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FELC Youth Ministries

Frequently Asked Questions about First English:

Q: How do I become a member?

A: If you would like to join First English, you are invited to attend a three-part New Member Session:

• The first part of the New Member Session will be held from 6:15 to
  7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, at the Downtown Site.
  
• The second part of the New Member Session will be held from 6:15 to
  7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at the Downtown Site.
• The third part of the New Member Session will be held from 6:15 to
  7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the Downtown Site.

These three evenings provide a way to review the basics of faith and help you find out ways to put your faith in action through the ministries of First English.

If you have been worshiping at the Downtown Site or the North Site and are interested in joining First English, we look forward to seeing you at all three sessions. Please call the church office at 920-733-2303 if you plan to attend and to RSVP for child care.

Q: How do I schedule a baptism?

A: Baptism is God’s gift of love and hope. All families seeking to have an adult or child baptized at either site should plan to attend a Baptismal Workshop. The next workshop will be held at
6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, in Room 110 at the Downtown Site. Please RSVP by calling the church office at 920-733-2303 and indicating if childcare is needed. Whether or not you have had a child baptized at First English, plan to attend a workshop before scheduling a baptism.

Q: How do I schedule a wedding?

A: Weddings at First English are conducted for those couples where at least one partner is a member of First English, although nonmembers can schedule a wedding with the understanding that they will attend the New Member Sessions. Contact the church office at 920-733-2303 to be placed on our wedding calendar. You will receive a preliminary wedding packet that will help answer many of the questions you may have about our wedding policy, along with a request for a nonrefundable $100 deposit that will secure the date.

Our desire is for the church in which you are married to be not only a special place for you, but an important place where the two of you grow in faith and love. The wedding service is first and foremost a celebration of the love of God. God’s love in Christ makes it possible for us to love one another. In planning this service, lessons, vows and music will be chosen by the couple and approved by the pastor.

To help couples plan their ceremony and learn more about the wedding coordinator ministry, couples are required to attend two workshops before their wedding:

• The “Getting Married, Getting Started” session helps couples plan their ceremony and introduces them to the Wedding Coordinator Ministry. Couples will meet with pastors, musical director and wedding coordinators to learn how to plan their ceremony and music. This workshop also will discuss First English guidelines and offer small group time with other engaged couples.
  
  
• The Wes Johnson Workshop is conducted by Wes Johnson, a licensed professional Christian counselor, who assists couples in preparing for their life together, getting through difficult times and enriching their relationship. Wes has a passion for working with couples to direct them toward the type of marriage that God has designed for them. This is a group workshop. Couples must attend a workshop or work one-one-one
  with Wes before their wedding. To participate in Prepare-Enrich, a free assessment for couples that includes skill-building exercises, follow this link: www.prepare-enrich.com.
  

Couples meet with the officiating pastor 30 to 90 days before the wedding to finalize the details of the upcoming ceremony. A wedding coordinator also will be assigned.

Wedding guidelines: Follow this link.

PREMARITAL MARRIAGE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

• Sept. 13, 2008: "Getting Married, Getting Started"
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the Downtown Site.
• Oct. 11, 2008: Wes Johnson Workshop, "Building a Successful Christian Marriage"
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gathering Area at the North Site.

• Feb. 7 , 2009: "Getting Married, Getting Started"
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the Downtown Site.
• March 7, 2009: Wes Johnson Workshop, "Building a Successful Christian Marriage"
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gathering Area at the North Site.

• Sept. 19, 2009: "Getting Married, Getting Started"
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the Downtown Site.
• Nov. 7, 2009: Wes Johnson Workshop, "Building a Successful Christian Marriage"
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gathering Area at the North Site.

WEDDING BULLETIN TEMPLATE

Download a wedding bulletin template that includes the Liturgy for Christian Marriage here. (You will need Microsoft Publisher software to view this document.) Download a text-only version here.

Q: How do I sign up for Simply Giving?

A: It's easy to sign up for this convenient, automated giving program sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Through Simply Giving, your gifts are made through a pre-authorized withdrawal from your bank account. You determine the frequency of your automatic gift – weekly, semi-monthly or monthly – the option is yours and Thrivent pays all transaction fees. These funds are deposited on the same day into the congregation’s bank account. For more information, contact the church office at felc@felc.com or download a Simply Giving form.

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