Serving The World


Church is bigger than just our own congregation. At First Lutheran we understand that we are part of something much bigger; the synod, the ELCA, and a part of the Lutheran Church and Christian faith around the world. This understanding of our role guides us in our efforts to serve those around the world.

Quilting for Lutheran World Relief

A quilt is special! Lutheran World Relief explains a quilt brings warmth on a cold night, shelter from the sun on a hot day. It becomes a bed, a room divider, a backpack to carry belongings, and at times even a home. Each quilt is one of a kind, with a beauty all its own, made as a gift of hope by caring people. Quilts distributed by LWR to refugees and other people in need.

The First Lutheran quilt group meets the 4th Thursday of each month at 9:00 am January to October. If you are interested in being a part of this group, click here or call the church office at 488-0919.

Fair Trade Coffee

Micah 6:8 calls us, as Christians, to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly. The Fair Trade Coffee Project helps Lutherans answer that call by righting the injustices faced by small-scale farmers around the world.

Coffee is big business--it's one of the most heavily traded commodities in the world. But for the majority of small-scale coffee farmers, the benefits are few. The LWR Fair Trade Coffee Project ensures that more of the money you spend on coffee reaches the farmers who actually grow it. Fair trade coffee is a simple solution that means the difference - quite literally - between surviving and not surviving for small-scale coffee farmers.

First is a Fair Trade Coffee site. By using fair trade coffee we are helping the farmers earn the income they need to feed their families, educate their children, seek medical care and improve their communities.

Fair Trade products are for sale the first weekend of the month following worship services. First offers a variety of coffees, teas and chocolate..

Bread for the World

First Lutheran is a covenant church in partnership with Bread for the World. Activities include education about world hunger and an annual offering of letters directed to our Congressional delegation urging their support of legislation toward ending hunger in the United States and throughout the world.

The ONE Campaign

First has entered a community covenant with churches and other faith-based organizations in Lincoln in support of the Millennium Development Goals for 2015 to:
  • Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
  • Achieve universal primary education
  • Promote gender equality and empower women
  • Reduce child mortality
  • Improve maternal health
  • Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
  • Ensure environmental sustainability
  • Develop a global partnership for development

Advocating for Peace

Members of the Social Ministry Committee have advocated a favor of anti-bullying legislation for Nebraska's school and have seen such legislation enacted. First Lutheran this year became a sponsor of the annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Lantern Float at Holmes Lake. Other issues, such as capital punishment, are discussed as they arise.
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Shoulder to Shoulder Fair Trade Market

First Lutheran is sponsoring a Fair Trade market November 22-23. There will be unique handcrafts created by artists in the Developing World. We would also like to have items from the hands of our own First Lutheran crafters and bakers.

Now that summer is over and everyone is back to school, it's time to take a look at your calendars. November 22 and 23 will come sooner than you think.

Are you famous for your peach jam or cinnamon rolls? Maybe you could donate a pan of rolls or some jars of jam. How about those crocheted dish cloths everyone loves? We know First has many talents that would enhance our market. Scarves, homemade soap, jewelry, salsa, jellies, handmade note paper, baby items, purses, slippers aprons, pottery, needlepoint, herbal vinegars, Christmas ornaments, picture frames, candles, calligraphy and woodworking items are a few ideas of items we could use.

Pick up a form on the table by the Shoulder to Shoulder sign, fill it out and return to the church office. Contact Cindy Timperley at 420-5099 orRobin Westhoff at 423-4132 with questions.

Give a gift that gives twice this Christmas.

Proceeds from the market will go to help build a school in Kamuli, Uganda.