December 16-21
• Cookies (no nuts please) for shut-ins are due 12/15 at the church kitchen
• Hat, sock & mitten tree donations for local schools through January 5

Blessings to you all!

Support Lutheran World Relief
Need a Christmas gift idea? The Outreach Committee is offering a chocolate mixing spoon with every bag of coffee purchased.
See display in narthex.

More Choir Members wanted! All parts welcome. If you can carry a tune you’re qualified. All parts welcome. The choir rehearses Wednesday at 6 pm and sings for two Sunday services and one Saturday service per month. Please contact Patty at 715-634-0379 for more details.

Have you made any end of life plans? Does your family know your wishes, where your remains will be placed? One decision you can make is to purchase a niche in the First Lutheran Memorial Garden. Take some time and talk with the Columbarium Memorial Garden Team. Currently Memorial Garden Wall Plagues are $400. On January 1st the cost will be $450. Buy a plague in memory of Family, Pastor, Friend. Plagues are cast twice a year- spring and early fall. Go to our web page for more information: https://flchaywardwi.org/columbarium/

Volunteer Coordinator(s) Help Wanted For 2025. We understand the whole year is overwhelming — but what about 1 month? Would you be willing to find volunteers for 1 month of the year? The sign-up sheets will still be there for those who sign up – you will just fill in the blanks. The new directory is the perfect resource. Please get in touch with Pastor Joel if you’re willing to help. We can do this!