First Lutheran Church

The word "family" is a defining term for First Lutheran. Whether referring to singles, parents and children, or to the church community as a whole, family is fundamental at First. Although we divide into age groups for some activities, we especially enjoy opportunities to gather everyone together to worship, work and play as the family of God.

Picnic in the Park Members of all ages come together for fun, food, music and learning at our Backpack Packing event, where we combine packing backpacks for needy children in our area with a barbecue and Wii game-playing. All ages have also enjoyed special events such as our Halloween "Freak for All" party and s'Karaoke Night. In the summer we gather for Picnics in the Park, where we meet at a local park for food and fun. We also might celebrate with a special concert followed by a festive reception, a special anniversary in the church's history or in our family members' lives, a talent show, or a fundraiser for a cause close to our hearts.

First Lutheran Youth prepare and serve our annual Easter breakfast. Our youth get together for activities and plan trips for outdoor fun, such as skiing or water rafting trips. First Lutheran Youth have visited our sister church in El Salvador twice, where they developed strong friendships with the El Salvadoran youth.

Children are a vital part of our community at First Lutheran and are encouraged to take an active part in worship.

First Lutheran Women of all ages meet for Ladies Night Out at local restaurants to share a meal and talk about life and faith--giving sustenance to body, mind & soul. Women meet monthly September through June for lunch and Bible study and gather once a month to work on individual or group projects on Project Sunday.

Men of FLC gather periodically for Men's Breakfast to enjoy food and fellowship, share faith experiences, and hear an interesting speaker. Breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m., and programs typically end by 10:00 a.m. Please give suggestions for speakers to John King or Russ Grove. Topics have run the gamut from "A View from the Streets," an update on Urban Ministry of Palo Alto, "Living with AIDS," "CHINA: Beyond the Great Wall," to "Microelectronics: The World of Small." Periodically, FLC men get together for a Fix-It Night. Recent projects include repairing the dining tables and stuffing kids' church bags.

Koinonia, which in New Testament Greek means sharing in the common life of the community, comprises groups of individuals and families who plan for and serve at FLC events. When you become part of the FLC family, you are invited to join one of these groups.

We gather together as often as we can to enjoy God's gifts of laughter, support and love in our family of faith!