Veteran’s Day falls on a Sunday this year.  So Veterans, we invite you to wear your military uniform on November 11th.  We’d like to recognize and thank you during the worship service. Also, feel free to leave early if you are part of the 11a.m. parade.

Since 1981, the First Lutheran Quilters have made 10,334 quilts! Each year quilts are given to the Christmas Basket, Battered Women’s Shelter, Christian School Auction, 5th grade Camp Auction, Mattawa, Chernobyl, Yakima Salvation Army Family Services and to many other people in need.  Our Annual Quilt Sale will be on Saturday, November 3, starting at 9a to noon. We need your help. Please, tell at least two people about our quilt sale and of course, please buy a quilt!

Next Sunday, October 28th is Confirmation Sunday (also Reformation Sunday). Seven of our young people will be confirmed in the faith. Come hear the faith statements of Taylor Smith, Marcus Michel, Patrick Lease, Maya Swan, Julia Wickerath, Claire Luvera and Rachel Gruber as they affirm their baptisms. Then join them for cake and a reception in their honor after worship.

Change of Address: If anyone is going to be away for the winter please, let the office know so we can either hold your Flare for you or mail it to your temporary address.  Thank you!

Youth(+) Sunday School: Want to know the Bible better? Join us as we develop a greater understanding of one of God’s greatest gifts: that collection of 66 books we call the “Bible.” Using Larry Richards’ Smart Guide to the Bible—and Bibles, of course!—we’ll read stories, talk theology, and share thoughts about this amazing text. And, if you have your own Bible, take it off the shelf or nightstand and bring it to church. Mark it up. Highlight passages. Make notes in the margins. (And if you need a Bible, we’ll help get you one).
Everyone sixth grade and above is invited. We start at 9:00 a.m. and end by 9:45 (so acolytes can be on time). To date, we've made it through the first eight books of the Bible (wow!). Next week, we hit 1&2 Samuel.

Youth Corn Maze Trip: It's time for our annual trip south to the Union Gap Corn Maze (at Schell Farms). We're going on a Sunday afternoon again, leaving FLC at 4:00 p.m. Unlike last year, the corn maze won't be haunted (meaning, no crazy people chasing us with chainsaws), but everything else will be the same. Price of admission is $9.50 and includes a free pumpkin. For more information on the maze, see schellscornmaze.com. The maze closes at 7:00 p.m. A signup sheet is on the gym door at FLC. Also, we'll need a few adults to help out, especially if any can be drivers. Please contact Joe (who can still be reached through the youth email: flcyouth.eburg@gmail.com) if you can go, can help, or have questions.

Parents’ Night Out: It’s time for another Parents’ Night Out. PNO is a chance for families with young children to get out for a few hours. On Friday, November 2, the FLC Youth will host your kids, feed them, and play games through the night. The night lasts from 5:30 to 9:30. No donations or gratuities will be accepted. However, if you have interest in helping out with the event, please be sure to sign up. We need people to cook, supervise, and clean. Parents and volunteers are asked to sign up so that we plan food and supervision accurately. Contact Sarah Smith or Sheila Johnson for more information. (Note to Youth: We also need you to help out. Please sign up on the gym door. Setup begins at 5:00 p.m. and we'll be cleaning up until around 10:00 p.m.)

Faith Action Network (FAN) with Pastor Paul Benz Sunday, Nov. 4^th

On Sunday, Nov 4^th we welcome Paul Benz, an ELCA pastor and co-director of FAN, to preach during our 10 AM worship service and also to lead the adult forum/Sunday School at 8:45.  First Lutheran is considering becoming a member church of Faith Action Network , which was formerly known as Lutheran Public Policy Office. Efforts have been combined with other Christian denominations to advocate in Olympia on issues of hunger and justice.  Faith Action Network is like Bread for the World, but on the state level.  Our FLC outreach ministry is encouraging us to be more active in our faith on issues of hunger and justice.  So this is a good opportunity to learn more and become more effective.  We hope you’ll come hear Pastor Paul Benz during worship on Nov 4^th and also bring your questions and listening ears to the Sunday School hour at 8:45 AM.

Stewardship: Today after worship and the next two Sundays we will be handing out your financial commitment cards. Please prayerfully consider what portion of your household income you will give to God’s work through First Lutheran in 2013. On Sunday, November 18th we will bring our pledges forward to the altar. But if you can’t be present on November 18th, feel free to drop it in the offering basket before then or mail it in. Thank you for your faithful stewardship.