First Lutheran Church Old North End Newsletter - Spring 2023

Return of the Gallery of Living Art

By 2020, First Lutheran had presented the Gallery of Living Art for 25 years and was preparing for the 26th when the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic forced a shutdown after the dress rehearsal. Since that time, everything has been packed away. This March, however, Gallery will return with 12 scenes depicting important moments in Jesus’ life, passion, death, and resurrection – including a new, never-before-seen picture!

Modeled after the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, California, the Gallery of Living Art uses costumed actors, props, and painted backdrops to bring famous pieces of Christian artwork to life on two stages. Powerful music is provided by the First Lutheran Choir, soloists, and instrumentalists. Over 200 people are involved in the production, and admission is free – the Gallery continues to be “First Lutheran’s gift to the community.”

This year’s performances will take place on Friday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 18, at 2 and 5 p.m.; and Sunday, March 19, at 3 p.m. In addition, the Jr. Gallery of Living Art, on Saturday, March 18, at 11 a.m., features a shorter presentation, kid-friendly narration, and a backstage tour – perfect for families and younger children.

From the Pastor

Dear Old North End Neighbors,

It feels like we’re back to normal, doesn’t it? Or at least a new normal following the years of pandemic. We were pleased at First Lutheran to see people coming back to church and welcoming many of you from the Old North End to membership in our congregation. It just has felt really good to have a full church again. I hope your life is getting back to a good new normal. We send these newsletters out to the neighborhood occasionally just to let you know what is happening at First Lutheran and to extend an invitation to join us if something we are doing suits you. Thank you for taking the time to read through what one of your neighbors is up to.

For Christians, we are about to enter the holy season of Lent. For us it is a time of reflection on our behavior and making changes to better align with the standard Jesus has set for us. It’s a time of prayer and study so that we might grow in our understanding of this faith. As Lutheran Christians, we try to stay humble, and acknowledge we don’t have it all figured out and are always in a posture of learning.

This year we are focusing on the gift of time and how to celebrate and enjoy this gift in keeping the Sabbath, in conversation with friends, and in gathering around meals together. Speaking of meals, we have three big ones coming up that you are invited to attend. On Shrove Tuesday (part of Mardi Gras) we’ll have a pancake supper from 6 – 8 p.m. On April 2 we’ll have an old-fashioned potluck (bring a dish to share) for Palm Sunday at 12 p.m., and on Easter Sunday morning we’ll have breakfast for anyone who would like to join us.

The other big thing coming up on the life of First Lutheran is Gallery of Living Art. People from all over the Mountain West drive to attend this special telling of the life of Jesus through recreations of famous religious art by live actors. It’s hard to explain, but it is a powerful combination of live depictions of famous art combined with beautiful choral music and narration that leaves people moved and awed. I hope you’ll consider joining us for one of three showings the weekend of March 17 – 19. There are more details on front cover.

Thank you for being such good neighbors. We hope we can reciprocate. We live in an incredible place, and it’s a joy to be here. God bless you!

Pastor Travis Norton

Worship Services During Lent and Easter

You are invited to worship with us during this Holy Season.

Ash Wednesday – February 22

12 p.m. and 7 p.m.

This service includes the pastor tracing the sign of the cross in ashes on our foreheads as a symbol of our mortality and need for salvation.

Maundy Thursday – April 6 at 7 p.m.

This service includes the rite of First Communion for children receiving the sacrament for the first time. It also includes the removal of all the altar decorations as a symbol of Jesus’ arrest, torture, and humiliation prior to being crucified. The service ends in silence.

Good Friday – April 7 12, 5, and 7 p.m.

We have three different services to remember the day that Jesus was crucified. At noon we will read the story of his death from scripture. At 5 p.m. we will have a family service appropriate for children to attend and tell the story in a way they can comprehend. At 7 p.m. we have a Tenebrae service where the lights are dimmed and music is sung as we narrate the story of Jesus’ death.

Easter Vigil – April 8 at 6:30 p.m.

This is the service where new believers are baptized and we hold vigil with candlelight and scripture readings awaiting Easter.

Easter Sunday – April 9

7:45, 8:45, 10, and 11:30 a.m.

This is the grand celebration of the resurrection of Jesus full of uplifting music, a flower cross, and huge crowds. In addition, we have our regular Sunday morning worship at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. as well as our Wednesday evening worship service in the Peel House at 7 p.m.

A Methodist-LutheranEpis copal Choir Concert!

Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m.

On Earth Day, the First Lutheran Choir will join forces with the choirs of First United Methodist and St. Michael’s Episcopal for a special presentation of John Rutter’s The Gift of Life and other beautiful choral works, accompanied by musicians from the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs. The concert will be held at First United Methodist.

The Peel House (Jewett Mansion) Sup ports Local Groups

In 2021 the church completed the almost 4-million-dollar renovation of the Peel House on its property. Since then, the house has been used to give back to the local community. The fourth floor was renovated to provide office space for the Lutheran Refugee and Asylee program of Lutheran Family Services. The rest of the building serves local 12 step recovery groups as well as event space for non-profits. Here’s a list of the groups that have benefitted from this historic home.

AAUW

Ascension Lutheran

AFA Chapel Retreat

AFP Association

AFP SO CO Member Holiday

Catamount Institute Board

CC Dept of Chemistry

CC Women's Ed. Society

Cheyenne Mt. Garden Club

Classical Station

Colorado Springs Faith Table

Community Bible Study

COS I Love You

Dance Alliance of PP Region

Fostering Hope

Fountain Tiny Houses

Grace & St. Stephens

Half The Sky

Historic Preservation Alliance

Homeward Pikes Peak

Horton Board Meeting

Indy Give Campaign

Intergy Private Wealth

LFS Mentor Celebration

Made To Flourish Integration

Mt. Carmel Veterans

Old North End Neighborhood

One Challenge

One Challenge Dinner

ONE Cookie Exchange

One Nation Walking Tog

Ormao Dance

Parish House Baroque

Peaceful Warriors

Peak Education

Peak Education Base Camp

Peak Education Senior

Philharmonic Youth

Pikes Peak EEE

Pikes Peak Habitat Dir

Pikes Peak Habitat-Thrivent

Pikes Peak Opera League

Pioneer Museum

Portia Club

Rotary Club

Sand Creek Intl.

SE CO Women of ELCA

SO CO Handbell Alliance

Soli Deo Gloria Choir

The Justice Center

Women's Literary Club

Zeb Pike DAR

Children’s and Youth Ministry

We would love to see you this month! Every Sunday we offer Sunday School for preschoolers through grade 5 from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Children join their parents in worship after the sermon so they can take communion together as a family. Our middle school and high school youth have a variety of activities going as well as regular formation offerings from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friends are always welcome and we would be happy to give you a tour of our Nursery, Sunday School spaces, and Youth Center any Sunday! To see exactly what is going on each week for our Children and Youth, visit our website: https://flccs.net/ministries/youth or join our weekly emails at the following link. https://mailchi.mp/flccs/childrens-youth-newsletter

Good Friday Family Service

April 7, 5 p.m.

First Communion for Fifth Graders

April 2, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and 12 – 1 p.m.

April 5, 7 – 8 p.m.

April 6, 7 p.m. worship

Is your child in fifth grade? Would you like them to learn about Communion, its history, and importance? You are welcome to bring them to First Lutheran for their First Communion this April!

Children will experience a Last Supper Re-enactment on Sunday, April 2 during the Sunday School hour. Then children and their parent(s) should come back for a

family lesson on the sacrament of First Communion from 12 – 1 p.m. in the Fireside Room on the same day, April 2. We will be having a potluck in the Gathering Place for everyone, so we will grab some lunch and then move upstairs for a short lesson on what we believe happens in Communion each week, both practically and spiritually. We will then have a practice on April 5 at 7 p.m. as well as a tour of the sacristy (where we hold the bread and wine) with Pastor Carrie Baylis.

Fifth Graders will take their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 6, at the 7 p.m. service.

GATHER: PIKES PEAK

Young Adult Worshiping Community for 20s and 30s

Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Peel House

March 14th and 28th • April 11th and 25th • May 9th and 23rd

This is a short, interactive Stations of the Cross service for elementary schoolers and their families. We will have music, art, and short scripture readings and discussions at each station. It is the perfect introduction to the events of Good Friday for children that love to move, ask questions, and fidget! The service averages around 40 minutes.

Sunday School: Preschool through Grade 5

Sundays during the 9:30 a.m. service

Youth Group: Grades 6 – 8

Sundays during the 9:30 a.m. service in the Peel House Youth Room

Youth Group: Grades 9 – 12

Sundays during the 11 a.m. service in the Peel House Youth

Confirmation: Grades 6 – 9

Worship and Small Group Wednesdays from 7 – 8:15 p.m.

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Adult Groups

WANT MORE FROM FIRST LUTHERAN?

There are many ways to stay up to date with all that the church is doing and offering. We send an email out every Wednesday, called First Weekly. It has the most important announcements of the week as well as a preview of what the pastor is considering for the upcoming sermon. You can sign up for that below.

www.flccs.net/connect

We send out a weekly printed newsletter called the Ekklesia There’s also a digital version on our website. You can get on the mailing list by sending your information to cheryl@flccs.net.

You can also find us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and yes we even have a blog. We love to connect!

Small Groups Highlights

Contact Cheryl Mahon 719-447-6064 or cheryl@flccs.net for more information about any of these groups.

Book Discussion Group – This group meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month to discuss a book the group selected. Monthly commitment is not required. All interested in discussing the book of the month are welcome!

February read for March 1 discussion

is Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan, March read is Still Life by Louise Penny, and the April read is The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult to discuss May 3.

Wayfarer’s Group – Do you know a woman who has recently experienced the loss of a partner? This support group meets off campus once each month to share in their grieving process and provide support and encouragement. Some women have experienced a recent loss, others continue to enjoy the community of this group though their loss was several years ago.

Bible and a Brew – This group meets each Thursday evening at a local craft brewery. The Gospel is referenced from the previous Sunday worship and thoughtprovoking questions bring about a lively discussion on the sermon that followed. Whether you attended (or watched) the sermon or not, you will find this a welcoming group to share healthy life discussions.

Crafting Around – Pat and Kiersten have come up with three more fabulous craft projects to share with you this Easter/Spring season! You can create beautiful greeting cards decorated with

quilling, create wool felted animals to decorate your Easter baskets or holiday tables, or make a gorgeous tempered glass and epoxy tray for hosting throughout the year. No experience necessary! Register here: https://bit.ly/3kuYTvm

Carving Club – People of all ages and experience are invited to bring their carving tools to the Wednesday evening meetings. If you are interested in learning how to carve wood, come and watch and our members will give you advice on what tools you need to get started.

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) Circles – The mission of the WELCA Circles is to promote spiritual growth and health through living faithfully as children of God, sharing with others the love and gifts that God has given to us in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There are two monthly circle meetings from September through May.

OWLs stands for Older Wiser Lutherans. They are a group of senior adults who meet monthly for food, fellowship, and excursions. In the past they have toured Pueblo Arkansas Riverwalk, explored the Cliff Dwellings in Manitou Springs, and visted the Rosemount Castle in Pueblo. During the colder months, the group hosts oldfashioned potlucks at the church and invites speakers to come and share on a range of topics. Below are the topics for the next three months.

Presentation on Music Therapy by Liz Kochis

Thursday, March 30, 2023 – Peel House Parlor

11 a.m. Potluck Lunch, 11:45 a.m. Presentation

Sign Up Deadline: Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Come join the OWLs group to enjoy a presentation by Liz Kochis. Liz is a music therapist and will have many interesting techniques to share on how music therapy can improve our health. Come join us as we fellowship during a potluck lunch before the presentation. Please sign up by calling FLC at 719.632.8836.

Presentation by Charles P. (Chuck) Cabell, Jr. son of Charles P. Cabell, General, USAF

Thursday, April 20, 2023 – Peel House Parlor

11 a.m. Potluck Lunch, 11:45 a.m. Presentation

Sign Up Deadline: Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Chuck, (also a ret. Brigadier General, USAF) will talk about strategic bombing plans and execution in the weeks before the Normandy invasion. The information is taken from his father’ memoirs, Memoirs of War, Peace and the CIA (Impavide Publications, 1997). Chuck’s father, a

Present over Perfect

February 26 – April 2, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in the Peel House. Join the book study led by Pastor Carrie.

This year during Lent we will be focusing on how it is that we honor the Sabbath. Sabbath rest and likely Lenten disciplines look different for each of us. I invite you to explore this book with me, seeking to find paths away from frantic pushing and proving, the pressure to perform and produce more all while maintaining an image of perfection. Let’s remember that God wants us to live as our whole selves created in God’s image and

then brand-new Brigadier General, and the commander of the 45th Combat (B-17) Wing, was made Chief of Plans for the USSTAF in late April 1944 but was already heavily involved in the D-DAY decisions. The presentation is full of anecdotes about his father’s personal interaction with the major leaders of the day – Eisenhower, Arnold, Spaatz, MacArthur, Doolittle, Patton and others – and is as much about leadership as about strategy and history. Come join us as we fellowship during a potluck lunch before the presentation. Please sign up by calling FLC at 719.632.8836.

Tour to the Pikes Peak Trolley Museum

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Cost: $6 per person plus lunch

Lunch will be at Patty Jewett Golf Course Meet at FLC at 9:30 to set up carpools.

Sign Up Deadline: Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Stroll with the OWLs as we step into history!! We will enjoy the museum, original streetcars in the Restoration Shop, model trolleys and trains, ride the streetcar and more! We will also be able to visit their newest car, an original Pikes Peak Cog Railway car (#17 “Aspen”). Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. (coloradospringstrolleys. com) The group will then travel to Patty Jewett Bar & Grill for a delicious lunch. We will carpool to both locations. Please sign up by calling FLC at 719.632.8836.

delight in the rest of the Sabbath (whatever that might look like for you) and remember that lives soaked with grace, rest, silence, simplicity, and connection with others is all a part of the plan for our wholeness and experience of God’s love.

Come and join us for one or all of these sessions. We’ll be using a video series and study guide that accompanies the book. It would likely help you to fully immerse in this study to read the book, but is not necessary or required. If you would like a book, (Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist) they are $12 and available at the Welcome Center.

First Lutheran Church

1515 North Cascade Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907

Baptism at First Lutheran

Baptism is that physical moment when we become part of God’s family. In baptism we are forgiven of our sins, given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and promised eternal life because of Jesus’ work on the cross. If you or your child would like to be baptized, we will be baptizing anyone who is ready to take that step of faith on Saturday, April 8, as part of the Easter Vigil service. Since the time of the early church, the Easter Vigil is the traditional time for Christian baptisms. To participate, please contact Pastor Travis at pastortravis@flccs.net and he will invite you to an introductory course to schedule a baptism for that or another date.

First Lutheran Gives Back

Every year the congregation designates a portion of what is received in the offering plate to non-profit organizations that serve the local community. In 2022 that amounted to $72,240.00. The agencies we supported in 2022 were Habitat for Humanity, Family Promise, MOSAIC, Lutheran Family Services, Catholic Charities (Hanifen Center, and Marion House), Care and Share and Mission Medical. In addition, the congregation supported 12 missionaries serving in China, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Zambia, Tanzania, Israel, Cameroon, Germany, and South Sudan. The congregation also supported the larger Lutheran Church’s work to assist refugees from Ukraine, responded to natural disasters around the world, fed the hungry, and assisted with recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria after the devastating earthquake. In total, First Lutheran gave $168,876.00 in service to those in need.