Women of Influence (WOI) is largely an internal ministry to women in and around First Lutheran Burbank. Our name was derived from a book by Carol Kent called Becoming a Woman of Influence which speaks to the way women can use their faith in their lives to help others. We gather about 4-5 times a year, culminating in a weekend event in the fall. In 2007, we are joining together to attend the Women of Faith Conference in Anaheim on Sept. 7-8. We also combine with the LWML on various ministries, such as the Altar Committee and annual spring cleaning at the church. We try to encourage and uplift our fellow members with greeting cards when they are ill or when they are celebrating a special occasion. The group also organizes the Women’s Bible Study (see Bible Studies page).

At 10:00 AM our church gathers together in the study of God’s word. We have classes for toddlers, elementary age kids, middle-school and High school students, and adults. Various members of our congregation are involved in teaching and mentoring the various generations of students. Occasionally we do offer new member classes for those who are interested in learning more about Christianity from Lutheran perspective. For more information please contact our church office.

Confirmation is the ancient rite of catechetical instruction, which is designed to teach students the whats, ifs, whos, and wheres of the Christian faith. Confirmation is a two-year program that begins in sixth grade and finishes up at the end of a student’s seventh grade year. The main teaching tool used is “Luther’s Small Catechism”, which looks at The Ten Commandments, The Apostles’ Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, Confession and Absolution, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. The small catechism is a tool designed by the reformer, Martin Luther, to help pastors and parents to teach the faith. It does not replace the Bible; rather the catechism is a “tool” to help us focus on God’s Word. Completion of the confirmation program allows the baptized student to become a communicant member of the church. For more information on dates and times for confirmation please contact our church office.

Our Jr. High Youth are composed of those who are in sixth through eighth grade. Our students meet the second Sunday of the month from 3-5 PM in our Youth House. Guests are always welcome to come. A person does not have to be a member in order to participate in our various activities. Our time together usually includes food, fun, and fellowship opportunities.

Our High School youth meet in our Youth House every first and third Sunday of the month from 5-8 PM. Our monthly time together focuses on playing creative games and discussion of God’s Word. Twice-a-year the group goes away on some type of retreat. During the winter we take a trip up to the mountains and during the summer time we engage in some-type of servant event opportunity. Friends and visitors are always welcome.

POPs is for parents, grandparents, or anyone who is in the care of a child(ren) not yet in Kindergarten. We meet the first Wednesday of every month (excluding July-Sept.) from 9-11 AM on the playground and in the fellowship hall for crafts, games, stories, songs and fun social interaction with other children and adults. For more information or questions contact Jennie Marshall (818) 243-8139 or e-mail her at sarshmellow@sbcglobal.net
Jennie was an elementary teacher for 12 years before staying home with her two daughters.

LWML is the officially recognized womens organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and is international. Locally, meetings are heald quarterly. Monetary gifts accumulated are sent to U.S. and world-wide needy mission causes.

With headquarters in Yucaipa, First Lutheran is part of a Christian Braille Printing program. We are Work Center #18, out of over 200 centers across the nation. Braille volumes are printed and mailed once a mnth to the blind in the U.S. as well as all over the world. All mail is mailed free to the recipients.