Posted 1/18/01
Bells will toll 125 times Sunday, Jan. 21 at First Lutheran Church in Rush City
By MaryHelen Swanson
Ask for whom the bell tolls this coming Sunday and the folks at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City will say for them. And for all those who came before them since 1876 when the church was founded by the early settlers in the area. And for all those who are coming in the future and will be welcomed into their church family.
What you will hear Sunday morning, shortly after 9:15 a.m., is the tolling of the steeple bell 125 times as a kick-off for the churchís 125th anniversary year. The celebration will begin with the church council declaring 2001 a year of celebration and praise.
Then the Sunday School children, joined by the confirmation students, will take turns tugging on the heavy rope 125 times.
Sunday is also the congregationís annual meeting which will follow a potluck dinner at 11:30 a.m.
Thus begins a year-long celebrations that includes a special activity each month.
In February, the choirs will present a concert. In March, the womenís groups will dedicate a quilt made from pieces of clothing from everyone in the congregation. For months, they have been asking members to bring in an article of clothing for this very special project.
The actual anniversary date is April 26, and on that Thursday, the church will be open all day and the day itself will be designated as a ìday of prayer.î
On the following Sunday, April 29, the congregation will celebrate Anniversary Sunday with a message from the bishop, potluck at noon, congregational photo and an evening service and reception.
The anniversary will be celebrated in May as each young person renews his or her baptismal vows as they are confirmed.
In June, there will be a Reunion Sunday with an open house from 8-10 a.m., a processional walk from the church to the high school, and a 10:30 worship service and dinner at the Rush City High School. Former pastors and members will be invited.
The church youth will celebrate the anniversary with a float in the county fair parade in July and everyone will enjoy the Polka Service and Pig Roast on Aug. 26.
The special year will again be noted as Bibles are presented to young people in Sunday School on September 30.
A Fall Festival Dinner will be held Oct. 7 which is also ìInvite a Friend Sunday.î
And on Oct. 28, the Menís Group will participate in Reformation Sunday activities.
The year of celebration will conclude in November when Pastor Laurie OíShea gives thanks and offers a word on looking ahead.
First Lutheran Church has as its mission ìto bring the word of God to people by faithful preaching of the Gospel and administration of the sacraments.î
The congregation today consists of 924 baptized members. There are about 100 Sunday School children and 65 students in confirmation.
These words of welcome are found in a church brochure: ìBuilt on a solid foundation and united in Godís strength for the future, the congregationís members invite you to join our First Lutheran family.î
Their worship schedule is: Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday mornings at 8 and 10:30 a.m. with the education hour at 9:15.
The church is located at 580 West Fifth Street in Rush City, over looking Rush Creek.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).
For more information about the above events, or for information about church services, call 320-358-4076, or e-mail your inquiries to: rcfirst@ecenet.com.