The weekly mission and ministry journal of

First Lutheran Church and School2900 West Carson Street | Torrance, California 90503

310-320-9920| lchurch.org|facebook:@FLCS.Torrance|of ice@ lchurch.org

A Caring Community of Christian Faith for All People

Week of Nov. 14, 2021 | Pentecost 25 | Lectionary 33

Called to ‘Arise!’

A s our world still struggles with the

pandemic, we “arise” in faith and confidence. Join us each week for worship and renewal as we rise up in faith.

Upcoming Sunday & Weekend Events:

November is Congregational Life Month

This month we focus on the many ways this community serves those in need, and partners with other caring allies and partners to advocate for God’s justice in the world.

> Sun Nov 14: Pastor & Friends (6pm)

> Sun Nov 21: Christ the King Sunday

> Wed Nov 24: Thanksgiving Eve Service (7pm)

Annual Pie-Fest (8pm)

Caring for Creation: to minimize paper waste,

please take one of these Rejoice weekly

newsletters per household. Stay tuned for other

ideas for eliminating or reducing waste, and

thank you for helping us to “go green.”

SATURDAY WORSHIP & LEARNING SCHEDULE

5:30pm Living Water Communion

SUNDAY WORSHIP & LEARNING SCHEDULE

8:30am Classic Communion

10:30am Praise Communion

10:30am Women’s Zoom Bible Study group

9:00am Men’s Zoom Bible Study group

(email church office for Zoom links)

9:30am Weekly text study (Library)

Please review these pages each week to learn more about upcoming events, acfivifies and ministries. If you would like to learn more about FLCS and its walk of faith, contact us at one of the numbers in this newslefter. New members will be received soon, and we invite people to indicate if they would like to be included in our next group. All are welcome!

Worship | Learning | Community | Invitation | Prayer | Giving | Serving

Weekly worship schedules are listed on the front cover. Join us for these services of celebrafion, prayer and thanksgiving for the love of God we know from Christ’s saving cross and resurrecfion. Watch for info on Summer services and events.

Pracficing Safety: To ensure safety and wellness, please observe current protocols:

- For all persons, whether unvaccinated or fully vaccinated, face coverings are now mandatory while indoors, as per LA County health orders.

FLCS Schools — “Best” & “Favorite:” Our weekday school has been named Daily Breeze Reader’s Choice “Best South Bay Chrisfian School for 2021,” and our Early Educafion Center has been named “Favorite South Bay Preschool.” Hooray!

Reopening our ministries: This church school community is commifted to pursuing excellence through our congregafional life and mission, through weekday child care and educafion for infants through 8th Grade. Join us as we arise carefully in faith!

Saturday Communion 5:30PM

Sunday services: Classic (8:30AM) & Praise (10:30AM)

Bible Study on the weekly lessons (9:40AM — Library)

[Streams: www.facebook.com/FLCS.Torrance/videos]

> NEW VANCO MOBILE APP MAKES GIVING EASY AND SAFE!Now you can use your smart phone for all sorts of contribufions, and even to buy fickets to campus events. It generates receipts and tracks your donafions. Whether iPhone or Android, download the app and use it to make giving fun and easy.

- See the full page insert in this issue of Rejoice, and learn more about this new tool.

- Download the free app, then create an account and register your credit card

- Search for “First Lutheran Church and School,” or by zip code “90503”———————————–————————-—————————————

> ONE CLICK ACCESS TO THE FLCS GIVING PORTAL!Point your mobile device camera at the QR square on the right, and you’ll be taken immediately to the mobile version of our website giving page. From here you can easily post a one-fime or recurring gift, or pay for an upcoming event.———–———————————————————————————

Visit our new & improved ONLINE GIVING PORTAL: Go to www.flchurch.org, and click “GIVING” — from any PC or device.

Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

(Isaiah 60:1)

> WHAT IS ‘FELLOWSHIP?’ – Many words are used in the New Testament to describe the concept of fellowship. The Greek word for this is Koinonia, and it can be translated as “fellowship,” or “communion,” or “participation.” Underneath these various words is the theme of mutual care, love, and concern for others. In every way we can, we reach out to others of this community, and beyond its walls, to share the communion of faith that Christ promises and calls us to share.

> A WORD ABOUT “CALLINGS”: Much has been written about the calling of God’s people in the world. A foundation stone of the Lutheran Reformation is the conviction that our good deeds do not purchase us extra favor with God, but flow from God’s saving grace and mercy. As such, our callings as “companions, citizens, servants and saints” are focused not on squaring our standing with God, but on discerning and using our talents and abilities for the wellbeing of our neighbor. Our task as God’s people is to seek and discover how best to apply our best gifts. As theologian and novelist Frederich Buechner puts it: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

> COFFEE HOUR ON SUNDAYS: Join us in Fellowship Hall in between Sunday services for a hot cup of coffee or tea, some snacks, and a chance to meet and greet with friends. Visit our Campus Center while you’re there — there’s a lot to like!

> BOOK CLUB NEWS — Here’s info on our upcoming Monday meetings for 2021. All begin at 7:00 pm in the campus library of First Lutheran Church. For more information, contact Elly Brekke.

> Nov.15 - Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall

> Dec. 20 - Nor Doth He Sleep by John M. Simmons

Happy Reading, Elly Brekke

> THANKSGIVING EVE AT FLCS — WORD, SACRAMENTS, AND PIE!

On Wednesday November 24th at 7pm, the First Lutheran Community will gather in the Sanctuary for a very special Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service. We will gather prayers of thanks and intercessions for those in need, and meet one another at Christ’s table of grace for Communion.

At 8pm after worship, we will head over to Faith Hall for what has become a very welcome event on our calendar: the annual Thanksgiving Eve Pie-fest. Due to Covid restrictions, this event has been on hiatus, and we are very glad to bring it back this year. If you’re able, please bring along a pie to share with others, and enjoy a delicious time of dessert, conversation and fun.

The mission of FirstServe Community Services of the South Bay, Inc., is summed up in these words: “Inspiring People, Transforming Lives.” Through these and other programs, we reach out to South Bay neighbors to encourage better nutrition and health, support people through life’s changes and challenges, and inspire creativity and vitality.

“Prime Timers” Luncheons - Monthly gathering with good food and senior-

friendly presentations. The next luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 1st

(11:30 am - 1 pm). RSVP not required. For more information, call 310-320-3818.

Monday Night Meals — Partnering with FLCS and St. John Lutheran in Gardena,

each week volunteers prepare and serve more than 100 nutritious dinners for

homeless and needy neighbors. Men, women and children receive good food and

friendship every Monday evening.

Community Wellness Center - The focus of this program is to assist elders in

achieving better health and wellness, and creating support structures for people

needing health care. Volunteers accompany and advocate for elders in navigating

the health care environment. Watch for dates for volunteer training.

Senior Exercise Group – Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:30 pm.

A “sit and be fit” group, led by Yvonne Carmichael, a credentialed exercise

therapist. This group helps participants achieve better health and wellness, and

is a terrific way to make new friends and have fun together.

Hope Circle Support Group - This conversation group helps participants discover

fresh hope in the midst of life’s struggles and losses. Held on the Third Thursday

each month at 6:30pm. Invite friends to join you, and find a path to hope!

“First Kids” Youth Creative Arts - Young people discover creative and

performing arts abilities in an encouraging and exciting environment. Through our

partnership with First Lutheran School, dozens of children each year experience

theatre arts, dance, music and other creative expressions.

“First Friends” - Fellowship group for special-needs adults, through a social time

of games, crafts, and dinner. Next meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 24th at 6pm.

WATCH FOR NEWS ON FIRSTSERVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES!

1725 Flower Avenue | Torrance CA 90503 | Tax ID # 32-0187458

310-320-3818 www.first-serve.org firstservesouthbay@gmail.com

FirstServe Community Services Execufive Director: Rev. Dr. Bill Hurst

of the South Bay, Inc. e-mail: firstservesouthbay@gmail.com

Companions Congregafional Life Trustee: Sarah D’anjou

including Women’s and Men’s Ministries

Companions, Cifizens, Servants, Saints: The bapfized people of God in and for the world

Senior Pastor & Mission Director: The Rev. Dr. Bill Hurst hurstw@flchurch.org

Seminarian & Pastoral Intern: Vicar Evangeline Dai daie@flchurch.org

Youth Ministry Associate: Tyra Dennis dennist@flchurch.org

K-8 Principal and Director of Education: Tammy Kirkpatrick kirkpatrickt@flchurch.org

Day School Assistant Principal: Kris Olson olsonk@flchurch.org

Interim Early Education Center Director: Lanice White whitel@flchurch.org

Human Resources, Executive Assistant: Lisa Wood woodl@flchurch.org

Campus Operations Manager: Walt Schulze schulzew@flchurch.org

Business Office Manager: Laura Damsky damskyl@flchurch.org

Director of Music: Linda Dean church@flchurch.org

Organist & Worship Associate: Kent Eggert eggertk@flchurch.org

Mon Nov 15 1:30p2:00p

FirstServe Exercise Group—M,W,FMonday Night Meals preparation

Fellowship HallKitchen

Tues Nov 16 7:00p Executive Board Zoom

Wed Nov 17 8:00a6:00p7:00p

“Oatmeal Gang” Bible Study GroupFall Bible Study: “God Calling”Middle School Youth

Coco’sLibrary & ZoomFaith Hall/Loft

Thu Nov 18 Children’s & Adult Choir rehearsals TBA

Fri Nov 19 1:30p FirstServe Exercise Group—M,W,F Fellowship Hall

Sat Nov 20 6:00a9:00a10:30a5:30p

Mulligans Golf FellowshipMen’s Weekly Bible Study Women’s Weekly Bible Study Living Water Communion

Alondra ParkZoomLibrary/ZoomSanctuary

Sun Nov 218:30a9:30a10:30a

CHRIST THE KING SUNDAYClassic CommunionCoffee Hour, Text Study, ConfirmationPraise Communion

Live/FB StreamCourtyard, FiresideLive/FB Stream

FLCS Arising in Faith — Week of Nov. 14th [For updates on ministry reopening, visit flchurch.org or call 310-320-9920]

Prayer Shepherding Coordinator: Wendy Jones

through public worship and daily devofions (Newer listings in bold)

Acfive Duty Military & VeteransCOVID-19 pafients & caregiversJane Affonso & Joannie CookeLaura AlbaneseKaren BunchBruce CarmichaelEvelyn ClevelandJudy CopelandNelson & Judy CullumAnita DinicolaShirley EvansBeth FoxErnest Galang Family of Nancy GallapagaDavid GayTraci HollemSherry HuberFamily of Mike JahnNancy Kahakauwila

Jo Ann KelleyLeroy KeranenDomie LeFebreLinda LewisPr. Paul KakamuraAusfin NayagamTina OlsonGary PalmerErna PerkinsRebecca San Roman & FamilyAshley & Debra SeversonNorma SmithFamily of Befty Stoftlemyer

In Memoriam: FLCS Members+Richard Nelson (4/8/20)+Saundra McLean (4/13/20)+Susie Schulz (6/2/20)+Peter Tolnai (6/16/20)+Christopher Grella (10/14/20)+Sophia Watkins (10/21/20)+Marianne Nelson (11/7/20)+Pr. Floyd Lawson (11/14/20) +Adeline Schult (1/17/21)+Befty Kasari (2/27/21)+Myrlene Decatur (4/12/21)+James Tatosian (6/3/21)+Sherry Bolen (6/4/21)+Terry Wall (9/28/21)+James Cleveland (10/1/21)+Bea Hoff (10/27/21)+Befty Stoftlemyer (11/9/21)

Supporfing our Mission Through Regular Generosity

First Lutheran depends on the financial partnership of members and friends to sustain our ministry. Gifts may be mailed to our address in Torrance. Online gifts may be made through our secure online giving portal, accessible through the flchurch.org website, or through the Vanco Mobile Giving App for Apple and Android devices. Thanks to all who faithfully support our work!

FLCS Staff Lisfing

Flowers and Sanctuary Light Donafions this week:

Flowers: Dave & Bonnie Gill — 51st AnniversaryLight: Sheerin Family, honoring Frankie Maker

Please donate flowers and light for upcoming weeks.

Sunday Nov. 7, 2021 Actual Weekly Budgeted Week’s

FY 7/1/2021 to 6/30/2022 Income Income Income Worship

Week 20 of 52 For Week Last Year For Week Attendance

Operating & Benevolence 16,490 12,980 11,019 In-person —> 155

Debt Retirement 2,553 818 1,056

Dedicated & Other Income 5,742 1,554

Project Faith Campaign 1,326 Campaign: 933,005

Total Income for Week 66,145 15,352

Online —> 310

Learning and Growing Together in Faith — FALL 2021 OFFERINGS

NEW Midweek Bible Study, “GOD CALLING,” Wed. at 6pm,

through Nov 17. Join Pastor Hurst for this weekly study of

“Vocation” the calling of God’s people to embrace and advance

the gospel in daily living — in-person in the Library or through

Zoom (email Pastor at hurstw@flchurch.org for the link).

Weekly Saturday Lectionary Zoom Studies for Men and Women:

9:00am: Men’s Bible Study - for Zoom link, email hurstw@flchurch.org

[Note: 1st Saturday 8am in Fireside Room & Zoom

10:30: Women’s Bible Study - Library & Zoom - for link, email daie@flchurch.org

Confirmation Ministry: This year’s program for students in Grades 6-8 is on Sundays at 9:30am on Zoom.. Pray for our young people as they say “Yes” to our Baptism into Christ.

Sunday School: Even during these difficult days, we remain committed to providing Sunday School ministry for all our children throughout this school year.. Ms. Sherri Miller, FLS teacher and FLCS children’s ministry associate, offers weekly Virtual Sunday School through Facebook Live at 9:30am. Children hear “child-friendly” Bible stories, along with activities and prayers. Stay tuned as we share faith in this new school year, to welcome children as we learn about God and love our neighbors in Jesus’ name!

Lutheran CURSILLO (lcsocal.org): Contact Dan Muramoto or the church office to learn more about this spiritual renewal weekend experience for adults.

Ministry Leader Contacts:

Pastor Bill Hurst (Adults) 310-320-9920 x112, hurstw@flchurch.org

Vicar Evangeline Dai (Adults), daie@flchurch.org

Tyra Dennis (Youth, Confirmation), dennist@flchurch.org

Sherri Miller (Sunday School Coordinator), millers@flchurch.org

Weekday Schools Schools Trustee: Amber Hernandez

Engage || Inspire || Achieve

Learning Ministries Learning Trustee: Pam Metz

growing in Faith and discipleship

Congratulations FLS and EEC!

We’re thankful and glad to announce that First Lutheran School has

been named Best South Bay Christian School for 2021, and our Early

Education Center Favorite South Bay Preschool for 2021 as well.

This award is especially significant, given the many challenges of the

past school year. What a great tribute to the dedicated teachers,

administrators, volunteers and families whose cooperation, wisdom and

leadership have earned these awards. Be sure to tell your friends and

neighbors with school-age children about our excellent faith-based schools!

Interim Staff for First Lutheran School & Early Education Center

> Lead Administrators: Kris Olson, Kelsee Ready, Elizabeth Alpert

> Grade Level Leads: Sharon Fadale, Sherri Miller, Adam Ammentorp

> Area Specialists: Health: Claudia Mueller; Tech: Nick ZagorinWASC Process: Gwen Cracknell

Student Success Teams: Haley ShimizuCommunication: Suki Chaney

School Office Support: Margarita RobertsonFLASH Daycare Programs: Jill Martin

Playground Staff: Gloria Cairns

> Early Education Center Interim Director: Lanice White

Congregation Council President: Mafthew Drehs

Vice President: Barbara Valdez

Treasurer: Grant Axton

Secretary: Mary Scharpf

Cong. Life Trustee: Sarah D’anjou

Mission Trustee: Erica Heck

Learning Trustee: Pamela Metz

Operafions Trustee: Hal Johnson

Outreach Trustee: Nicolefte Breski

School Trustee: Amber Hernandez

Stewardship Trustee: Patricia Masai

Worship Trustee: Laura Darke

Youth & Family Trustee: Mark Korshavn

Ex Officio: Pr. Hurst, Kris Olson

Serving Others Mission Board Trustee: Erica Heck

through mission work and caring outreach

WINTER CAMP: Lutheran Retreats, Camps, Conferences has announced their family camp schedule for Winter 2022.

“Come with your whole family, or come alone and meet some new friends! Children will have their own activities led by the LRCC staff. Adults meet separately with a keynote speaker. Enjoy a weekend of family, fun and fellowship!”

El Camino Pines Family Winterfest begins Saturday, January 15 and ends on Monday, January 17, after worship and an early lunch.

Luther Glen Farm Family Winterfest begins Saturday, February 19 and ends on Monday, February 21, after worship and an early lunch.

El Camino Pines & Luther Glen Farm Cabin Price: $160 per adult. Luther Glen Farm Retreat Center Price: $210 per adult.(Prices vary by age and site. Full price info is on the registration form ). For more information, or to register, visit www.lrcchome.org Or call 909-797-2513 |

COVID-19 VACCINATION: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has a list on its website of places administering vaccinations, including booster shots. The listing includes location, contact information, which vaccines are available, and whether or not an appointment is necessary. Http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/hcwsignup. If you have a problem with this link, search for LA County Public Health.

THRIVENT CHOICE: Thrivent members who have Choice Dollars® to direct, may do so either on line (www.thrivent.com ) or by phone (800-847-4836). If you plan to direct your Choice Dollars® to First Lutheran, Thrivent recommends searching by zip code (90503) rather than by “First.”

LUTHERAN MARITIME MINISTRY is requesting gifts for seafarers who are served by the chaplains at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Please bring your donations by Sunday, November 21. The International Seafarers Center needs to sort and bag the gifts for distribution. As you know, the ships are on a tight schedule in order to clear the backlog in the ports. You might want to go up on the hill for a view of the congestion.

Gifts that are especially appreciated include body wash, shampoo, shave cream deodorant, combs, socks. See the flyer for other suggestions. Donations should be placed in the containers on the rolling kiosk.

— Mary Stewart, Mission Board Chair

Youth Ministry Youth Ministry Associate: Tyra Dennis

Young Adults & Families e-mail: dennist@flchurch.org

FLCS Youth and Family ministries offer support and care for people in the “first third of life.” Through learn-

ing groups, acfivifies and conversafion, we build safe relafionships of caring. Our goal: helping young people

discover and claim a living, creafive and vital faith, in service to others.

Follow Our Instagram: @flcsglowyouthgroup

Receive weekly Youth updates by texfing in a code below to 213-558-4800 (note new number):

Middle School Parent Code: FLCS MsParent High School Parent Code: FLCS HsParent

Middle School Youth Code: FLCS MsYouth High School Youth Code: FLCS HsYouth

CONF IR MA T ION

6th-8th graders looking to explore their faith can join us in Confirmafion class every Sunday at 9:30am. We meet in a hybrid space: In person on campus in the fireside room and virtually on zoom via

Join Zoom Meefing—hftps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82339045888?pwd=bVZXbGlDMnNWN0phS3h4bnBZTmhvUT09 - Meefing ID: 823 3904 5888 - Passcode: confirmed

PASTOR AND FRIENDS

NOVEMBER 14

ATTENTION ALL MUSICAL AND THEATRICAL YOUTH. If you are interested in showcasing your talent at this years Pastor and Friends event, please let Tyra know. Email her via dennist@flchurch.org or text her via 818-257-2970.

This years event will be held on November 14, 2021 and we are looking forward to having you join in the fun! Please sign up ASAP.

VISIT THE CAMPUS CENTER – Stop by and browse books, Bibles, gifts and

other items, with many more titles and items to follow in the weeks to come. Contact

Campus Center manager Laura Damsky at 310-320-9920 x109.

VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE – Ministry is not the province of the few,

or the calling only of professionals, but the responsibility and calling of all God’s

people. To learn more about current volunteer opportunities, contact the church or school offices.

BAPTISM: WELCOME TO THE WATER! All children and adults are welcome to

full participation in the Christian faith through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. It’s

never too late (or too early) to receive God’s saving grace in the Water of Life!

Call or email Pastor Hurst to learn more [310-320-9920 x112 or by email at

hurstw@flchurch.org], as we “walk wet” in God’s loving promises.

Note: Baptisms may be held at any of our three weekend services.

NEW MEMBERS: Regardless of prior church affiliation (or none), all

are invited to join this caring community for all people. We receive new

members at various times during the year. To learn more, ask an usher

for our welcome brochure, and fill out a pew card to request information.

WORSHIP – THE HEART OF OUR LIFE TOGETHER! At the very center of this Christian community is the call to offer our praise and thanksgivings to Almighty God, and to receive as a grateful and expectant people the amazing and transforming gifts of God in Word and Sacrament. Each weekend we offer the following public services of worship, and we invite all to join us:

+ Saturday 5:30pm: LIVING WATER COMMUNION – Thisintimate service gathers in the side area of the sanctuary, around

the baptismal pool, for word, prayer, fellowship and communion. A

great alternafive worship on a busy weekend!

+ Sunday 8:30am: CLASSIC COMMUNION – This traditional liturgy, accompanied by the magnificent FLCS pipe organ and chancel choir (Sept-June), features best-loved hymns and canticles, with a service that will appeal to people of many different ecumenical worship traditions.

+ Sunday 10:30am: PRAISE COMMUNION – “In His Name” praise band leads this service, with voices, piano, synthesizer, guitars and percussion. Our high quality Sunday School program is held during the service, and children of all ages rejoin us for Communion and final blessing (Sept-May). Caring child care is provided at both Sunday services. Praise Band is always looking for more singers and musicians.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE! SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG! All are invited to join one (or

more!) of the many choirs offered for all ages at First Lutheran Church. Share your gift and love of

music with the congregation by singing, ringing, or playing an instrument for worship. (See the

schedules in the bulletin for a list of the choirs and when they gather). All are welcome! We would

love you to be a part of First Lutheran’s music ministry. For more information, contact Linda Dean,

Director of Music

DON’T FORGET THE 2021-22 FLOWER AND LIGHT CHART! Each week (except for Advent &

Lent) beautiful flowers are placed in the chancel, and the sanctuary light burns 24/7 to reflect God’s

presence in the sanctuary. Please take a moment to reserve Sundays, and support this ministry. The

chart is up in the Narthex and the cost is $50.00 for flowers and $5.00 for the sanctuary light.

WE WELCOME ALL GOD’S CHILDREN! Families as well as individuals are fully welcome here,

as precious partners in the community of Jesus. Baby changing stations are available in both

restrooms. Children’s Bulletins are available at the sanctuary entrances. Our sanctuary and

campus are fully accessible. Hearing assist devices are available from an usher. Large print materials

are available as well. Wheelchairs and walkers are available for those who may need them.

Administration FLCS Administrafive Team

Support ministries for Congregafion and School e-mail: church@flchurch.org

Invitation Outreach Trustee: Nicolefte Breski

Through welcome, caring, and reaching out in faith

Worship Worship & Music Trustee: Laura Darke

through public praise and daily prayer

ALL ARE WELCOME AT FLCS! Please know that all people are welcome and wanted in this ministry community. Among the most ethnically diverse churches in the ELCA, we welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds to full and joyful participation in this ministry community. Whoever you are, and wherever you’ve been—you are welcome!Contact the church office, or speak to Pastor Hurst or any of our leaders for more information on this church and school household of faith.

HONORING OUR FOREBEARS: We acknowledge, with appreciation and thanks, that the Torrance area is the traditional land of the Tongva people, past and present. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the people, and commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of this land, and as neighbors to all its inhabitants. May God grant us grace to honor all our area’s ancestors.

Remembering Pastor Floyd L. Lawson

Note: On November 14, 2020, the Rev. Floyd L. Lawson entered the Church Triumphant, after 64 years of ordained pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church.

In addifion to his decades of leadership across California, Pastor Lawson served this congregafion as its Interim Pastor from 2001 unfil 2004, following the elecfion of Bishop Dean Nelson. He later served FLCS as Visitafion Pastor and as the first Execufive Director of FirstServe Community Services of the South Bay.

This note was wriften by Ms. Alexa Brierley, member of the “First Friends” fellowship group, and Pastor Floyd’s next door neighbor for many years. Alexa writes:

——————————————

This hearffelt tribute is wriften in loving celebrafion of [our] dear neighbor pastor Floyd Lawson, who passed away on Sat, Nov. 14th, 2020, at 6 am at Torrance Memorial Hospital.

This Sunday, Nov. 14th, will mark the 1st anniversary that pastor Lawson has been gone from our lives and we all miss him very much.

He was loved by so many people in his life who came by to visit him and to let him know that he was loved; and he is sfill loved to this day.

I look at his beaufiful garden and I am forever reminded of a special song that Louis Armstrong sang called What A Wonderful World, and I am very grateful to have had that chance to be able to tell him that [we] love him. As the spoken words were said by a familiar actress Carol Burneft, [“I am so glad we had this fime together.”]

He was very instrumental in starfing a program called FirstServe of the South Bay, which we have had for the last 15 years so far, soon going on 16 years in Jan. 2022.

R.I.P., Pastor Lawson, we love you!

From Alexa Brierley,

[Represenfing First Friends.]

Amazon Smile Turning Purchasing into Giving

People by the millions use Amazon’s online retail store for everything from books to batteries, from small to large. What fewer people know is that this company also offers to forward .5% of purchase amounts to nonprofit organizations at the customer’s request.

First Lutheran participates in Amazon Smile, and your Amazon purchases can help advance our mission, and here’s how to sign up to help us:

1. Go to www.smile.amazon.com

2. Sign on to your Amazon account.

3. Search for “First Evangelical Lutheran Church” in Torrance CA.

Note: If you are already logged on to Amazon as a customer, search for “Amazon Smile” and enter the same information as above. It’s that simple.

If you choose, you can also support FirstServe Community Services of the South Bay, our human service partner organization. Just follow the steps above, and search for FirstServe.

Visit us on the Web: flchurch.org

The FLCS web portal is a great way to learn more about this caring community of faith for all people. Our home page has navigafion buftons for all FLCS ministry departments, an easy link for online giving, lisfings of ministry staff and faculty members, informafion on Lutheran theology and history, essays on worship and learning — and much, much more.

Follow us on Facebook

FLCS maintains various sites on Facebook, and this is a great way to follow all the excitement and inspirafion our ministries represent.

@FLCS.Torrance is our main church school site, with videos and informafion on current programs and acfivifies

@flfalcons is our elementary & middle school page

@FirstLutheranEEC is our Early Educafion Center link

@FirstServeSB links to FirstServe Community Services

@pastorbillhurst is Pastor Hurst’s public Facebook page

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH! Preparafions are underway for the

upcoming Youth Gathering, “BOUNDLESS — GOD BEYOND MEASURE.” In

the weeks to come, fund raising and informafional events will be held

here on campus and out in the neighborhood. You can expect to see the

famous FLCS Flamingoes on lawns all over Torrance, as well as other fun

and creafive ways to support our youth as we prepare for an amazing

week of inspirafion in Minneapolis this coming July!