SEEKERS BIBLE STUDY
The best learning takes place in fellowship, in a community of christian brothers and sisters with whom you can talk and question and ponder and debate and open your mind and heart to sacred Scriptures. The Seekers Bible Study groups meets on Thursday mornings at 9:30 in Bertha Stoffel Lounge to do just that. Please check this website, the Weekly Voice and monthly Voice newsletter for on-going study and learning courses.
Janet Melby 895-6468

MONDAY MORNING MEN'S FAITH FORUM
MONDAY MORNING MEN'S FAITH FORUM is the "new name" (formerly MMMBS) as we begin a new year of OPEN FORUM DISUCSSIONS on a variety of lively topics ranging from "thoughtful" Bible Study to "cutting edge" topics of faith, Christianity, ethics, and life in today's world. MMMFF meets weekly at 6:30 - 7:30 AM at the WELCOME CENTER round tables in the Narthex. A continental breakfast is served every week at this ecumenical discussion. Begin your week with MMMFF and bring along an early morning friend! For more information contact MMMFF Facilitators Bob Bendiksen or Pastor Solyst.
Pastor Mark Solyst 784-9335

FAYZE'S BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY
Thursday mornings at 7:00 a.m. at Fayzes (held all year). Get your Thursday off to a great start with a good breakfast and casual Christian fellowship. A discussion of the Bible readings for the coming Sunday.
Mike Buncak 787-6994

W-ELCA BIBLE STUDIES
There is a W-ELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Circle that meets each month (except summer months) for Bible study and fellowship. Meeting times and chair people are as follows:
     Mary - 4th Tuesday 2:00 p.m.
         Sharon Odahl 781-1923

WEDNESDAY EVENING PROGRAMMING
September through May, we offer many opportunities. on Wednesday Evenings including liturgical knitting, youth choir, adult education and support opportunities. We serve a balanced meal each week from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. with a suggested donation of $4/meal.
Check out What's New for the latest educational offerings.

Pre-Baptism
For new or expecting parents and individuals interested in Christian baptism. Please make an appointment to meet with a pastor, email Jennifer Jones or contact her at 784-9335 to set up the appointment.

Adult Confirmation
A more in-depth class than the New Member Orientation (on Reach Out page).

Through the years, we have discovered a significant number of people who are members of our Lutheran churches and who missed the confirmation experience. They do not want to want to attend confirmation with our 7th, 8th and 9th graders, and yet they would like to dig deeper into our Lutheran faith tradition. Many people would simply like to grow spiritually to a deeper level.

Consequently, I am offering a "confirmation class" for adults. This class will meet on Monday nights, starting February 7th, 2011, for the ten weeks prior to Easter. We will study the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism, and respond to participant’s questions. The class will be informal with much opportunity for conversation and interaction. For those who desire to make a public affirmation of their faith, this class will provide the opportunity to participate in the Rite of Confirmation for Adults at the Vigil of Easter on April 23rd.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ; See January 2012 Newsletter
Sunday School for 2 year olds through 6th grade, is held every Sunday morning during the education hour, 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. September - May. All students gather together in our fellowship fall at 9:30 a.m. for music, snacks, and games, then are dismissed to their classes at 9:45 a.m. We have a curriculum and milestone or goal for each grade level:

1. Together in Faith - a milestone based curriculum where each class or grade has a milestone to reach by the end of the school year. View the milestones and goals here. Each class has a chance to participate in worship during our "Milestone Worship Service" at the end of May.
2. Text Books – the Bible is our text book for every grade level. Bibles are provided in the classroom from 3 years -2nd grade. Children received their own Bibles as a gift from the church in 3rd grade. From this point on, the children bring their Bible each week to class.
3. Sunday School newsletter – a newsletter pertaining only to Sunday School is issued every 2 months of the year listing current schedules, upcoming events, and children’s opportunities. View the latest newsletter here.
Contact Niki Pohnl for more information on this program.

FIRST COMMUNION INSTRUCTION
First Communion instruction is held for those in 5th grade and older. Prior to the First Communion date, the 5th grade Sunday School class time is spent discussing Martin Luther's life, talking about Faith Heroes (both Biblical and real life), designing their own keepsake "chalis" they will use to make their First Communion, watching "The Luther Movie", touring the sacristy, and preparing for the sacrament. A First Communion instruction class is held the weekend before First Communion is received. Students receive their First Communion during the Lenten season. See photos.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH
All middle school youth gather on Sunday morning from 9:45-10:30 a.m. in the youth room for fellowship and faith talk. Please contact Pastor Melinda for more information about this program.

CONFIRMATION
Confirmation at English Lutheran is a 3 year program for 7th through 9th graders. The students meet regularly on Wednesday evenings during the school year from 6:15-7:30pm as well as attend retreats. Students are confirmed in the spring of their 9th grade year. See photos!
Schedules:
7th-8th Grade
9th Grade

FAMILY BIBLE SCHOOL
Family Bible School, normally held during the summer at the church, will be held this year at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. See Family Bible Camp below.

ELC EXPLORER DAY AT SUGAR CREEK
August 2nd, 2011 children from our congregation join the Sugar Creek staff for a day to "explore camp". This gives the children from 1st-5th grade a chance to experience and explore camp life with games, nature activities, crafts, swimming, pony rides, Bible study, and singing. It give the children a chance to see what Bible camp is all about. Call the church office to register ($10/child, adults free!) See the pictures from Sugar Creek.

DAY CAMP
Every year we start our summer with Vacation Bible School. In 2011 Day Camp will "Kick-off" on Sunday, June 12th with an ice cream social after the late service. Then camp continues on Monday the 13th through Thursday the 16th. English Lutheran offers a morning Pre-School program for children ages 3-5 and we invite Sugar Creek Bible Camp staff to work with children entering grades 1-6. The week is filled with energy, new songs and a great Bible study curriculum. Day Camp provides a wonderful ministry to children! There are also evening program opportunities for middle school students. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center. See pictures of the Pre-School or Grades 1-6 Day Camps!
2011 Preschool Form
2011 1st - 6th Grade Form
2010 Health Form

FAMILY BIBLE CAMP
During the past few years, English Lutheran Church has sponsored a family Bible school during the summer. This year, we are encouraging families to attend one of the family camps offered at Sugar Creek. This will be a memorable time for your family as you share time together and enjoy fellowship with others. This is a great family outing with time for Bible studies, songs, campfires, games, hikes, horseback riding, swimming, and great food. Please obtain a registration form from the church office or through the Sugar Creek web site.

SUMMER BIBLE CAMP
Please join us. Choose your week and send in a $50.00 deposit to Sugar Creek.Check out the programs on the Sugar Creek web site or contact Niki Pohnl. for program descriptions and dates. Sign up with a friend.

Sugar Creek Link

Church Library
The ELC church library collection of over 2500 titles includes books and media for adults, youth and children. The library is staffed every Sunday morning between services and is open for self checkout any time. A new computer system allows library staff to locate specific items for patrons.

Beginning in October 2010, and once every month through the Sunday School year, a Story Hour will be offered in the church library. Librarians will select an age appropriate (3 years to 3rd grade)story from our church library collection and anyone wanting to participate may come to the library to listen to the story. The title of the story and age level will be posted outside the library door prior to the date of reading.

Anyone interested in working with us in the library may contact Nancy Mills at 788-4346.