10:50 a.m. — Adult Forum: The “Faith and Stories” Series concludes with the discussion of Oscar Hijuelos’ story “Christmas 1967” from his novel Mr. Ives’ Christmas. President Paula Carlson returns to lead the discussion. Copies of the story are available on the Narthex Table for those planning to participate in the Forum. The story is published in Volume 3 of the “Listening for God” series co-edited by Dr. Carlson, available from Augsburg Fortress and through Amazon.
Oscar Hijuelos

Paula Carlson Presenting at Good Shepherd Adult Forum

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 5:30 p.m. – “In the Beginning” – From Pastor Amy – Just as the creator God forms the earth out of chaotic waters and shines light onto primeval darkness, so too, our baptism into Christ’s resurrection pulls us from death into fruitful life with all the good earth and enlightens our life in Christ. The service begins with the Evening Prayer liturgy from ELW. Luther students Katy Roets and Diamond Jenkins will read James Weldon Johnson’s poem “The Creation” from his “God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse,” 1927. An electronic version of this work with original illustrations is available here (“The Creation” begins on page 17): http://docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/johnson/johnson.html  

A Simple Soup Supper, provided and served by members, follows the service.

Tuesday, February 20
5:00 p.m. – Social Justice Subcommittee
6:00 p.m. – Congregation Council Potluck and Meeting

Wednesday, February 21
7:30 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast
1:00 p.m. – Prayer Shawl Ministry
5:30 p.m. – Midweek Lenten Service – Soup Supper to follow
6:00 p.m. – Handbell Rehearsal
7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice
8:00 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Thursday, February 22 – March Newsletter deadline
10:00 a.m. – Bible Study with Pastor Amy – Narthex

Sunday, February 25 – Second Sunday in Lent – New Member Sunday
8:45 a.m. – Handbell Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion -11:00 a.m. Broadcast
10:30 a.m. – Fellowship Hour
10:45 a.m. – Sunday School and Youth Forum
10:50 a.m. – Adult Forum -“Faith and Stories” – Dr. Paula Carlson

FEBRUARY ADULT FORUMS ANNOUNCED – “Faith and Stories” is the theme for the Forums on February 11, 18, and 25.  

On February 18, member Richard Ylvisaker will lead the discussion of two biblical stories – Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18) and The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Paula Carlson will return on February 25 to lead the discussion of “Christmas 1967”, a chapter in Oscar Hijuelos’s novel Mr. Ives’ Christmas. Participants are encouraged to read the stories in advance of each session. Contact Richard Ylvisaker for additional information. 

Tuesday, February 13
9:30 a.m. – Anna Circle – Jane Borelli hosts
5:00 p.m. – Fat Tuesday Feast at First Methodist

Wednesday, February 14
7:30 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast
10:30 a.m. – Communion at Aase Haugen
2:00 p.m. – Miriam/Ruth Circle – Carol Hasvold hosts
7:00 p.m. – Ash Wednesday Service
8:00 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Thursday, February 15
10:00 a.m. – Bible Study with Pastor Amy – Narthex
5:00 p.m. – Decorah Community Meal at First Lutheran

Sunday, February 18 – First Sunday in Lent
8:45 a.m. – Band Warmup
9:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion – Broadcast 11a.m.
10:30 a.m. – Fellowship Hour
10:45 a.m. – Sunday School and Youth Forum
10:45 a.m. – Adult Forum – “Faith and Stories”