FIRST COMMUNION, PRESENTATION OF BIBLES & FATHER'S DAY SUNDAY

A big celebration was held at worship on Sunday, June 21. Not only was it first communion for a group of 8 young people, but we presented 18 Bibles to the Sunday school children and gave pops to the pops on Father's Day. A reception followed worship.

First Communion was received by the following students pictured above: (back row) Melony Orr, Louis Nguyen, Ellicha Gage, Jazmine Rathbun, (front row) Lucas Kerndt, Kyle Hitchins, Emilio Rathbun, Riley Gage. These young people have been preparing for this day since May and each created a special project to reflect their excitement about partaking of the sacrament of Holy Communion. The group also led the congregation in singing "The Welcome Table" and received certificates commemorating the occasion.

The Bible showed up to help the congregational president, Dr. Jan Schweitzer, present Spark Bibles (NRSV) to the older children and Spark Story Bibles to the younger children of the Sunday school. These Bibles are brand new resources released by the Lutheran publishing house, Augsburg Fortress. Pastor Laura was a writer on Spark Bible. They were given in loving memory of Marcella Geuder. These Bibles will be the basis of our Sunday school curriculum next fall.

The children who received Spark Story Bibles are:

• Nicholas Rethwisch

• Ethan Schweitzer

• Jack Schweitzer

• Kai Timmerman

• Zoey Timmerman

The young people who received Spark Bibles are:

• Beau Bourcier

• Rye Bourcier

• Willem Bourcier

• Winter Bourcier

• Riley Gage

• Lucas Kerndt

• Alanna Pleasants

• Jazmine Rathbun

• Emilio Rathbun

• Soraya Reyes 

• Emily Rethwish 

• Nicole Vinson

• Haley Vinson

The "pops" were given Tootsie pops from a candy bouquet. We wanted all the dads to feel special on Father's Day.

A reception followed worship with a beautiful First Communion cake made by Carol Schaefer. The youth also made s'mores bars for the occasion.