Page 1 July 2015 Newsletter Inside this Issue Pastor’s Reflections From the President Financial Report Daily Lectionary Stewardship Stephen Ministries Vacation Bible School July Announcements Jews For Jesus Congregational Survey The Gerikes Shoes for Kids Calendar Birthdays/ Anniversaries Pastor Redmann’s Reflections My first thoughts for our reflections on 1/2 this past month go to the amazing Vacation Bible School; to our terrific 3 staff and volunteers; to Miss Gloria and her great organizational skills and my 4 heart rejoices in what the LORD has done! 5 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much 6 displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and 7 forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto 8/9 you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took 10/11 them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them (Mark 12/13 10:14-16 KJV). 14 Once a year we have a terrific opportunity to do just that through our Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year was no exception. It was terrific. I noted with curiosity that of our five lessons, three of them came from the Old Testament. I thought that was great. It also bespeaks volumes of what we may learn from a close reading of the Old Testament. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! The Bible stories of the Old Testament are contemporary for today! Who has not heard of the legendary story of David and Goliath? The legend has grown exponentially. Whenever we are up against unrelenting and superior odds we are David preparing to battle Goliath. Grab your slingshots, boys! 3 and [Jesus] said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like 15 children, you will never enter the 4 16 kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the 17 greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18: 3-4 ESV). And the children taught us that the “lesson connection” was that Jesus Gives Me Courage. That would be courage for the living of these days. Courage to face our sadness and sorrow. Courage to challenge our old evil foe and defeat our 18 addiction or our bad habit or our apathy and our silence when what the LORD For the past several years we have dedicated much time, energy, resources, really wants is our faithful confession. prayer, and longing to our Lutheran Child Courage to stand when others around us Development Center. How I long for the are falling and succumbing to cultures’ LORD to grant children in HIS preschool new norms. Courage to fight city hall and persevere in the campaign to build a program. As you see from God’s Holy Cross Monument Prayer Park. Courage to Word, above, it is clear that the LORD face our sickness, our illness, our dying has a very high opinion of all dear children. Of course, it is not that they are with grace and dignity knowing that we are preparing to see our Lord and Savior, “innocent” in and of themselves. We Jesus. know from God’s Word that we are all born sinful and in sin did our mother’s Beloved in the Lord, this message of conceive us (Psalm 51). Nevertheless, salvation is the ONE THING NEEDFUL God desires that we make special effort of which Mary is commended and Martha to bring little children to HIM. is quieted: 41 But the Lord answered Page 2 her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42 ESV). What great joy these little children bring to our campus; to our mission and ministry; to my, personally. So, dear friends in Christ, I am so richly blessed to be on campus each day when 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, I can stroll across the “yellow brick road” to the child 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making development center and greet our teachers and staff my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership and receive a hug from almost all of our children. I in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I can hear our teachers reading Bible stories. I can hear am sure of this, that he who began a good work in the Christian music playing. I can see the artwork you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus posted related to the Bible lesson. Christ (Philippians 1:3-6). I am equally so richly blessed because I am filled with In Christian love and service, contentment that we ARE about the pursuit of the Great Commission. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go Rev. Kenneth Redmann, Pastor Lutheran Church of the Cross therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV). From the Sass Family: This week the Sass family has been blessed with two beautiful twin girls who are healthy. Our daughter Kathryn and husband, James Kirkpatrick, are the blessed parents of Vivian Grace and Olivia Isabella through adoption. The babies were born in Omaha, Neb. on June 10th. There is legal paperwork to be concluded before they leave for Naperville, but will be back in time for their baptism on July 11th. That also happens to be my (Herb’s) birthday! The girls will be baptized at the 5:30pm service at St. John the Divine in Wheaton, IL. God’s Blessings, Herb & Barbara Page 3 WORK AND REST This month and in particular the 4th of July weekend, provides many people with time away from work distractions and gives them a time to reflect on God’s gifts. We at Lutheran Church of the Cross are blessed with people with various gifts. When we put these gifts together, we do amazing things and we get many things done that give us great satisfaction in our lives. We are reminded that God established this pattern of work. He worked for six days and rested on the seventh. We should follow God’s example and accept His gift of rest from our labor by taking time to rest and time to worship. Even though we work throughout the week in our normal pattern of daily life, the work of the church must go on. I want to thank all our volunteers as well as our staff for the great work that you all do at Lutheran Church of the Cross and the Lutheran Child Development Center. I ask all, to take the time to find your true rest in God. Through prayer, meditation, and hearing the Word of God, that you find that rest God wants to give us. BOARD/COMMITTEE FOCUS This month I am focusing on our Board of Elders: They are charged with: 1. Assisting the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the congregation. 2. Consider complaints and grievances of members of the congregation if Matthew 18:1516 has been fully observed and shall report to the Church Council those which cannot be otherwise resolved, in accordance with Matthew 18: 17-18. 3. Make every effort to induce members who have been negligent in their attendance at services, in the use of Scripture, in the use of the Sacraments, and the financial support of the church, to mend their sinful ways and fully enjoy the right and privileges of their membership. 4. Set an example of Christian conduct and life. 5. See to it that all regular services, funeral services, weddings, and any other special services are conducted in such a manner as to avoid needless disturbances and to foster an attitude conducive to worship among those in attendance. 6. Directs the work of the Head Usher. The members of the Board of Elders are: Head Elder: Noel Hyde Assistant Head Elder: John Phillipp Secretary: John Vogel Year round Elders: John Jacobsen, Ron Nottingham, Fred Spier, Mike Barzona, Steve Nelson, David Obermier and Herb Sass. Winter Elders: Ron Ball and Len Rutter Luke 11:28 “He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” David Gruntman President Page 4 2015 5/31/2015 Year to Date 5/31/2014 $7,500 $32,812 $5,293 $20,771 $164,248 $23,844 $10,814 $54,640 $7,753 $39,085 $251,700 $36,890 INCOME Designated Funds Income Memorials, Benevolent Funds, Mortgage Principal General Fund Income Envelopes, Plate, Sunday School, Mortgage payLCDC Income Weekly Fees, Gifts, VPK, Fed. Lunch Program TOTAL INCOME Checking Account Balance as of May 31, 2015 $5,390 EXPENSES $8,260 $58,942 $146 $26,165 $165,261 $25,208 $10,584 $60,185 $11,694 TOTAL EXPENSES $45,009 $284,388 $37,048 LCEF Line of Credit $0 Designated Fund Expenses Memorials, Cross Monument, Benevolent Funds General Fund Expenses Salaries, Utilities, Maintenance, RE Taxes, Supplies LCDC Expenses Salaries, Food, Supplies, Licensure LCEF Mortgage Balance Cross Monument Fund Bal. Scrip Inventory and Cash $614,581 $2,120 $10,685.00 Page 5 DAILY LECTIONARY This outline is a devotional reading plan that covers the entire Sacred Scriptures each year. The selections are based on ancient models and are generally in harmony with the liturgical church year. The average reading is three chapters daily. A seasonal canticle is assigned for each month and is scheduled to replace the psalm on the first and last days of the month. All of the psalms are read twice Month Day Book Chapter Verses Month Day Book Chapter Verses July 1 Joshua 6 6-27 July 22 1 Sam. 5 1-6:3,10-16 Acts 10 18-33 Acts 18 1-11,23-28 1 Sam. 6 19-7:17 Acts 19 1-22 July July July 2 3 4 Joshua 7 1-26 Acts 10 34-48 Joshua 8 1-28 Acts 11 1-18 Joshua 10 1-25 Acts 11 19-30 July 5 Joshua 23 1-16 Acts 12 1-25 July 6 Joshua 24 1-31 Acts 13 1-12 July 7 Judg. 2 6-23 Acts 13 13-41 July 8 Judg. 3 7-31 Acts 13 42-52 July July July July 9 10 11 12 Judg. 4 1-24 Acts 14 1-18 Judg. 6 1-24 Acts 14 19-15:5 Judg. 6 25-40 Acts 15 6-21 Judg. 7 1-23 Gal. 1 1-24 13 1-25 July 13 Judg. Gal. 2 1-21 July 14 Judg. 14 1-20 Gal. 3 1-22 July 15 Judg. 15 1-16:3 Gal. 3 23-4:11 July 16 Judg. 16 4-30 Gal. 4 12-31 1 Sam. 1 1-20 Gal. 5 1-26 1 Sam. 1 21-2:17 Gal. 6 1-18 1 Sam. 2 18-36 Acts 15 22-41 1-21 July July July 17 18 19 July 20 1 Sam. 3 Acts 16 1-22 July 21 1 Sam. 4 1-22 Acts 16 23-40 July July July 23 24 25 1 Sam. 8 1-22 Acts 21 15-36 1 Sam. 9 1-27 Acts 21 37-22:16 July 26 1 Sam. 10 1-27 Acts 22 17-29 July 27 1 Sam. 12 1-25 Acts 22 30-23:11 July 28 1 Sam. 13 1-18 Acts 23 12-35 July 29 1 Sam. 14 47-15:9 Acts 24 1-23 July July August August 30 31 1 2 1 Sam. 15 10-35 Acts 24 24-25:12 1 Sam. 16 1-23 Acts 25 13-27 1 Sam. 17 1-19 Acts 26 1-23 1 Sam. 17 20-47 Acts 26 24-27:8 48-18:9 August 3 1 Sam. 17 Acts 27 9-26 August 4 1 Sam. 18 10-30 Acts 27 27-44 August 5 1 Sam. 19 1-24 Acts 28 1-15 August 6 1 Sam. 20 1-23 Acts 28 16-31 1 Sam. 20 24-42 1 Cor. 1 1-25 1 Sam. 24 1-22 1 Cor. 1 26-2:16 1 Sam. 25 1-22 1 Cor. 3 1-23 25 23-44 August August August 7 8 9 August 10 1 Sam. 1 Cor. 4 1-21 August 11 1 Sam. 26 1-25 1 Cor. 5 1-13 Page 6 The lazy days of summer are here! Whether it is in Florida, where those who don’t have to go out stay in the shade between late morning and late afternoon, or in the more temperate climate in the north, where the full day can be enjoyed outside as there are not enough of them year around, it is a time when most of us relax a bit, dream a bit, and refresh a bit. Unfortunately for the world, the attacks of Satan and his minions don’t ever cease. Satan never takes time off. We Christians are under relentless attack by modern culture and even at times by our own government. To resist those attacks we need to refresh our faith daily, by prayer and being the in Word, and by encouraging each other. Our God never rests, either. Stronger than Satan, He is with us all the time, and is the Strength we can rely upon. Our congregation, and all its ministries, is one of resources we rely upon to help us in our daily lives. More than just a Sunday worship service, LCC acts in dozens of ways to help us in all we do. Whether it is our LCDC and its sharing the gospel with the littlest among us, our Stephen Ministers, elders, and pastor in their home and hospital visits, our support of district and synod mission efforts, or our witness by our cross and prayer park, all during this quiet summer of our lives we steward our most precious gift—the saving message of salvation through Christ alone. We utilize our time, talent, and treasure to testify to God’s love for us, and His strong support for us in all our trials. Please don’t forget that our work goes on all through the summer, albeit with lower attendance both from our associate members and from our local members who also travel and visit during these months. Your weekly support is critical, necessary, and is a portion of the service we owe to God, as in Him we live, move, have our being, and yes, even relax and refresh, due to His blessings to us. We are under budget in our expenses for this year, but we are also lagging budget in contributions, and will begin to access our line of credit heavily after a nearly two month period when we did not draw on it. As you contemplate all the good things the Lord has brought to you, don’t forget that the needs of our church continue, daily and weekly. God’s blessings upon your summer! Page 7 By Joyce Spier & David Gruntman, Stephen Leaders The Quality of Age “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide . . . John 15:16 (ESV) Nearly a century ago, Zinfandel grapes were planted in California. Today the trunks of these grape vines are gnarled and their branches produce less fruit. The high quality of the grapes, however, still remains the same. As we get older our bodies can get gnarled and minds sometimes struggle to remember. But our steadfast faith in God together with years of life experiences make each of us uniquely capable of still being of service to God. Moses was 80, Aaren was 83 and Miriam was 85 years of age when God had them lead his people from Egypt to the Promised Land. God has a plan for each one of us, whatever our age or health, to serve him every day of our life. As Stephen Ministers we have seen how God uses each of us - our time, our individual life experiences and our training. According to His plan, He selects the right Stephen Minister at just the right time to reach out in Christian love to people who need a friend who will listen, care, pray, support and encourage them. If you would like the support of a Stephen Minister, please contact one of your Stephen Leaders: Joyce Spier at 941-627-0541 or David Gruntman at 410-303-0044. The Stephen Series logo symbolizes that we all are broken people and that it is through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole. Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 PLEASE THANK ART GROEN AND WELCOME SEAN BRYAN As you are all aware, the Lord, in His infinite mercy and grace, has called Mike Rogers to be with Him in heaven. Art Groen has graciously stepped in to fulfill the custodial needs of the congregation in these past several weeks. Art has found it necessary, at this time, to tender his resignation effective July 4th. This was not an easy decision for Art and he cited health considerations as his primary need to retire. When you see Art, please thank him for his great service to our Lord and to our church. In consultation with Gerry Hougan, Head Trustee, Sean Bryan was asked to be our interim custodian. Gerry Hougan and David Gruntman will assemble the details of the job and write a revised job description. It is more involved than it may seem at first glance as Mike was engaged in almost every aspect of the campus plant facility PLUS all his voluntary work as a dedicated churchman. Therefore, we will strive to separate the volunteerism from the compensated duties. We will seek to recreate all the job duties including but not limited to, scheduling regular maintenance work (fire extinguishers, kitchen grease pit, A/C units, mowing, etc.). Many things Gerry and the Board of Trustees are caring for but Mike was frequently called upon to open the doors, etc. Ordering supplies and equipment; opening doors for visiting groups; trouble shooting the numerous upkeep issues on and around the campus. We THINK the final position will require 20-25 hours per week. Sean has accepted the position. The plan is for Sean to work with Art until the fourth. Gerry and David are developing the new job description and job expectations. When you see Sean please welcome him aboard! It has been remarkable how the LORD provides in yet another important way. Thanks, Pastor Redmann UPDATE FOR YOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY: David Obermier’s business contact information has changed. Please update your business directory with the following information: David W. Obermier, Community Liaison; Licensed Pre-arrangement Specialist Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery, Crematory: 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33950: Phone: 941-639-1171 Fax: 941-637-1795 Page 11 Got SCRIP ? It is always convenient to buy grocery, pharmacy or Wal-Mart SCRIP because we all frequent these stores. Thanks for using SCRIP for volume shopping. However, the BIG percentage SCRIP cards are the restaurants. Following are businesses that pay well and we currently have their cards in stock. Applebee’s 8%, Olive Garden 9%, Outback 8%, Longhorn 9%, Ruby Tuesday 8%, Chili’s 11%, Sweet Tomatoes, 8% and Cracker Barrel 9%. A mix of volume SCRIP and high paying SCRIP makes for good profit. Thanks again for your patronage. LCC CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Picture this: You know there is a church council meeting going on at church. You know Pastor mentioned it during Sunday’s service. A week later you find yourself asking: What was the time? Was it a Thursday, Tuesday? Did it get cancelled or was it changed? WHO KNOWS? So you run to your trusty newsletter calendar and you can’t find this meeting anywhere! Why..? Why is this very important meeting not listed on the calendar? Allow me to explain: Each month this calendar is printed at the end of the proceeding month. Any changes that occur after it is printed are not reflected here. SOOOOO how am I to know of any changes or additions that occur? You ask. Simple! Log on to www.lccross.org and click the link on the left for Church Calendar. We are now up and running with a real time virtual calendar. So any events, meetings or dates that are important to know will be posted in real time! You will never have to find yourself sitting in an empty church parking lot thinking “Where is everybody? Am I early?” only to find the meeting was cancelled! With this real time information we also ask that anyone who has a meeting, event or note for the calendar, please be sure you are submitting it to the church secretary. Our real time calendar is only as good as the information being provided. In an effort to keep our church family informed and up to date it is important to submit calendar events to the secretary as soon as you are able. Calendar submissions can be given several ways: by calling the office (941) 627-6060, via fax to (941) 627-5467 or via email at [email protected]. Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 WE NEED YOUR INPUT! During our Vision Weekend, it was mentioned that communication within our congregation could improve. The Board of Christian Education has been given the task of addressing this issue. We need your help please. A short questionnaire is available in the Narthex. It will also be in the newsletter. Please take the time to fill it out and leave your answers in the box labeled questionnaires. Thank you for your cooperation! Nikki Chouinard Cut along the dotted line to submit this questionnaire. QUESTIONNAIRE REGARDING COMMUNICATION WITHIN OUR CHURCH 1. Do you access the internet? Yes_______ 2. How do you read the newsletter? Hard Copy_______ Internet_______ 3. Do you read the worship folder? No_______ 4. Do you have any recommendations as to how we can increase communication in our church? Yes_______ No _______ Page 15 Page 16 KKI I N T AC CONT RD WITH INA CHOU TIONS QUES 691 9 6 8 941-2 The final date to drop off your New Shoe donations to LCC will be Sunday, July 19th! Page 17 Page 18 Lutheran Church of the Cross & Lutheran Child Development Center 2300 Luther Rd. Port Charlotte, FL 33983 (941) 627-6060: Church Office (941) 627-5821 LCDC Fax: (941) 627-5467 http://www.lccross.org http://www.lutheranchilddevelopmentcenter.org July 21 July 1 July 2 July 3 July 4 July 5 July 6 July 7 July 9 July 11 July 12 July 13 July 16 July 18 July 19 Lavonne Sandersfeld+ Eloisa Campos Morais Jessica Douglas Donald Drinkwater Cheryl Fullington Lisa Stewart Joyce Darcy+ Raymond Renusch Roy Schanne+ Danielle Bryan Ken Dunlap Karen Kieling Louise Schildhauer+ Gage Strelau Pat Gilreath Joy Hougan Vicki Thorpe Rozanne Phillipp Herbert Sass Katherine Allen Linda Smith Michael Brown Jeanette Christies Gloria Brown Noah Bryan Virginia Marten Krista Wrightsman July 22 July 23 July 25 July 27 July 28 July 30 July 31 Donna Dougherty Bob Johnson Karen Devan+ Richard Douglas Chenoa Lingard Mckenzie Redmon Jacob Bailey Gary Brown Edward Westcott Jacob Bracke Julaine Wilcox Aiden Junius Richard Krumrei “+” = Associate Member “” = Baptized Member July 3 July 16 July 22 July 24 July 29 July 30 Charlie & Marilyn Budde Patrick & Caitlyn Junius Howard & Anita Meissner+ Richard & Jessica Douglas Dick & Shirley+ Glover John & Joyce Leppek Steve & Lori Nelson
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