Family Sunday is a new monthly event for our Faith Formation kids AND their whole family. This month, we will be preparing for the season of Advent by making an Advent wreath (we will supply the materials). We will also talk about what Advent is and why it’s important. You can then use your wreath at home for the whole 4 week season of Advent. Don’t miss this gathering on Nov 22. You can join us in-person right after the 10AM service ends OR you can join us virtually at 4:30PM. Please RSVP for this event by Nov 15themily@firstlutherangalveston.com

Share Your Holidays Fill a grocery bag with food for our neighbors in need! Pick up a paper grocery bag while at church or by stopping by the church office. Fill it up and drop it back off at the church. ALL donated food will be added to the Share Your Holidays Food Drive and will be added to the Galveston total as it goes directly to the Galveston County Food Bank. Thank you for being generous with your support for our many neighbors who are even more food insecure this year than ever before.

Calling Child Artists! This year our nativity play is going to look different. We want to be able to include those who are worshiping in person, and those who worship at home. So, this year, we will be creating a picture show of the nativity story. From Mary & Joseph’s journey to the arrival of the 3 Kings, we need your child(ren)’s help. Please let us know if your child(ren) is/are interested in drawing a picture by Nov 15th. Then, you will be assigned a specific scene to draw on a normal white sheet of printer paper (we can provide this if needed). Turn in your picture so it can be displayed in our art show nativity! For more information or to sign up, please email emily@firstlutherangalveston.com

College Devotion is on Nov 12th at 7PM. All undergrads are welcome to virtually join us in a discussion about science and religion. It’s sure to be a good discussion! For the Go-To-Meeting link, email emily@firstlutherangalveston.com

Kids' Mission All elementary aged kids are invited to join in Secret Agent of Godtraining. This week we have Lesson 9: Ten Bridesmaids on our website: FirstLutheranGalveston.com/kids-mission. At the end of each lesson, your Agent will be given a top secret mission that will help make the world a better place. If you have questions or would like a TOP SECRET SUPPLY BAG, please contact emily@firstlutherangalveston.com

Thank you for your support of the mission and ministry of our parish. 2020 has been an unusual year – yet God continues to call us to live into the ministry and mission of the Gospel. Your support helps us to do that. Working together we can end the year strong over these last months. Thank you for your support!

Worship Virtually – Sundays 10:00 am or 5:30 pm
Worship Safely In Person – Sundays 10:00 am or 5:30 pm

 
You are encouraged to join in worship either safely in person or virtually every Sunday. If you prefer a smaller gathering, try out the Sunday evening worship service!
 
Mask Up!
As the pandemic continues to churn in our world, First Lutheran continues to require that masks be worn and kept on during worship services or other events at the church. Those leading worship in chancel will removed their masks while speaking so as to provide clear communication for both those worshipping in person and those on line. Otherwise, everyone is required to keep their mask over their mouth and nose. Please be vigilant and encouraging of one another in observing this for the safety of all. The reality is that case numbers are rising – hopefully we can help lower those numbers and keep things moving.

Wednesday Afternoon Prayer and Holy Communion
During these days of pandemic, gathering together has become difficult and even dangerous for some. Yet, the desire and need of being in the church building for prayer and reception of Holy Communion remains. The main sanctuary is open on the first Wednesday of each month and the next one is December 2nd from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Holy Communion will be celebrated with a brief liturgy lead by Pastor Rhoades at 3:00 pm.  Participants are invited to be seated in socially distanced pews and for quiet prayer and reflection. Holy Communion will be brought to you in your pew. All will be required to wear masks, sanitize hands upon entering the building, and to remain socially distanced. Those who are running a fever or have other symptoms are asked to not attend. This gathering opportunity is designed for those with underlying health concerns, those who are older, and those who are homebound. Our hope is to offer a safe time and space for your spiritual well being.

HOME Holy Communion Package: As we have entered into a time of observing weekly communion virtually in our homes, you may contact the Church Office to receive a package of wafers for the celebration of Holy Communion. A bag with a month’s supply will be brought out to your car while observing safe practices. Luther reminds us that the sacrament is valid when we trust the promise of Christ in the sacrament. And, as we confess belief in the communion of saints, we trust God’s presence in our virtual gatherings for worship. Please contact the Church Office as 409-762-8477 to arrange for your package of wafers.

2020 Men’s Club Christmas Party Cancelled The Men’s Club has decided to cancel the annual Christmas Party because of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The safety of our community outweighs our enjoyment of the party. BUT the date is already reserved for the 2021 Christmas Party which will be the best one ever! (Thank you to the Men’s Club for their constant support of the ministry of the church and for their thoughtfulness for the safety of our congregation.)

Joyful Noise - The Joyful Noise Strings will be playing on Sunday, November 15. Masks are required at this time. Any questions, please contact kelseyscheuerman@gmail.com

Offering $5625

Attendance

In-person: 

   10:00am: 88

   5:30pm: 14

Virtually Online:

  10am Worship Service video: 196 views

  5:30pm Worship Service video: 93 views

  Sermon video: 111 views

  Kids Mission videos: 

   Lesson 9: 17 (released yesterday)

   Lesson 8: 46 views

   Lesson 7: 95 views

   Lesson 6: 122 views

   Lesson 5: 94 views

   Lesson 4: 142 views

   Lesson 3: 143 views 

    Lesson 2: 8 views (not posted on Facebook)

   Lesson 1: 140 views

This Week’s Birthdays

Liberty Cox 9th

James Austin 10th

Pam Stevens 10th

Noel Spencer 11th

Alyce Rac 12th

Brandon Wiltse 13th

Jennifer Cooper 14th

Ann Moreau 14th

Anniversaries

Tom and Sharon Kirkpatrick 9th

Randy and Liz Plain 11th

Jeremy and Tiffany Heallen 13th