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Prayer Partners

This dedicated group believes in the power of prayer! They pray about individual needs, needs of the church and its mission, and ...

Families

Feature: 7 Promises | 2020 Summer Quarterly

What does the future hold? Unless you are Captain Oblivious, you must acknowledge the fact the world we live in today is pressurized to a degree we have not seen in many decades. I do not remember a time when every nation, every culture, every individual has been so affected by a single factor. Even if you are not in the crosshairs of the pandemic, likely you are feeling the secondary effect. So, it is easy to ask, “What does the future hold?” But it is the wrong question. The right question is, “Who holds the future?” I have, for some time, encouraged people to look for the heroes in times of crisis. Keeping our eye on the good happening around us keeps our hearts from being discouraged. There is a greater good at work in the world than the heroic action of many. This higher work is the work of God. God is not silenced nor diminished in the grasp of modernity. Not for a moment. Here are some helpful reminders of who is still in charge.

Helping Hands

This group of men begin the day with a home-cooked breakfast and then tackle different jobs or projects that need to be done throughout the church. It is a great time of camaraderie and a way to lend a “helping hand.”

Feature: Face-to-Face | 2020 Summer Quarterly

Coffee Servers

One of the many ways we show hospitality is through our Sunday morning coffee servers. Often the people serving comment on how much they enjoy this ministry—and it is so easy! The serving counter is all prepared; the only duties are to replenish the supplies as needed and greet people in a friendly, welcoming manner.

Feature: Feeling the Love! | 2020 Summer Quarterly

Even though we were unable to gather in person, we have been blessed with continuing worship together virtually. Every Sunday and Wednesday, services have been broadcast from our website and Facebook page. The Holy Spirit is not confined to a building . . .

Funeral Servers

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time, and we hope to comfort those grieve by serving a lunch or dessert after a funeral. We have three groups of funeral servers. Each group serves one month out of each quarter of a year. Bars and cakes are donated by the people in each group. All other food is purchased.

Quilters

The quilters are a faithful group of women who comes together every week to create beautiful quilts that are given away to Lutheran World Relief, FLC mission trips, or local charities. Beginners and experts welcome!

Feature: Sweet Connections | 2020 Summer Quarterly

Sweet Connections During the 2020 COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Period | The staff, council, and members of First Lutheran have been reaching out to people to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers. Many have responded with such grace and gratitude. . . .

Prayer Shawl Ministry

This group of caring women crochet or knit prayer shawls which are given to people in need of a special touch of love. They also create infant baptismal shawls that are given to every child baptized at First Lutheran.

Re-Opening Guidelines & Information

Motivated by our concern for all people, the following safety precautions are recommended for all in-person worshipers. . .

Health Ministry Committee

Health Ministry is a standing committee whose mission is to help all to experience God's grace, love, and healing by addressing their spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental health. This committee works closely with the Parish Nurse.

2020 SCHOOL KIT DRIVE

Help us fill 100+ School Kits for Lutheran World Relief by shopping in July and August from this supply list...

BeFriender Ministry

BeFrienders are volunteer lay ministers who provide pastoral care to people in difficult and transitional situations, such as illness, loneliness, or loss of a loved one. They embody the caring presence of God and serve as a living reminder of his love. If you have a heart for others and would like to be a caring presence for a hurting person, we invite you to find out more.

Test Bulletin

Mission Soup Sunday

The Mission Soup team offers up many delicious varieties of homemade soup with proceeds benefiting local and global missions. You can help their efforts by purchasing a bowl of soup to eat here or take home, or you can volunteer to make soup.

Worship Bulletins

Search for recent FLC Worship Bulletin PDFs

Property Committee

The property committee gives oversight to the ongoing maintenance, both short-term and long-term, of the church property. Their task is to develop plans and make recommendations to the church council on property issues and help leadership raise and assess potential funding for property and facility projects. This committee works very closely with ...

Men

Women

Wednesday Fellowship

Wednesday Fellowship has been a hallmark FLC Senior Ministry for nearly 50 years. Every Wednesday, 40 to 60 seniors gather for devotions and hymns, led by a member of the pastoral team and followed by a delicious luncheon served by FLC volunteers. Many also come early to enjoy a 30-minute organ recital by Michael Olson, Minister of Music. Several stop by the parish nurse office to have their blood pressure checked and/or health-related questions addressed.

Seniors

Organ Recitals

Michael Olson is well known for his magnificent talent on the organ. Everyone is welcome to hear him play every Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary. These recitals provide an opportunity for you to unwind, relax and reflect. While most of the recitals are played on the church’s pipe organ, occasionally a piano recital is presented and guest musicians are invited to share their talents. After the recital you are invited to attend Wednesday Fellowship Worship in the chapel at 1:30 p.m. with lunch and fellowship following in Celebration Hall.

Kids at First

Club 56

Servant Leadership Academy

High School

MomTalk

Moms of small children—get together with other moms of small children. Enjoy food and fellowship and learn something from amazing presenters. Please let us know prior to coming if you need childcare so the nursery may be properly staffed.

Men's Breakfast Bible Study

Start your Tuesday off right with a delicious, home-cooked breakfast and the word of God. Great fellowship has formed in this group of men who are always open to welcoming others to their early morning conversations.

Sermons & Devotions

Now Playing or Most Recent Sermon/Service

Thank you for worshiping with us today!

Daily Devotion | September 17, 2020

Next week, I have an appointment with the optometrist. We are going to look at my eyes! The topic – how well do I see? My hunch...

Daily Devotion | September 16, 2020

You have heard it said, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” This week is garbage pick up week in Fargo...

Daily Devotion | September 15, 2020

High in the Fryingpan Basin, we climbed breathlessly underneath clear, azure skies. The brilliant warm sunshine warmed...

Daily Devotion | September 14, 2020

A few years ago, I bought a jacket, and I encountered Inspector Forty-Seven...

September 13, 2020 | Sanctuary Sunday Worship

Scripture: Mark 1:1-14 Preacher: Pastor Stephanie Tollefson

September 13, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship

Scripture - Exodus 16:2-3; Numbers 13:1-2, 17-20, 25-33 Message - Pastor Marty Tollefson

Daily Devotion | September 13, 2020

"What the World Needs Now Is Love" was a popular 1965 song with lyrics by Hal David and music ...

Daily Devotion | September 12, 2020

This verse from Ephesians sounds as if it was tailor-made for us right here and right now...

Daily Devotion | September 11, 2020

We may look at art from all over the world and from many different eras, but sometimes it’s good to look in our own backyard...

Daily Devotion | September 10, 2020

It must have been quite a sight. Scores of people congregating along the banks of the Jordan ready to enter the river ...

Daily Devotion | September 9, 2020

Marty, the girls and I went to Glen Orchard last week to pick apples. With a hint of autumn’s chill in the air, I decided it was time for...

Daily Devotion | September 8, 2020

These hot August days have brought a radical new sound to my backyard sanctuary. In addition to the normal soothing sounds...

Daily Devotion | September 7, 2020

What has 2020 been like? Yep, just one blooper after another. Enjoy this video...

September 6, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship

September 6, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship Scripture - Matthew 18:15-20 Message - Pastor Corey Bjertness

September 6, 2020 | Sanctuary Sunday Worship

September 6, 2020 | Sanctuary Sunday Worship Matthew 18:15-20 Pr. Corey Bjertness

Daily Devotion | September 6, 2020

I saw this beautiful picture on Facebook. The title was “First Day in Heaven.” It’s hard to even describe the emotions that go along with this picture...

Daily Devotion | September 5, 2020

It is Labor Day weekend. How can THAT be? Where did the summer go? In the midst of...

Daily Devotion | September 4, 2020

This painting by Flemish artist Jan Sanders van Hemessen is titled The Calling of St. Matthew. It falls into a category called...

Daily Devotion | September 3, 2020

The next few months of my life will be big. As many of you know, I have spent the past four years studying at Luther Seminary to become...

Daily Devotion | September 2, 2020

One of my favorite TV sitcoms was, "Everybody Loves Raymond." My Mom and I agreed not to call each other during the show...

Daily Devotion | September 1, 2020

The parking lot was mostly empty. I pondered if it was even open. But I had been told 5 p.m. I entered through the double doors and was greeted by ...

Daily Devotion | August 31, 2020

There was once a couple who had been married for 60 years. Throughout their life, they had shared everything... Senior Pastor

Daily Devotion | August 30, 2020

Many times, I have felt exhausted by life. There are seasons throughout our lives where we can feel like success is just making it through the day...

August 30, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship

August 30, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship Scripture - Revelations 21:1-5; 22:1-5 Message - Pastor Stephanie Tollefson

August 30, 2020 | Sanctuary Sunday Worship

August 30, 2020 | Sanctuary Sunday Worship Revelation 21:1-5; 22:1-5 Pr. Stephanie Tollefson

Daily Devotion | August 29, 2020

I was going to further explore the first of today's Daily Texts about Hezekiah, but decided instead to talk about the second of the two Daily Texts...

Daily Devotion | August 28, 2020

When I was in Rome last summer, I had the distinct pleasure of taking in Michelangelo’s artwork in the Sistine Chapel. Most people know...

Daily Devotion | August 27, 2020

“Introverted or Extraverted, What’s Your Power?” “Name Your Strengths and Claim Them!” ....

Daily Devotion | August 26, 2020

Listening. “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” I must admit reading this text brings me back to my childhood...

Daily Devotion | August 25, 2020

Things were missing from the deck. The thief had come in the middle of the night. Clues were left behind in the form of...

Daily Devotion | August 24, 2020

Ironically, the Bible does not give us a ton of detail about heaven. There are a few specific characteristics given, but...

August 23, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship

August 23, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship Scripture - Acts 10:23-48 Message - Rollie Johnson

August 23, 2020 | Sanctuary Sunday Worship

August 23, 2020 | Sanctuary Sunday Worship Scripture: Acts 10:23-48 Rollie J

Daily Devotion | August 23, 2020

One of my favorite songs is “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” by Matt Redman. I love this song because it reminds me that we are all...

Daily Devotion | August 22, 2020

As I was reading the verse from Philippians 2 for today, I was immediately reminded of a hymn which is probably not very well-known but it tells the story...

Daily Devotion | August 21, 2020

Not much needs to be said about this painting. It is self-explanatory. I identify with both figures—the one with the arrows in the back and the one with the bow. How about you?

Daily Devotion | August, 20, 2020

I have been asked this question by so many youth: why do we go to church? And, truly, it is a good question. While most of the time, the youth are just looking for an excuse to...

Daily Devotion | August 19, 2020

Daily Devotion | August 18, 2020

Rounding the long bend on 65th Ave, curving northward I see him walking his faithful dog Teddy. Or maybe, I have it backwards...

Daily Devotion | August 17, 2020

If Abraham is considered the Father of all nations, then Jacob ought to be considered the Father of all swindlers. Even the name Jacob means...

August 16, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship

August 16, 2020 | Celebration Sunday Worship Scripture - Psalm 139:7-10, 1 Kings 19:1-9 Pastor Laurie Neill

August 16, 2020 | Sanctuary Sunday Worship

Daily Devotion | August 16, 2020

A few weeks ago, at Norman Lutheran Church while getting ready for service our youngest daughter Claire was pretending that she was the pastor. She was up in the pulpit...

Daily Devotion | August 15, 2020

When I think of the poor, I think of the first beatitude in Matthew 5, verse 3...

Daily Devotion | August 14, 2020

Daily Devotion | August 13, 2020

Jesus has been off praying on his own and comes to his disciples, walking on top of the water...

Daily Devotion | August 12, 2020

Yesterday as I was walking down Broadway going to grab lunch, I overheard a boy talking to his dad, well more complaining to his dad, about having to do chores...

Daily Devotion | August 11, 2020

Brilliant sunshine poured generously over the landscape. Its warmth and positive cheer were a welcome relief from the...

Daily Devotion | August 10, 2020

Several years ago, I was traveling back from Camp Grafton and decided to visit the graves of my mom and dad, Bonnie and Gordon Mellum...

Daily Devotion | August 9, 2020

I recently was at a Bible study by Priscilla Shirer called Discerning the Voice of God. At the end of the study she told a story...

August 9, 2020 | Sanctuary Worship

Sanctuary Sunday Bulletin: https://www.flcfargo.org/application/files/6815/9673/7084/August_9_2020_Sanctuary_Worship_Bulletin.pdf

August 9, 2020 | Celebration Worship

Celebration Sunday Worship | August 9, 2020 Gospel - Mark 7:1-23 Message - Pastor Marty Tollefson Assisting Pastor - Pastor Laurie Neill Worship Leader - Rollie Johnson Celebration worship bulletin, August 9: https://www.flcfargo.org/application/files/9915/9673/7084/August_9_2020_Celebration_Worship_Bulletin.pdf

Daily Devotion | August 8, 2020

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. This verse from Hebrews 11:1 could ...

Daily Devotion | August 7, 2020

Let’s have a little fun. When Italian pastry chef Matteo Stucchi makes his culinary creations, you can bet ...

Daily Devotion | August 6, 2020

This Gospel text is an interesting one. Jesus is trying to get some “alone time” but is already so popular that he just can’t get away!...

Daily Devotion | August 5, 2020

This week during our staff meeting we did a check in with each other to see how we are doing. I'm not going to share my comments because words came out that are not devotional appropriate. However, they were brutally honest and true...

Daily Devotion | August 4, 2020

Slamming the tailgate of my big Dodge pickup shut, I locked the topper door. After an insanely wild, bucking-bronco-like drive in on some ...

Daily Devotion | August 3, 2020

Since I was a little boy, I have always had a fascination with water. My mother tells the story of when I was ten...

Sanctuary Worship | August 2, 2020

Sanctuary Sunday Worship; Gospel - Mark 7:1-23; Message - Pastor Corey Bjertness

Celebration Worship | August 2, 2020

Celebration Sunday Worship; Gospel - Mark 7:1-23; Message - Pastor Corey Bjertness

Daily Devotion | August 2, 2020

Above is a picture of my oldest daughter’s birthday party. Her younger sister had just blown out her candles...

Daily Devotion | August 1, 2020

As I begin today's devotional message, I need to wish Happy Anniversary to two couples...

Daily Devotion | July 31, 2020

Claude Vignon’s painting, “The Lament of St. Peter,” is a beautiful example of how an artist can use lights and shadows to create a sense of...

Daily Devotion | July 30, 2020

Somehow, when I read this passage from Matthew’s gospel, I can’t help but think about Jed Clampett and the “Beverly Hillbillies.” Now, if you have never seen the show...

Daily Devotion | June 14, 2020

On a Saturday a few weeks ago, Kari and I made a promise. We made several promises on behalf of our beautiful son...

Daily Devotion | July 28, 2020

Daily Devotion | July 27, 2020

Big Coulee Lutheran Church stands a mile away from where I grew up. It closed about forty-two years ago, primarily, because it ran out of people. It continues to be a part of my spiritual landscape. With that said, the church that once gathered in that building no longer exists...

Daily Devotion | July 26, 2020

Many times, in my life I have prayed so hard for something to happen and have had my prayers go seemingly unanswered. Places I thought our family was going to move to over the years and then things falling apart...

Sanctuary Worship | July 26, 2020

Sanctuary Sunday Worship | Scripture - Leviticus 13:1-6, Matthew 8:1-4 | Message - Pastor Marty Tollefson | Assisting Pastor - Pastor Laurie Neill | Minister of Music - Michael Olson

Celebration Worship | July 26, 2020

Celebration Sunday Worship July 26, 2020 Scripture - Leviticus 13:1-6, Matthew 8:1-4 Message - Pastor Marty Tollefson

Daily Devotion | July 25, 2020

Today I'm going to use the second scripture text from the Daily Texts in a most interesting manner: I used to hunger and thirst, particularly hunger...

Daily Devotion | July 24, 2020

Summer—the time of year for flowers! Everyday I linger among my peonies, marigolds, and geraniums, thanking God for their beauty...

Daily Devotion | July 23, 2020

To my dearest children, I am writing to you today to offer you a permission slip. Just like the one you might get...

Daily Devotion | July 22, 2020

We are blessed to have a God who is crazy in love with us. He created us out of love: See what great love God has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 ...

Daily Devotion | July 21, 2020

Do you feel broken? Do you feel beyond repair and restoration? Has the weight of life’s struggles crushed your spirit?

Daily Devotion | July 20, 2020

A couple of weeks ago, Hannah and I watched a movie entitled I Still Believe which was just released this past March. It is a true story about ...

Celebration Worship | July 19, 2020

Celebration Worship Scripture - Luke 10:25-37 Message - Pastor Laurie Neill

Sanctuary Worship | July 19, 2020

Sanctuary Sunday Worship | July 19, 2020 Scripture - Luke 10:25-37 Message - Pastor Laurie Neill

Daily Devotion | July 19, 2020

It is so hard to lose the ones we love. We all say that they are in a better place, they are in heaven. But I also know that it is easy for doubt to creep in. How do we trust in this place that we can’t see ...

Daily Devotion | July 18, 2020

Two Things to Share Today...As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I was doing some cleaning at home. Along the way, I found some "treasures" ...

Daily Devotion | July 17, 2020

When I was at an art retreat in Venice last summer (seems like years ago!), I found myself with a couple of unscheduled hours, so I made my way to a museum to do one of my favorite activities...

Daily Devotion | July 16, 2020

Daily Devotion | July 15, 2020

The first time I saw the above image was at Castaway Camp a few years ago with a bunch of middle schoolers we took to the Eastern North Dakota Synod gathering. We were listening to an incredible speaker ...

Daily Devotion | July 14, 2020

On recent vacation to Portugal and Spain, we encountered many...

Daily Devotion | July 13, 2020

Someone recently asked, “Has this pandemic been a time for pruning?” Great question! Pruning is a process...

Celebration Worship | July 12, 2020

Sunday Celebration Worship | July 12, 2020 Scripture - John 15:1-17 Message - Rollie Johnson

Sanctuary Worship (Live) | July 12, 2020

Sanctuary Worship (Live Stream) | July 12, 2020 Rollie Johnson John 15:1-17

Daily Devotion | July 12, 2020

Last week a classmate of mine shared a video with us as a way to center our day titled, “How Can I Keep from Singing?" It is a NYC virtual choir and orchestra. I was very moved...

Daily Devotion | July 11, 2020

In light of everything going on these days and looking forward to a less-than-certain future, we need all the strength we can muster. I gain much strength from reading....

Daily Devotion | July 10, 2020

This lovely painting of two friends reading together comes from the French impressionist, Pierre Auguste Renoir. His first foray into art was creating designs on...

Daily Devotion | July 9, 2020

I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted. COVID-19 closed much of our country four months ago and, since then...

Daily Devotion | July 8, 2020

We have all experienced grief and loss in our lives. It is difficult to say goodbye, but for us there is hope. Over the most recent years I have been...

Daily Devotion | July 7, 2020

Daily Devotion | July 6, 2020

Last week, we celebrated our daughter’s birthday. Sarah is now nine years old! She is smart, witty, and just a joy to be around. A couple of weeks ago . . .

Celebration Worship | July 5, 2020

Sunday Celebration Worship Scripture - Joshua 23 Message - Pastor Corey Bjertness

Welcome Home FLC

These last few months have been anything but normal, and we as a staff have missed seeing you face-to-face! However, we are grateful that worship and ministry have continued virtually and for the reminder the church is not limited to the walls of a building. . . .

Daily Devotion | July 5, 2020

I’m taking a seminary course on American theology in the 21st century and we are reading the book, “The Long Loneliness” by Dorothy Day. Just the title “The Long Loneliness” speaks volumes . . .

Daily Devotion | July 4, 2020

Reread the text from 2 Corinthians for today and you will see that every one of God's promises is a "Yes" which is very encouraging as we . . .

Daily Devotion | July 3, 2020

“What in the world?” That is what I was thinking when I ran across this artist. These are just a few paintings of . . .

Daily Devotion | July 2, 2020

I heard a story once about a woman whose life took an unfortunate turn. She fell on hard times, got a divorce, lost her family, and sank into a deep depression. She was in desperate . . .

Daily Devotion | July 1, 2020

I remember my first day at Agassiz middle school. I was entering the sixth grade, leaving a small school of maybe 40 children in a grade, and entering a large school with almost 700 children in a grade, and there were . . .

Daily Devotion | June 30, 2020

The thought came to me one evening awhile back. I wanted to bless and affirm my middle daughter . . .

Daily Devotion | June 29, 2020

I don't want you just to sit down at the table. I don't want you just to eat, and be content. I want you to walk out into . . .

Celebration Worship | June 28, 2020

Sunday Celebration Worship Scripture - Romans 12:9-21 Message - Pastor Marty Tollefson

Sanctuary Worship | June 28, 2020

Sanctuary Worship | June 28, 2020 Gospel - Romans 12:9-21 Message - Pastor Marty Tollefson

Daily Devotion | June 28, 2020

I was reading Jeremiah 20:7-1 last week and it reminded me that words hurt. Jeremiah says . . .

Daily Devotion | June 27, 2020

Some of you may have heard this acronym before concerning the word GRACE. . .

Daily Devotion | June 26, 2020

One of the attractions in New York City is a bronze statue called, “Fearless Girl,” sculpted by Kristen Visbal. She is a 50-inch high ponytailed powerhouse with attitude, facing down the famous . . .

Daily Devotion | June 25, 2020

"But First..." | As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. As they were walking along the road . . .

Daily Devotion | June 24, 2020

In life there is waiting. With the goings on in our world, country, and community it seems like there has been more waiting as of late. What are we waiting for? . . .

Daily Devotion | June 23, 2020

A gorgeous spring day had been birthed for us to enjoy. After a cozy, warming coffee around our morning campfire and downing some delicious and nutritious donuts, it was time for . . .

Sanctuary Worship | June 21, 2020

Sanctuary Worship | June 21, 2020 Gospel - John 14:1-14 Message - Pastor Laurie Neill

Celebration Worship | June 21, 2020

Sunday Celebration Worship June 21, 2020 | John 14:1-14 Message - Pastor Laurie Neill

Daily Devotion | June 21, 2020

Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers and father figures out there! Today we celebrate you and the care and love you give to . . .

Daily Devotion | June 20, 2020

Since today is the first day of summer at 4:44 PM, I think it's high time to talk about God's majesty. Indeed, we've already had some very hot, humid weather . . .

Daily Devotion | June 19, 2020

Marine artist Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky creates mesmerizing waves and seascapes and has over 6,000 painting devoted to the subject of oceans. An article . . .

Daily Devotion | June 18, 2020

Many people first became aware of Westboro Baptist Church in the early 1990s, when the church began picketing in protest of what they saw as the ills of an ungodly world. Megan was 5 years old when it began . . .

Daily Devotion | June 16, 2020

Meet Dr. Enrique Pinto, my 92-year-old father-in-law who now lives alone in the bustling mega-city of Guadalajara, Mexico. Alone, yet surrounded by some seven million other souls . . .

Celebration Worship | June 14, 2020

Sunday Celebration Worship June 14, 2020 | Genesis 32:22-32 Message - Pastor Corey Bjertness Assisting Pastor - Pastor Laurie Neill

Sanctuary Worship | June 14, 2020

Sunday Sanctuary Worship June 14, 2020 | Genesis 32:22-32 Message - Pastor Corey Bjertness Assisting Pastor - Pastor Laurie Neill

Daily Devotion | June 14, 2020

Wrestling is seemingly part of the air that we breathe. We wrestle with important decisions. We wrestle with what we want to do with our one, holy, precious life...

Daily Devotion | June 13, 2020

I used to get up and go for an early-morning walk about 5:15 a.m. every morning. During the past few weeks, I now go walking right after breakfast...

Daily Devotion | June 12, 2020

I recently discovered a wonderful South African artist named Maria Magdalena Oosthuizen. One website explains her style and motivation: “She paints figurative portraits emanating innocence and hope that . . .

Daily Devotion | June 11, 2020

The captain of the ship looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance. Thinking it was a ship with whom they would soon collide, the captain had his signalman send a message, “Alter your course 10 degrees south.” . . .

Daily Devotion | June 10, 2020

I received a book from a dear friend recently and it has God's fingerprints all over it. God knew just what I was needing and he . . .

Daily Devotion | June 9, 2020

Time. Seems like most of us have had more time of late due to the Covid Crisis. Some have gone crazy with boredom. Others, like me have appreciated the extra time to take care of stuff, work on home projects, cleaning, organizing, and tossing. I have used my time for a few extra weekend camping adventures, turkey hunting, looking for arrowheads and investing lots of time in my many handicraft hobbies. Ministry is mostly a head game . . .

Daily Devotion | June 8, 2020

What does the future hold? Unless you are Captain Oblivious, you must acknowledge the fact the world we live in today is pressurized to a degree we have not seen in many decades. I do not remember a time when every nation, every culture, every individual has been so affected by a single factor. Even in you are not in the cross-hairs of the pandemic, likely you are feeling the secondary effect. So, it is easy to ask, “What does the future hold?” But it is the wrong question. The right question is, “Who holds the future?” I have, for some time, encouraged people to look for the heroes in times of crisis. Keeping our eye on the good happening around us keeps our hearts from being discouraged. There is a greater good at work in the world than the heroic action of many. This higher work is the work of God. God is not silenced nor diminished in the grasp of modernity. Not for a moment. Here are some helpful reminders of who is STILL in charge.

Celebration Worship | June 7, 2020

Preacher - Pastor Stephanie Tollefson Scripture - Exodus 33:11-23

Sanctuary Worship | June 7, 2020

Preacher - Pastor Stephanie Tollefson Scripture - Exodus 33:11-23

Daily Devotion | June 7, 2020

Life is quite a wild ride. Sometimes we are flying high having a great time, other times at the bottom, and at some points in life we are just plain terrified. There are times we have to make a decision . . .

Daily Devotion | June 6, 2020

For over two and a half months, churches everywhere have been "doing worship" in very new and creative manners. It has been wonderful to be a part of that process here at First Lutheran Church. I remember very well Sunday morning, March 22. On that particular Sunday morning . . .

Daily Devotion | June 5, 2020

This striking painting depicts the story of Jacob wrestling with a mysterious stranger in Genesis 32. The stars in the background look down upon Jacob and the stranger, whose identity is . . .

Daily Devotion | June 4, 2020

I once heard a group fitness instructor say “You’re here, you’ve showed up. Don’t sell yourself short now.” The idea is simple: if you’ve already committed the time to be here and present, then why not make the most of it? Don’t check out . . .

Daily Devotion | June 3, 2020

Peace and understanding. These two words have gone through my mind constantly for the last couple weeks. I have never experienced a week like I have this last week ever before in my life. I have been at times hopelessly confused, upset, angry . . .

Daily Devotion | June 2, 2020

This photo popped up on my Facebook page Saturday morning. It was taken by Jon Forness, a gifted and skilled photographer friend. It was reminding me that it was the 10-year anniversary of when my good friend Rory Eidsness and I ran the Fargo Marathon together in May of 2010. . . .

Daily Devotion | June 1, 2020

There are two guys walking along a road that leads to a village . . .

Sanctuary Worship | May 31, 2020

Celebration Worship | May 31, 2020

Daily Devotion | May 31, 2020

My Grandpa Arlo passed away on April 15, 2017. He was one of my favorite people in the world. No matter how hard life got, and it did get hard, he always had a positive attitude and . . .

Daily Devotion | May 30, 2020

Before we talk about persons of sincerity, we should discuss sincerity itself. Here are several definitions . . .

Daily Devotion | May 29, 2020

This Sunday is Pentecost, when the church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. It occurs 50 days after Easter, and the Greek name for 50 is “Pentecost.” The story as told in Acts 2:1-21 is that all the disciples were together when there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind . . .

Daily Devotion | May 28, 2020

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that . . .

Daily Devotion | May 27, 2020

I woke up this morning with these words, “For such a time as this.” I thought hmmm is this what the Holy Spirit is giving to me for this week’s devotion? Heaven knows I need something. I can’t do this on my own. All morning I prayed and listened to . . .

Daily Devotion | May 26, 2020

Quietly I cast off from shore and began paddling across the lake. My homebuilt 15' solo cedar-strip canoe silently parted the waters as I aimed the bow towards a narrow channel that led to another corner of the lake. A barred owl called out from the opposite shoreline. Odd I thought for mid-day, but . . .

Daily Devotion | May 24, 2020

Lord, today we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom that we enjoy every day. They each have . . .

Celebration Worship | May 24, 2020

Sanctuary Worship | May 24, 2020

Daily Devotion | May 23, 2020

Many of you could recite this blessing almost word for word from the book of Numbers . . .

Daily Devotion | May 22, 2020

This painting is done in the style of art called Cubism. You are probably most familiar with Picasso, who pioneered the genre. It was considered to be among the most influential art movements of . . .